Rat Terrier vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Rat Terrier
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

8 - 25
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
10 - 13
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
12 - 18 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Terrier
Breed Group
Sporting
United States
Origin
Scotland
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

2/5
Energy Level
4/5
Better
3/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
4/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$1,746
Rat Terrier
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Rat Terrier
Expense
Golden Retriever
$1,746
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$2,466
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$26,910
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$336
Lower ✓
Food (annual)
$780
$515
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$210
Lower ✓
Grooming (annual)
$440
$660
Lower ✓
Insurance (annual)
$864
$55
Lower ✓
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Rat Terrier (~15 yrs) costs approximately $5,094 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Rat Terrier

Affectionate, Lively, Alert, Intelligent, Loving, Gentle, Loyal, Adaptable, Curious, Friendly, Dignified, Funny, Smart, Athletic, Brave

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch