Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever
- Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Golden Cocker Retriever
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Golden Cocker Retrievers?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever.
German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Golden Cocker Retriever belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.
German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Golden Cocker Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 20 to 24 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 30 to 45 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1870 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1500 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog is 77 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 Shepherd Dog. 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever
The German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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 Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 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 Shepherd Dogs.
Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog 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 Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.
| German Shepherd Dog | Golden Cocker Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1870 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1500 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shepherd Dog and Golden Cocker Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Golden Cocker Retriever
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs and Golden Cocker Retrievers?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dog or the Golden Cocker Retriever?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Shepherd Dog and how the Golden Cocker Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Golden Cocker Retriever to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Bulldog German Shepherd Dog versus Boxerdoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus West Highland White Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Mastiff German Shepherd Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Afghan Hound German Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Cavapoo German Shepherd Dog versus French Bulldog German Shepherd Dog versus Weimaraner German Shepherd Dog versus Shichon German Shepherd Dog versus Lhasa Apso German Shepherd Dog versus Belgian Tervuren German Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Aussiedoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Field Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Basset Hound German Shepherd Dog versus Bearded Collie German Shepherd Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Maltese German Shepherd Dog versus Norwegian Buhund German Shepherd Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier
Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Cocker Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldador Golden Cocker Retriever versus Standard Poodle Golden Cocker Retriever versus Lowchen Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dalmatian Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chinook Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afador Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Puli Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff Golden Cocker Retriever versus Beagle Golden Cocker Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Golden Cocker Retriever versus Samoyed Golden Cocker Retriever versus Vizsla Golden Cocker Retriever versus Tibetan Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenpinscher Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Schnauzer Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mountain Cur Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldador Golden Cocker Retriever versus Biewer Terrier
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.