Breed Comparison: Briard Versus Cockalier

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Briard Versus Cockalier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Briard and the Cockalier? 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 Briard and the Cockalier 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 Briard and the Cockalier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Briard and the Cockalier 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 Briard and for the Cockalier. 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 Briard and the Cockalier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Briard or the Cockalier.

Briard versus Cockalier: Overview

A very important difference between the Briard and the Cockalier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Briard is a large-sized dog while the Cockalier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Briard 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 Cockalier belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Briard versus Cockalier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Briard to the Cockalier 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 Briard and the Cockalier

Factor Briard Cockalier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 100 pounds 10 to 28 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2500 $1600
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1200 – $1895
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination at least once between six (6) months and eight (8) years
  • Hip Dysplasia (min age 24 months for all tests)
  • Stationary Night Blindness
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Briard 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 Cockalier. 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 Briard is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cockalier is 89 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cockalier is a better pet than the Briard. So, you should get the Cockalier!

    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 Briard and the Cockalier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Briard and the Cockalier

    Below is a list of where the Briard and the Cockalier are most different:

    • Briards require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Cockaliers are very easy to groom.
    • Briards have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Briard and the Cockalier

    The Briard and the Cockalier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Briard and the Cockalier are most similar:

    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier 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 Briard and the Cockalier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier are very playful.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Briard and the Cockalier get along well with other dogs.

    Size Comparison of Briard versus Cockalier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Briard and the Cockalier.

    Briards weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Briards are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Briard versus Cockalier

    The lifespan of Briards is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Briards is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers is 13.5 years.

    Cockaliers live longer than Briards.

    Price of Briard versus Price of Cockalier

    The average price of the Briard puppy is $2500. The price of the Briard typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Briard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Cockalier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $1200 – $1895. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Cockalier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Briard is more expensive than the Cockalier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Briard and Cockalier. For different price points, the charts show how many Briard puppies or how many Cockalier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Briard puppy or the Cockalier 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: Briard versus Cockalier

    Briards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Briards shed more than Cockaliers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Briard or the Cockalier

    Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the Cockalier?

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

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cockalier?

    Briards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Cockaliers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about Cockaliers?

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

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

    Can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Cockalier

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

    Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Briards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Briard or the Cockalier?

    Briards get along very well with other dogs.

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Briards good family dogs? What about Cockaliers?

    Briards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Cockaliers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Briards and Cockaliers?

    Briards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Cockaliers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Cockalier?

    Briards are very easy to train.

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Is the Briard Better for Apartment Owners than the Cockalier?

    Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Briard or the Cockalier?

    Briards are OK for new dog owners.

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Briard versus Cockalier. 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 Briard and the Cockalier better suits you and your family.