A Detailed Comparison of the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bearded Collie Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Bearded Collie versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bearded Collie 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.

Bearded Collie versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor Bearded Collie Golden Cocker Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $980 $1870
Price Range $575 – $1275 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie is 80 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 not better or worse than the Bearded Collie. So, you can get the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Bearded Collie!

    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 Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Bearded Collie versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 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 Bearded Collie versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 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 Bearded Collies.

    Price of Bearded Collie versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Bearded Collie puppy is $980. The price of the Bearded Collie typically ranges from $575 – $1275. However, the price of a Bearded Collie can be as low as $150 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 24 Bearded Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Cocker Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2000. However, the price of the Golden Cocker Retriever can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3975. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 40 Golden Cocker Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Bearded Collie.

    Bearded Collie Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $980 $1870
    Price Range $575 to $1275 $1500 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. 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 Bearded Collie 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: Bearded Collie versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bearded Collies shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collie or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Bearded Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Bearded Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bearded Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Bearded Collies 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 Bearded Collies and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Bearded Collies are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bearded Collie or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bearded Collie

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bearded Collie that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Bearded Collie:

  • West Highland White Terrier (82 percent match with Bearded Collie). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Golden Cocker Retriever:

  • Dalmatian (80 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Bearded Collie vs Field Spaniel.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Bearded Collie and how the Golden Cocker Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Bearded Collie and of the Golden Cocker Retriever to other breeds:

    Bearded Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Bearded Collie versus Silky Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Bearded Collie versus Valley Bulldog     Bearded Collie versus Belgian Sheepdog     Bearded Collie versus Lancashire Heeler     Bearded Collie versus American Hairless Terrier     Bearded Collie versus Belgian Sheepdog     Bearded Collie versus Keeshond     Bearded Collie versus Dogo Argentino     Bearded Collie versus Pharaoh Hound     Bearded Collie versus King Shepherd     Bearded Collie versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Bearded Collie versus Standard Schnauzer     Bearded Collie versus Irish Water Spaniel     Bearded Collie versus Dogo Argentino     Bearded Collie versus Patterdale Terrier     Bearded Collie versus King Shepherd     Bearded Collie versus Barbet     Bearded Collie versus English Springer Spaniel     Bearded Collie versus Mountain Cur     Bearded Collie versus Peek A Poo     Bearded Collie versus English Setter     Bearded Collie versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Bearded Collie versus American Bulldog     Bearded Collie versus Lowchen     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Samoyed     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boerboel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chorkie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pharaoh Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Plott     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Canaan Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Azawakh     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bordoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afador     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chow Chow     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schnoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Havanese     

    Conclusion: Bearded Collie 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 Bearded Collie and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.