Is the Cocker Spaniel Better than the Golden Cocker Retriever as a Pet? Answer…

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Cocker Spaniel Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Cocker Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cocker Spaniel 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.

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

Cocker Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

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

Factor Cocker Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 20 to 24 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 24 to 28 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1760 $1870
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 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 Cocker Spaniel. 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 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.
  • Cocker Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cocker Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    • The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel.

    Cocker Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $1760 $1870
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. 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 Cocker Spaniel 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: Cocker Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

    Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel

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

  • Bichon Frise (77 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Bichon Frise.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (76 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel.

    • 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 Cocker Spaniel vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cocker Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Boxer     Cocker Spaniel versus Kishu Ken     Cocker Spaniel versus Pomapoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Cocker Spaniel versus Hovawart     Cocker Spaniel versus Pomchi     Cocker Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Border Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Akbash     Cocker Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Cocker Spaniel versus Affenhuahua     Cocker Spaniel versus Havanese     Cocker Spaniel versus Keeshond     Cocker Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Berger Picard     Cocker Spaniel versus Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren     Cocker Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Cocker Spaniel versus Barbet     Cocker Spaniel versus Skye Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Cocker Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Lowchen     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chihuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavachon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Tervuren     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Border Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldador     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Whippet     Golden Cocker Retriever versus French Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cane Corso     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chihuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Swedish Vallhund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schipperke     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Lowchen     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mudi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akbash     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Briard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Yorkipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Frenchton     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bearded Collie     

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