Breed Comparison: Dalmatian Versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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Dalmatian Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian or the Golden Cocker Retriever

Dalmatian versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are similar in size. The Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dalmatian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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

Dalmatian versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dalmatian 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.

Factor Dalmatian Golden Cocker Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1410 $1870
Price Range $1000 – $1800 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    *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 Dalmatian 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 a Dalmatian is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is not better or worse than the Dalmatian. So, you can get the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Dalmatian!

    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 Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dalmatian and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dalmatian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    Dalmatians weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Dalmatians are 19 to 24 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.

    Price of Dalmatian versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Dalmatian puppy is $1410. The price of the Dalmatian typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Dalmatian can be as low as $250 and as high as $2600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 233 Dalmatian 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 a 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 Dalmatian.

    Dalmatian Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $1410 $1870
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dalmatians. 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 Dalmatian 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 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 Dalmatian or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Dalmatians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

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

    Dalmatians are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dalmatian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Dalmatians can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Dalmatians can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dalmatians can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dalmatians and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

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

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

    Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Dalmatians are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dalmatian vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Dalmatians 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.

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

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

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

    Do Dalmatians shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Dalmatians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Dalmatians are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian

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

  • Berger Picard (78 percent match with Dalmatian). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Berger Picard.
  • 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:

  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Dalmatian vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Dalmatian vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dalmatian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dalmatian versus West Highland White Terrier     Dalmatian versus Irish Water Spaniel     Dalmatian versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Dalmatian versus Westiepoo     Dalmatian versus Boykin Spaniel     Dalmatian versus Japanese Chin     Dalmatian versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Dalmatian versus Shiranian     Dalmatian versus Mountain Cur     Dalmatian versus Japanese Chin     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldendoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cane Corso     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papillon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Water Spaniel     

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