Do Golden Retrievers Need a Playmate? 6 Breeds That Play Well with Goldens

You know how your golden retriever can look a little sad after giving you their toy to play with them but you say no but then you find them playing alone with their toy and looks like they are having fun.

Well, your dog can indeed have fun on their own but like everyone else, they will prefer some company whether it’s you or another dog.

So, do golden retrievers need a playmate? Golden retrievers need a playmate, golden retrievers are social animals and they love spending time energetically playing with other dogs. Goldens also get along well with most other dogs and quickly get along with playmates. Playmates can also reduce your dog’s anxiety and stress.

If you are wondering about a good playmate for your golden retriever and of course you are, so in this article, I’ll cover all your questions.

Do Golden Retrievers Need a Playmate?

It’s no secret that golden retrievers are a social and friendly breed, they are nice to everyone they meet to the point that walking around with them can be a little too much sometimes but that’s why they are such a delight.

However, sometimes that energy needs a match such as a playmate or a companion because even though the playtime you share with your golden is such a blast, you can’t always meet their needs to play.

Some goldens require constant attention and you can’t give to them all the time, so a playmate will indeed help, you won’t even realize how much you are missing till you give your golden to a playmate.

How to introduce your golden retriever to a playmate

First of all, the most important thing before you introduce your golden to his playmate is being socialized.

Here are some life-changing tips to help you introduce your golden retriever to a playmate.

Before I start you need to make sure to ask about how the playmate is with other dogs before introducing them.

The place where they will meet is really important, make sure to choose a neutral place for both dogs such as a local park or a Petsmart.
Use positive reinforcement and don’t hesitate to bring their favorite treats to speed up the process.
The most important tip of all is don’t force your dog to interact with the other dog and let them approach them when they feel like it.
During the first introduction, be aware of their body language, watch them closely, and if you notice any signs of aggression such as growling, showing their teeth, or staring, you should separate the two dogs.
Make sure that you don’t bring toys when you are introducing them because no 1; they may fight over them and no 2; we want them to focus on each other.
Finally, don’t rush the process and let it take its natural route.

You can find my more comprehensive guide to introducing golden retrievers in my post on adding a second golden retriever to the family here. It’s a step-by-step process that was tested time and time again and it has never failed me.

Beware of the difference between rough play and dog aggression

There’s a big difference between rough play and dog aggression and before you introduce your pup to his playmate, you need to understand the difference in order to stop the interaction as soon as you notice signs of aggression.

It’s normal for dogs to fight and it doesn’t mean aggression most of the time and it’s kinda like playful wrestling and biting.

However, rough play can turn into an actual fight so you have to be careful and watch for any stress signals. If you noticed one of the following signs, it’s more than just rough play.

Snarling
Stiffness
Freezing
Growling
Direct stare

If you noticed the following signs then they are just playing and having fun.

Extra bouncy movements
Slapping their front legs down on the ground over and over.
Playing with a big open mouth
Loud play-growling (it’s going to sound way friendlier than an aggressive growling)
They may fall down and expose their belly but it’s only an act to be caught off guard so they can chase each other.

It’s important to keep an eye on them while playing because things can escalate quickly.

You can also check my guide to golden retriever aggression here.

6 Dog breeds that play well with golden retrievers

All dog breeds are charming and have great qualities but just like anything in life you should know what dog breeds have the same energy as your golden and a similar personality.

So here’s a list of the dog breeds that play well with golden retrievers.

Poodles
Beagles
Pugs
Collies
Boston terrier
Golden retriever

Poodles

This energetic breed, intelligent, and super fun breed will bond perfectly with your golden retriever.

However, poodles can be a little shy at first but as soon as they get comfortable around your pup, they will become friends with them immediately.

Poodles are great with other animals just like golden retrievers so bonding with each other will be a piece of cake due to their similar traits.

Beagles

Beagles are ideal playmates for golden retrievers, they are even-tempered just like the goldens, they are incredibly friendly and can get along easily with any other dog.

They have a happy puppy nature and for this reason, specifically, they are going to make great companions for goldens.

Beagles’ personalities are pretty close to goldens’ personalities and that’s why they always enjoy each other’s company.

Pugs

Pugs are perfect as companions for both humans and other animals because they were originally bred to be companions.

Pugs are surprisingly the perfect match for golden retrievers, however, pugs need to be socialized before introducing them to your golden.

They are extremely friendly and love playing, so being friends with a Golden for them is the dream.

Collies

Collies are super energetic and can easily match your golden retriever’s energy or they can even make them more active, they are intelligent and have many traits and behaviors in common with goldens.

The friendships of collies and goldens are honestly one of the things that’s too adorable for this world and we simply do not deserve them.

Boston terrier

Boston terriers are very affectionate and gentle and can get along with golden retrievers pretty well, and both of the dogs are even-tempered and great family dogs and have so much in common which is why they can be ideal companions.

Golden retrievers

I mean who can match a golden retriever’s energy better than another golden retriever.

Golden retrievers love each other’s company and playing with another golden will be easier because they have the exact same temperament. It can make a difference whether the other dog you get is from the same sex or not, though.

That’s why I have made two guides about this, as I have experienced all possible combinations. You can start by learning the difference between male vs female goldens here, then check out my posts on having 2 male goldens here and living with 2 female goldens here.

Do golden retrievers and Labradors get along?

Yes, golden retrievers and Labradors get along because they have so many similarities such as their friendliness, outgoing personalities, quick learners, and they are both energetic breeds that don’t mind playing all day long.

Do golden retrievers and beagles get along?

Yes, golden retrievers and beagles get along because both breeds are loving and friendly and will get along with any other dog, both dogs have an easy-going attitude and social temperament, they will definitely love each other’s company and can match their same energy easily.

You can check my guide on how to help your golden retriever get along with smaller dogs here.

Do golden retrievers and corgis get along?

If there’s a breed that is incredibly friendly with everyone or even close to the golden it’s the corgis, they are playful and fun with everybody and can be great playmates with goldens, however, corgis tend to be barkers unlike goldens but that usually doesn’t affect their friendship.

Do golden retrievers and dachshunds get along?

Yes, golden retrievers and dachshunds get along just fine, both dogs are unproblematic and snuggly breeds and will love spending time together, however, dachshunds can be a little snappy so you need to make sure to train them or just watch their playtime.

You can check my post on how to help your golden retriever get along with smaller animals in general here.

Do golden retrievers and huskies get along?

Yes, golden retrievers and huskies get along pretty well and make great friends, however, when goldens become friends with huskies, they can get more stubborn or they can make the husky more obedient, overall, they can match each other’s energy.

Do golden retrievers and chihuahuas get along?

No, Golden retrievers and chihuahuas are not the best companions, they have totally different personalities and there is a great chance that they will not get along well, chihuahuas can have tempers and behaviors that will not go well with the outgoing and friendly golden personality.

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