Which is Better between the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever? A Very Detailed Review.

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English Springer Spaniel Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

English Springer Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English Springer 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.

English Springer Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Springer 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.

Factor English Springer Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 20 to 24 inches
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1310 $1870
Price Range $950 – $1600 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Canine Good Citizen Certification
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • DNA Bank
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • FUCOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PFK
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  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 English Springer 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 a English Springer Spaniel is 78 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 a better pet than the English Springer 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 English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.

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

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

    English Springer Spaniels weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. English Springer Spaniels are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the 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 English Springer Spaniel versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the English Springer Spaniel puppy is $1310. The price of the English Springer Spaniel typically ranges from $950 – $1600. However, the price of a English Springer Spaniel can be as low as $500 and as high as $3300. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 334 English Springer 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 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 English Springer Spaniel.

    English Springer Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $1310 $1870
    Price Range $950 to $1600 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Springer 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 English Springer 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 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.

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

    English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Springer Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    English Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    English Springer Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    English Springer Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Do English Springer Spaniels shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    English Springer Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Do English Springer Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    English Springer Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Springer Spaniel vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    English Springer 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.

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

    English Springer 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 English Springer Spaniels and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    English Springer Spaniels 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 English Springer Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    English Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    English Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

    English Springer 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Springer Spaniel

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

  • Australian Shepherd (81 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Field Spaniel (84 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Field Spaniel.
  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (82 percent match with English Springer Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Springer Spaniel versus Pug     English Springer Spaniel versus Pug     English Springer Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     English Springer Spaniel versus Maltese     English Springer Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     English Springer Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     English Springer Spaniel versus German Pinscher     English Springer Spaniel versus Dalmatian     English Springer Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     English Springer Spaniel versus Rottweiler     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shichon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Keeshond     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Wolfhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavachon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schipperke     

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