Cockalier versus Flat-Coated Retriever. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Cockalier Versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated 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 Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated 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 Cockalier and for the Flat-Coated Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

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

Cockalier versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cockalier is a small-sized dog while the Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

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

On the other hand, the Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Cockalier versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier to the Flat-Coated 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.

Factor Cockalier Flat-Coated Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds 55 to 70 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1370 $1350
Price Range $938 – $1800 $1150 – $1800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cockalier 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 Flat-Coated 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 a Cockalier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cockalier is a better pet than the Flat-Coated Retriever. 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 Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most different:

  • Cockaliers adapt well to apartment living. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever

    The Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated 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 Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Price of Cockalier versus Price of Flat-Coated Retriever

    The average price of the Cockalier puppy is $1370. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $938 – $1800. However, the price of a Cockalier can be as low as $600 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 87 Cockalier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy is $1350. The price of the Flat-Coated Retriever typically ranges from $1150 – $1800. However, the price of a Flat-Coated Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Flat-Coated Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockalier is more expensive than the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Cockalier Flat-Coated Retriever
    Average Price $1370 $1350
    Price Range $938 to $1800 $1150 to $1800

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cockalier puppy or the Flat-Coated 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Which one drools more, the Cockalier or the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockalier versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Do Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Flat-Coated Retriever

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Does the Cockalier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Is the Cockalier Better for Apartment Owners than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cockalier or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cockalier or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cockalier or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cockaliers and Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cockalier

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cockalier and how the Flat-Coated Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cockalier and of the Flat-Coated Retriever to other breeds:

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Vizsla     Cockalier versus Mastiff     Cockalier versus English Setter     Cockalier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Cockalier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cockalier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Cockalier versus Field Spaniel     Cockalier versus Cane Corso     Cockalier versus Saluki     

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Vizsla     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Chorkie     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Afghan Hound     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shihpoo     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Belgian Malinois     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Chi-Poo     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Samoyed     

    Conclusion: Cockalier versus Flat-Coated 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 Cockalier and the Flat-Coated Retriever better suits you and your family.