Is the Giant Schnauzer Better than the Golden Cocker Retriever as a Pet? Answer…

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Giant Schnauzer Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Giant Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Giant Schnauzer is a large-sized dog while the Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Giant Schnauzer 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.

Giant Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor Giant Schnauzer Golden Cocker Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2220 $1870
Price Range $1800 – $2500 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer is 70 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 Giant Schnauzer. 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 Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most different:

  • Giant Schnauzers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are good for new dog owners.

    • The Similarities Between the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Giant Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Giant Schnauzers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Giant Schnauzers are 23 to 27 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 Giant Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Giant Schnauzers is 11.0 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 Giant Schnauzers.

    Price of Giant Schnauzer versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Giant Schnauzer puppy is $2220. The price of the Giant Schnauzer typically ranges from $1800 – $2500. However, the price of a Giant Schnauzer can be as low as $1200 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Giant Schnauzer Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $2220 $1870
    Price Range $1800 to $2500 $1500 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Giant Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Giant Schnauzers. 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 Giant Schnauzer 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: Giant Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Giant Schnauzers do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Giant Schnauzers shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Giant Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Giant Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Giant Schnauzers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Giant Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Giant Schnauzer vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Giant Schnauzers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Giant Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Giant Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Giant Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzers and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Giant Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Giant Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Giant Schnauzers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Giant Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer:

  • Airedale Terrier (76 percent match with Giant Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Gordon Setter (79 percent match with Giant Schnauzer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Gordon Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Giant Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Giant Schnauzer versus Cockalier     Giant Schnauzer versus Standard Poodle     Giant Schnauzer versus American Foxhound     Giant Schnauzer versus Pug     Giant Schnauzer versus American Bulldog     Giant Schnauzer versus Shiba Inu     Giant Schnauzer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Giant Schnauzer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Kishu Ken     Giant Schnauzer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Giant Schnauzer versus Japanese Spitz     Giant Schnauzer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Giant Schnauzer versus Yorkipoo     Giant Schnauzer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Giant Schnauzer versus Chow Chow     Giant Schnauzer versus Aussiedoodle     Giant Schnauzer versus Schipperke     Giant Schnauzer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Giant Schnauzer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Giant Schnauzer versus Tibetan Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Mal Shi     Giant Schnauzer versus Border Collie     Giant Schnauzer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Giant Schnauzer versus Papillon     Giant Schnauzer versus Irish Terrier     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Japanese Chin     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shihpoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shiranian     Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Newfoundland     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mountain Cur     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Cocker Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Japanese Spitz     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenhuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxerdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwich Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Havanese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bolognese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Beaglier     

    Conclusion: Giant Schnauzer 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 Giant Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.