Which is Better between the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever? A Very Detailed Review.

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French Bulldog Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog or the Golden Cocker Retriever

French Bulldog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the French Bulldog 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.

French Bulldog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog Golden Cocker Retriever
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 16 to 28 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $4610 $1870
Price Range $3100 – $5000 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual recertification recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia
  • 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog is 86 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 French Bulldog is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the French Bulldog!

    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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • French Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.
  • French Bulldogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the French Bulldog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of French Bulldog versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    French Bulldogs weigh 16 to 28 pounds when fully grown. French Bulldogs are 11 to 12 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 French Bulldog versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the French Bulldog puppy is $4610. The price of the French Bulldog typically ranges from $3100 – $5000. However, the price of a French Bulldog can be as low as $123 and as high as $40000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2308 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    French Bulldog Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $4610 $1870
    Price Range $3100 to $5000 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of French Bulldogs. 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 French Bulldog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: French Bulldog versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    French Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Can French Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    French Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which one drools more, the French Bulldog or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    French Bulldogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Can French Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    French Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

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

    French Bulldogs 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: French Bulldog vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Do French Bulldogs shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    French Bulldogs shed moderately.

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

    Do French Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    French Bulldogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    How Kid-friendly are French Bulldogs and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    French Bulldogs 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 French Bulldog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    French Bulldogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the French Bulldog Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    French Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the French Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    French Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    French Bulldogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Are French Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    French Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

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

    French Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Bulldog

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (75 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Beaglier (74 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Beaglier.
  • Chihuahua (74 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Chihuahua.
  • Pug (83 percent match with French Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Pug.
  • 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 French Bulldog vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the French Bulldog vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the French Bulldog vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    French Bulldog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Bulldog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     French Bulldog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     French Bulldog versus Belgian Malinois     French Bulldog versus Boxer     French Bulldog versus Cavapoo     French Bulldog versus Plott     French Bulldog versus Peek A Poo     French Bulldog versus Miniature Poodle     French Bulldog versus Belgian Tervuren     French Bulldog versus Saluki     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Tibetan Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chi-Poo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Malinois     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita     

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