Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Malinois 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.

Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor Belgian Malinois Golden Cocker Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1380 $1830
Price Range $850 – $1800 $1450 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois is 83 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 Belgian Malinois is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the Belgian Malinois!

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

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Belgian Malinoiss weigh 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Malinoiss are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinoiss.

    Price of Belgian Malinois versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Belgian Malinois puppy is $1380. The price of the Belgian Malinois typically ranges from $850 – $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 311 Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Malinoiss. 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 Belgian Malinois 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: Belgian Malinois versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Belgian Malinoiss can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinois or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Belgian Malinoiss are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Belgian Malinoiss have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Malinois or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinoiss and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Belgian Malinoiss get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Belgian Malinoiss 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 Belgian Malinois or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois 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 Belgian Malinois and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.