@eatsomegrub I have an Australian shepherd and do sports in a club with a few golden retriever breeders and handlers. Besides being biddable they have huge differences in temperament. Goldens typically are more easy going and easier to adjust to many different stimuli, Aussies can be a “little” intense and often need very specific socialization and relaxation protocols to make them safe and comfortable in busy places. This can be super time consuming. (I personally exercise my Aussie on average 3-4 hours a day with a mix of training thrown in. We do brain games like scent work, puzzles, trick training everyday. We practice appropriate behaviors in public almost everyday. We practice calm and proof behaviors in many different environments so my dog isn’t inclined to an inappropriate reaction. I love my dog and enjoy spending time with him but to an outside point of view it would like I had a second job catering to my Aussie).
Aussies also need an extensive amount of exercise. Goldens are also energetic breeds but most are content with a lower level of physical and mental work that would be needed to soothe and placate an Aussie.
Also as someone else mentioned Aussies can have a predisposition to reactivity. This is usually a result of poor breeding and/or inadequate exposure and socialization to everyday environments but is something owners of herding breeds (herding breeds natural traits tend to veer to the intense, neurotic side which can make behaviors like arousal, alertness, hyper focus, motion sensitivity tip towards the inappropriate side without appropriate outlets and training) have to be really mindful and diligent about because it can be more common. Goldens tend to be a lot more malleable and while I’ve seen a reactive golden or two in public, I’ve seen dozens and dozens reactive/inappropriately behaved Aussies in public.
