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
Trainability
5/5
Better
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, Brave

Golden Retriever

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