The stark contrast between a golden retriever and a German shepherd was on full display in a viral video, which highlights the major differences between the two breeds’ problem‑solving abilities.
TikTok user @kenzie_h15 shared the now‑viral clip showing her golden retriever puppy sitting inside a metal crate—with the door fully open—as he attempted to retrieve a ball perched on top of it. Although the ball was clearly out of reach from inside the crate, the puppy remained determined, repeatedly stretching and pawing upward as if the ball might somehow drop into his mouth.
Midway through the video, however, her second dog, a German shepherd, casually strolls into the room. Without hesitation and without acknowledging the golden retriever’s ongoing struggle, the German shepherd plucks the ball from the top of the crate with ease and walks away with it—problem solved.
Since the video was shared on December 18, it has left social media users in hysterics. At the time of writing, it has amassed over 1.3 million views and more than 182,000 likes on TikTok, with thousands of users cheering on the German shepherd for its swift intervention—and laughing at the golden retriever’s adorably confused efforts.
Newsweek has contacted @kenzie_h15 via TikTok for comment. We could not verify the details of the video.
The golden retriever’s lack of intelligence certainly left the owner perplexed, as the caption layered across the video jokes: “Brain eating bacteria would starve in his head.”
Golden Retrievers vs. German Shepherds
The humorous contrast captured in the video mirrors what canine experts have long said about these two beloved breeds.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that German shepherds are ranked among the most-intelligent dog breeds, particularly noted for their working intelligence, problem‑solving ability, and trainability. They are widely used in police, military, and service work because they can quickly understand complex tasks and adapt to challenging situations.
Golden retrievers, by contrast, are also considered highly intelligent, but their strengths tend to lean toward social intelligence, obedience, and emotional understanding. The AKC notes that goldens excel in roles such as therapy, assistance, and search‑and‑rescue because of their eagerness to please and ability to learn commands. However, they are also known for their goofy, playful nature—which was on full display in the viral clip.
The website PetMD similarly highlights that, while both breeds are smart, German shepherds often display more independent, analytical problem‑solving, whereas golden retrievers are more sensitive and people‑oriented, sometimes taking a more roundabout approach to challenges.
How Did TikTok React?
Since going viral on TikTok, the hilarious video has delighted the internet. Whether viewers identify more with the tactical German shepherd or the optimistic golden retriever, the clip has clearly struck a chord, offering a hilarious reminder of just how different dog intelligence can look from one breed to another.
TikTok users wasted no time celebrating the German shepherd’s decisive action and the golden retriever’s adorable lack of strategy, leading to more than 320 comments on the post already.
One comment on the post reads: “alrighty…that’s enough for you”
Another TikTok user wrote: “I’m gonna stop you from this embarrassing behavior, you’re being recorded.”
A third person said: “accurate representation of a GSD vs Golden.”
One commenter joked: “The fact the cage is open as well.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.