14 Golden Retriever Mixes That Might Be Even Cuter Than the Original

The golden retriever is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States, inevitably leading to various hybrid breeds and countless combinations of possible characteristics. However, it’s important to note that each dog is unique, and mixed breeds may have even more variability in their appearance and temperament.

Learn about 14 golden retriever mixes to find out which is the perfect match for you.

Breed Characteristics

“Golden retrievers are known for their gentle temperaments, joyful and boisterous playfulness, loyalty, trustworthiness, and affection,” says Liza Cahn, DVM, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. “These lovable goofballs are highly intelligent and easy to train, and their natural friendliness and outgoing personalities make them excellent family pets.”

Before bringing a golden retriever mix home, she says prospective pet parents can hope to see many of the same characteristics that make goldens such a popular family pet. But ultimately, it’s always best to do thorough research on both parent breeds’ temperament and care to determine whether they’re a good fit based on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a canine companion.

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Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle Mix)

One of the most instantly recognizable hybrid breeds is none other than the goldendoodle. A cross between two of the most beloved dog breeds, the golden retriever and poodle, prepare for a lot of fun with these playful and active dogs.

Also called the groodle, goldie poo, or curly golden, the goldendoodle loves spending time with their family and will be thrilled with any opportunity to keep their naturally busy minds and bodies to work, such as obedience training, brisk walks, swimming, dog sports, brain games, and playing fetch. Plus, if you’re looking for a golden retriever mix whose coat won’t make you sniffle or sneeze, the goldendoodle is a suitable option for people with allergies.

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Australian Retriever (Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd Mix)

Because both golden retrievers and Australian shepherds love nothing more than to be with their family, you can likely expect your Australian retriever to want to do anything and everything with you.

Both parent breeds are extremely smart, active, and eager to please. To prevent boredom in this brainy golden mix, be prepared to spend plenty of time exercising outdoors, training, and showering your dog in attention and affection.

Due to the Australian shepherd’s history as herders, the Australian retriever should be trained early on to keep them from trying to herd small children and pets in the household.

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Golden Corgi (Golden Retriever and Corgi Mix)

Although we can’t say for certain what traits a golden corgi will have, it’s quite possible that they’ll look like they’re always smiling thanks to their parent breeds’ natural features and expressions. Nonetheless, you’re in for a sweet, loving, and intelligent dog who’s great with children, seniors, and other pets.

Considering a golden corgi will have instincts to retrieve and herd, it’s best to keep them active and engaged with moderate exercise, activities like agility training and fetch, training sessions, and brain games. Depending on which parent they take after, your golden corgi could look like a pint-sized golden retriever with the corgi’s iconic short legs.

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Basset Retriever (Basset Hound and Golden Retriever Mix)

With both the basset hound and golden retriever’s ever-so warm and gentle nature, it’s no surprise that the basset retriever can make a wonderful addition to just about any household. They cherish their family—people and pets alike. A basset retriever will wag their tail at the chance to go sniffing on a long walk, play with snuffle mats, and any activity to put their nose to work. A basset retriever could have a golden or multicolored coat that appears sleek or feathered and maybe even rock those distinct long, droopy ears!

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Golden Newfie (Golden Retriever and Newfoundland Mix)

Say hello to your furry aquatic enthusiast! Both golden retrievers and Newfoundlands are built to be strong swimmers with their webbed feet, thick double coats, and inherently hardworking nature.

Patient, easygoing, and loyal, golden newfies are big, friendly giants who are happy to play fetch, go for a hike, or learn something new with a training session but are especially keen on cuddling with their person on the couch at any given time. Just make sure you have a bandana and brush nearby since they could very well drool and shed—a lot!

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Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Mix)

The golden shepherd is a powerful hybrid breed, combining the golden retriever’s kind, playful nature with the German shepherd’s devotion to their family and work. Golden shepherds are intelligent, courageous, and versatile. They can be trained to take on a number of jobs, whether that's as a service dog, therapy dog, or search and rescue dog. Golden shepherds thrive with lots of physical activity and mental stimulation and enjoy a variety of exercises and activities, such as herding, playing hide-and-seek, or agility sports.

