Golden Retriever VS Yorkshire Terrier: 19 Differences

Golden retrievers are medium-sized sporting dogs, while Yorkshire terriers are tiny companion dogs. However, there are many more factors to consider when choosing a dog breed than its appearance.

Goldens are affectionate, friendly, and goofy. They are essentially puppies in an adult dog’s body. In contrast, Yorkies are bossy alpha dogs, despite their cute look.

Both breeds make excellent companions but have different temperaments, applications, and needs. Consider your lifestyle and personality to make a decision you won’t regret.

Size & Weight

Size is the most apparent difference between a golden retriever and a Yorkshire terrier. Golden retrievers are medium to large dogs. Males are 22-24 inches tall and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females are 21-22.5 inches tall and weigh 55-65 pounds.

Yorkshire terriers are pocket-sized dogs ranging from five to seven inches in height and weighing two to seven pounds. Mobility is undoubtedly a factor to consider when choosing a dog.

On the one hand, large dogs are more capable of doing service work and guarding property. On the other hand, small dogs are so much easier to travel with.

Shedding

Golden retrievers are heavy shedders. They have a double coat with a long overcoat and fluffy undercoat. Twice a year, goldens change their undercoat in a matter of weeks as they adapt to the climate.

The worst thing about golden retrievers shedding is that their hair is long and light, so it’s very noticeable on surfaces. Yorkshire terriers shed year-round, but it’s barely noticeable.

Although they have long hair, dead hairs usually get stuck in the coat instead of falling on the floor. Yorkies don’t have a double coat and therefore don’t have seasonal shedding phases.

Personality

Another crucial point to consider when choosing between a golden retriever vs. a Yorkie is temperament. Goldens are extraverted, curious, confident dogs that are quick to make friends and love to explore new environments.

They are a bit goofy yet brilliant and obedient. These exuberant dogs won’t hurt a fly but will always protect their owners.

Yorkshire terriers are large dogs in a small dog’s body. They appear cute and dainty but can be bossy and tenacious. However, they love cuddling with owners and are always up for play. These small dogs are independent and courageous.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers may be strong and exuberant, but they are gentle, affectionate, and caring with kids. They may unintentionally knock over a baby but make perfect playmates for older kids.

Yorkshire terriers aren’t the best dogs for families with kids. This may seem strange because Yorkies are so tiny, but they have big personalities and demand all the owner’s attention. Yorkshire terriers can easily get jealous or frustrated by the noise.

Furthermore, a child can easily injure a Yorkshire terrier, so these dogs should only live with kids old enough to realize their actions.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers don’t care with whom to make friends – they love everyone, including people, dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. They will never begin a confrontation with another pet first but may be jealous of the owner’s attention.

Goldens get along the best with equally energetic pets that won’t get frustrated by their exuberant nature.

Yorkshire terriers can live with other pets, but they have a nervous disposition and may show signs of aggression if they feel threatened.

The good news is that a Yorkie is unlikely to hurt another animal unless it’s a tiny hamster or rat.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers are among the least barky dogs. They were bred to retrieve waterfowl and learned not to bark unless necessary – otherwise, they would make terrible hunting companions.

Yorkshire terrier is a pretty vocal breed. These dogs will bark at everything – a squirrel in the park, another dog, their favorite treat, toy, or when the owner returns from work.

Owners should discipline their Yorkies to keep barking at bay from an early age, or it may turn into a persistent and annoying habit.

Intelligence & Trainability

Golden retrievers are crazy smart – like, top-five smart. They excel in memory, obedience, communication, and problem-solving. According to research, they need only five repetitions to memorize and command and have a 95% obedience rate.

Yorkshire terrier’s intelligence rank is 34th, so they are above-average smart. Yorkies are quick to memorize commands, can make decisions independently, and understand human emotions. However, these small dogs can be stubborn and refuse to obey commands.

