Which is Better Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Australian Cattle Dog Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Cattle Dog and for the Golden Cocker Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Cattle Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are similar in size. The Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Golden Cocker Retriever belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog to the Golden Cocker Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor Australian Cattle Dog Golden Cocker Retriever
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 50 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $840 $1830
Price Range $500 – $996 $1450 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Golden Cocker Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Cattle Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a better pet than the Australian Cattle Dog. So, you should get the Golden Cocker Retriever!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most different:

    • Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are good for new dog owners.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever

    The Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Golden Cocker Retrievers weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Golden Cocker Retrievers are 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is 13.5 years.

    Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy is $1830. The price of the Golden Cocker Retriever typically ranges from $1450 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 25 Golden Cocker Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Australian Cattle Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Cattle Dog and Golden Cocker Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Cattle Dog puppies or how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Cattle Dog puppy or the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Australian Cattle Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Australian Cattle Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Cattle Dogs and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.