Breed Comparison: Chow Chow Versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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Chow Chow Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chow Chow belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor Chow Chow Golden Cocker Retriever
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 1/5 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
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 70 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1750 $1870
Price Range $1000 – $2500 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is 69 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 Chow Chow. 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
  • Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.
  • Chow Chows not very intelligent. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are highly intelligent.
  • Chow Chows not very playful. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are very playful.
  • Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Chow Chows have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
  • Chow Chows can tolerate cold weather. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Chow Chow and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Golden Cocker Retriever do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chow Chow and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Chow Chow puppy is $1750. The price of the Chow Chow typically ranges from $1000 – $2500. However, the price of a Chow Chow can be as low as $400 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 156 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow.

    Chow Chow Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $1750 $1870
    Price Range $1000 to $2500 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chow Chows. 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 Chow Chow 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: Chow Chow versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chow Chows shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Chow Chows drool moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Chow Chows 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.

    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 Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

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

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

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

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

    Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Chow Chows are not easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow:

  • Anatolian Shepherd Dog (61 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (65 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei (63 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Akita Chow (62 percent match with Chow Chow). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Akita Chow.
  • 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 Chow Chow vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Chow Chow vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chow Chow versus Portuguese Water Dog     Chow Chow versus Greyhound     Chow Chow versus Silky Terrier     Chow Chow versus Giant Schnauzer     Chow Chow versus Redbone Coonhound     Chow Chow versus German Longhaired Pointer     Chow Chow versus Dachshund     Chow Chow versus Puggle     Chow Chow versus Lhasa Apso     Chow Chow versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Field Spaniel     Chow Chow versus Giant Schnauzer     Chow Chow versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Chow Chow versus Mudi     Chow Chow versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Chow Chow versus Pharaoh Hound     Chow Chow versus Australian Cattle Dog     Chow Chow versus Redbone Coonhound     Chow Chow versus Finnish Lapphund     Chow Chow versus Affenhuahua     Chow Chow versus Cairn Terrier     Chow Chow versus Irish Terrier     Chow Chow versus Lowchen     Chow Chow versus Scottish Deerhound     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Cocker Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Japanese Chin     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boykin Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black Russian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Biewer Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Pinscher     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mudi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cairn Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavachon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Cocker Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afghan Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Standard Schnauzer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Coton de Tulear     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenhuahua     

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