Still, getting in the top 40 among 138 breeds is an achievement. Yorkie intelligence is comparable to Dalmatians, Samoyeds, and Newfoundlands.

Common Behavior Problems

The most widespread golden retriever behavior problem is separation anxiety. These dogs are very attached to their owners and may chew on things, dig, and be restless when left alone.

Many goldens pull on the leash and jump on people. These habits should be discouraged from an early age. However, golden retrievers that are getting enough exercise and are appropriately socialized typically don’t cause owners problems.

Yorkshire terriers can be overly vocal and aggressive towards strangers or other dogs. These problems can be resolved with training and socialization. Many Yorkies are too independent, so they should know who’s the leader of the house.

Exercise Needs

Golden retrievers are hunting dogs with massive energy levels and high stamina, so they need at least an hour of walking daily to stay healthy and happy.

Yorkshire terrier exercise needs aren’t as high. They will suffice with approximately half an hour of moderate physical activity daily, but they aren’t “couch potatoes” either.

Grooming Needs

Defining a winner in golden retriever vs. Yorkshire terrier grooming is complicated. Goldens need more frequent grooming, but it’s easier and can be done at home.

Golden retriever coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangling and mats and evenly distribute skin oils. Bathing is necessary approximately once in four weeks, but the frequency may vary based on the dog’s lifestyle.

Yorkshire terriers don’t have fur – they have hair. Like human hair, their hair keeps growing and needs regular cuts.

Yorkshire terrier haircut options are numerous, but all of them require experience. Yorkies need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed bi-weekly.

Lifespan

Golden retriever life expectancy is only 10-12 years, while Yorkshire terriers live for 13-16 years on average.

Health Issues

Golden retrievers are prone to hypothyroidism, epilepsy, obesity, cancer, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, skin conditions, and phobias.

Yorkshire terriers often suffer from hypoglycemia, periodontal disease, Legg-Perthes disease, retinal dysplasia, collapsed trachea, liver shunt, pancreatitis, and luxating patella.

Price

Golden retriever puppy price ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. The breed lies in an above-average price range because of its popularity. Yorkshire terriers cost $1,200-$2,500 on average.

Show-quality puppies may cost double the amount, and some breeders sell puppies for under $800. Rescue goldens and Yorkies may be available for $500 or less.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

Golden retrievers make perfect dogs for first-time owners despite their high exercise and grooming needs. Even a child can train a golden, and these dogs rarely have behavioral problems.

One may think that getting a Yorkshire terrier for a first-time owner is foolproof. What could go wrong? However, these dogs require discipline and dedication in training. Otherwise, they are a good start for those wanting a lap dog.

Suitability for Apartments

Golden retrievers can thrive in an apartment setting but need enough exercise to prevent destructive behavior. Yorkshire terriers do much better as apartment dogs, not solely because of their size but because they aren’t as active.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Golden retrievers are one of the best service dog breeds because of their sociable, obedient, loving nature.

They don’t pose a threat to strangers and are easy to train. Furthermore, they are physically capable of assisting people with mobility issues.

Yorkies have a limited physical capacity but otherwise make great service dogs. They can fetch the TV remote, use a dog-friendly phone, or alert a deaf owner of a doorbell or crying baby.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers may be large and strong, but they are poor guard dogs. Goldens are way too friendly and gullible, so they are unlikely to sense danger and alert the owner timely.

Yorkshire terriers would make better guard dogs than goldens if not for their size. Still, they can alert the owner of an intruder as soon as they step on the Yorkie’s territory.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Golden retrievers are commonly used to track and retrieve waterfowl and small animals. They are natural-born hunters with excellent work ethics.

Yorkshire terriers were historically used to kill rodents and are great for hunting small animals.

Rarity

Neither golden retrievers nor Yorkshire terriers can be called rare.

Both breeds are in the top ten of the most popular dogs in the U.S. However, red golden retrievers and merle, black and silver, or liver and tan Yorkies may be challenging to find.

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