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Coltriever (Golden Retriever and Border Collie Mix)

Highly intelligent, entertaining, and happy-go-lucky, the coltriever is the perfect pup for active singles and families. With border collie and golden retriever parents, this hybrid breed loves being around their people, learning new tricks, and excelling in just about any and every dog sport you could think of. Since their border collie parent has an instinct to herd, it’s best to begin training them early on to prevent them from attempting to herd small children or other pets in the household.

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Golden Cocker Retriever (Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel Mix)

If you’ve ever wanted a mini golden retriever, the golden cocker retriever is the golden retriever mix for you! While there’s no saying which exact genes they’ll take from their parent breeds, they’ll likely be much smaller compared to a purebred golden due to the cocker spaniel’s compact size.

Patient, gentle, and lively, golden cocker retrievers make amazing family dogs and are good with children. Watch their eyes light up and tail wag when you mention going for a w-a-l-k, bring out their food puzzle toys, or fill up the kiddie pool for a swim!

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Goldador (Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever Mix)

Affectionate, fun-loving, and outgoing, it may come as no surprise that the goldador is one of the most popular golden retriever mixes. With golden retriever and Labrador retriever parents, these dogs are bound to be amazing family dogs who’ll always be up for a hike, swim, or game of hide-and-seek.

Additionally, you can expect them to shed—a lot! Be prepared to have a handy dandy slicker brush (and a lint-roller, too) to keep the shedding to a minimum.

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Golden Boxer (Golden Retriever and Boxer Mix)

Be prepared for lots of love and laughs with the golden boxer. These sweet, silly dogs are excellent additions to families. Both goldens and boxers take longer to reach full maturity compared to other dogs, so it’s important to train and socialize your golden boxer early on and consistently for a well-mannered dog.

Though genetics can vary, you can expect your golden boxer to likely have expressive, dark brown eyes and floppy ears.

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Goberian (Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky Mix)

Consider yourself to be active? If so, you may just meet your match with the goberian! With the golden retriever’s affinity for learning paired with the Siberian husky’s wanderlust, the goberian is bound to keep you on your feet, from playing games of tug-of-war and hide-and-seek to trips to the dog park and going on walks or runs. These dogs are loyal and love their pack, both people and pets. Anything you want to do, the goberian is up for it, too. They’ll need lots of mental stimulation to keep themselves preoccupied.

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Golden Setter (Golden Retriever and Irish Setter Mix)

With golden retriever and Irish setter parents, there’s a good chance your golden setter will have a stunning golden-red coat that’ll turn heads. These pups have a strong work ethic and are highly energetic, making activities like long walks, runs, flyball, and tracking perfect for their physical and mental stimulation needs.

Golden setters are high-spirited and big-hearted extroverts who are good with children. Although, they should be trained and socialized early on to ensure they interact appropriately with other pets, like cats or birds due to their high prey drive.

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Golden Pyrenees (Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees Mix)

The golden Pyrenees is a gentle giant with a big heart and a whole lot of love to give. They’re natural protectors with an unwavering loyalty to their family. They require moderate daily exercise, making walks or runs ideal in cool temperatures due to the Great Pyrenees’ incredibly thick coat, as well as brain games for mental stimulation. But above all else, golden Pyrenees cherish moments spent around their people and other furry friends.

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Golden Mountain Dog (Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog Mix)

Looking for an adventure buddy? Meet the golden mountain dog! A cross between the golden retriever and Bernese mountain dog, these large dogs are good-natured, enthusiastic, and playful, making them a fantastic fit for families.

When exercising or exploring outdoors, it should be in cool weather since their thick, heavy coats make them prone to overheating. Just as much as they revel in playing with their furry friends at the dog park or taking a dip in the water, they also enjoy spending time indoors playing and being around their people.