Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

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Australian Kelpie Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie 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 Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie 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 Kelpie 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 Kelpie or the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Australian Kelpie versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor Australian Kelpie Golden Cocker Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 15 to 20 inches 20 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 46 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 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
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 $1830
Price Range $500 – $500 $1450 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie is 72 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 Kelpie. 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 Kelpie 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 Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Australian Kelpies are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are not prone to nip and chew at things.

The Similarities Between the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

Size Comparison of Australian Kelpie versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 inches 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 Kelpie versus Golden Cocker Retriever

The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

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

Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Australian Kelpies.

Price of Australian Kelpie versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie.

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

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

A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. 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 Kelpie 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 Kelpie versus Golden Cocker Retriever

Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

Do Australian Kelpies shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

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

Which one drools more, the Australian Kelpie or the Golden Cocker Retriever

Australian Kelpies 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 Kelpie or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

Australian Kelpies 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 Kelpies Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

Wanderlust Potential: Australian Kelpie vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

Australian Kelpies 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 Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

Australian Kelpies 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 Kelpies and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

Is the Australian Kelpie Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

Australian Kelpies 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 Kelpie or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

Conclusion: Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.