Breed Comparison: Cockalier Versus Gordon Setter

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Cockalier Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Cockalier and the Gordon Setter.

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 Gordon Setter.

Cockalier versus Gordon Setter: Overview

A very important difference between the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cockalier is a small-sized dog while the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier to the Gordon Setter 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 Cockalier and the Gordon Setter

Factor Cockalier Gordon Setter
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
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 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
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 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1370 $1360
Price Range $938 – $1800 $1250 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Cockalier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter

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

  • Cockaliers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Cockaliers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter

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

  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Gordon Setter are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Gordon Setter

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

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

    On the other hand, Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cockalier versus Gordon Setter

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

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

    Cockaliers live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Price of Cockalier versus Price of Gordon Setter

    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 Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of the Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockalier is more expensive than the Gordon Setter.

    Cockalier Gordon Setter
    Average Price $1370 $1360
    Price Range $938 to $1800 $1250 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cockalier and Gordon Setter. For different price points, the charts show how many Cockalier puppies or how many Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setters

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters

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

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cockalier or the Gordon Setter

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cockalier or the Gordon Setter?

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Cockalier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Gordon Setter?

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

    Gordon Setters 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.

    Do Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Gordon Setters?

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

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

    Can Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Gordon Setter

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

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

    Can Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cockaliers and Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Gordon Setter?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Cockalier Better for Apartment Owners than the Gordon Setter?

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Gordon Setter vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Mudi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cockalier and how the Gordon Setter compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cockalier and of the Gordon Setter to other breeds:

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Mudi     Cockalier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cockalier versus Pomchi     Cockalier versus Bolognese     Cockalier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Cockalier versus Boykin Spaniel     Cockalier versus Komondor     Cockalier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Cockalier versus Plott     Cockalier versus Japanese Spitz     Cockalier versus Standard Poodle     Cockalier versus Weimaraner     Cockalier versus Spinone Italiano     Cockalier versus Irish Setter     Cockalier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cockalier versus Bulldog     Cockalier versus Bernedoodle     Cockalier versus Hovawart     Cockalier versus Pekingese     Cockalier versus Standard Poodle     Cockalier versus Cairn Terrier     Cockalier versus Weimaraner     Cockalier versus Bearded Collie     Cockalier versus Bichon Frise     Cockalier versus Siberian Husky     

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Dachshund     Gordon Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Gordon Setter versus Welsh Terrier     Gordon Setter versus German Shepherd Dog     Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund     Gordon Setter versus Mal Shi     Gordon Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Gordon Setter versus Border Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Poodle     Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Schipperke     Gordon Setter versus Lhasapoo     Gordon Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Gordon Setter versus Yorkshire Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Samoyed     Gordon Setter versus Berger Picard     Gordon Setter versus Dalmatian     Gordon Setter versus Saint Berdoodle     Gordon Setter versus Azawakh     Gordon Setter versus Papillon     Gordon Setter versus Irish Setter     Gordon Setter versus Frenchton     Gordon Setter versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Conclusion: Cockalier versus Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter better suits you and your family.