German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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German Pinscher Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the German Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor German Pinscher Golden Cocker Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
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
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 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
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2040 $1870
Price Range $1150 – $2688 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is 78 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 German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 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.

    Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is 13.5 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than German Pinschers.

    Price of German Pinscher versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    German Pinscher Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $2040 $1870
    Price Range $1150 to $2688 $1500 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers. 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 German Pinscher 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: German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Pinschers shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher

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

  • Australian Kelpie (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Mudi.
  • 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 German Pinscher vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever     German Pinscher versus Schipperke     German Pinscher versus Dogue de Bordeaux     German Pinscher versus Cairn Terrier     German Pinscher versus Black Russian Terrier     German Pinscher versus Silky Terrier     German Pinscher versus Rottweiler     German Pinscher versus Berger Picard     German Pinscher versus Belgian Malinois     German Pinscher versus Bedlington Terrier     German Pinscher versus Bernese Mountain Dog     German Pinscher versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle     German Pinscher versus Pug     German Pinscher versus Fila Brasileiro     German Pinscher versus Chinese Shar-Pei     German Pinscher versus Tibetan Mastiff     German Pinscher versus Scottish Terrier     German Pinscher versus Catahoula Bulldog     German Pinscher versus Pomsky     German Pinscher versus Morkie     German Pinscher versus Cesky Terrier     German Pinscher versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus Newfoundland     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Basenji     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black Russian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita Chow     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Bulldog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxerdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pekingese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Border Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Biewer Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cockapoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Plott     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papillon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Tibetan Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pomchi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greyhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Malinois     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Springer Spaniel     

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