A Detailed Comparison of the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

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French Spaniel Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

French Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the French 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.

French Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the French 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 French Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
Life Span 10 to 12 years. 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 21 to 24 inches. 20 to 24 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds. 30 to 45 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $4250 $1870
Price Range $3875 – $4625 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 French 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 French Spaniel is 85 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 Spaniel is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the French Spaniel!

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

    The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the French 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 French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the French 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 French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the French Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

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

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

    French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. 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 Spaniel versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the French Spaniel puppy is $4250. The price of the French Spaniel typically ranges from $3875 – $4625. However, the price of a French Spaniel can be as low as $3500 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 French 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 French Spaniel is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    French Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $4250 $1870
    Price Range $3875 to $4625 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of French 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 French 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 French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    French Spaniels 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do French Spaniels shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    French Spaniels shed moderately.

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

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

    French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

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

    French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

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

    French 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 French Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    French Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel

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

  • Dutch Shepherd (80 percent match with French Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Dutch Shepherd.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    French Spaniel versus Chihuahua     French Spaniel versus Goldador     French Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     French Spaniel versus Saluki     French Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     French Spaniel versus Australian Kelpie     French Spaniel versus Cane Corso     French Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     French Spaniel versus Beaglier     French Spaniel versus Shiranian     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schnoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Carolina Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Wolfhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akbash     

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