Differences and Similarities between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Golden Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and for the Golden 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Golden Retriever.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever: Overview

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

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

On the other hand, the Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Golden 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Golden Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 55 to 75 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1870 $1870
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1500 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (evaluations annually for the dog`s lifetime)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 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 Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Golden Retriever is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a better pet than the Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Golden Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Golden Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Golden Cocker Retrievers are 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever

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

    The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Golden Retrievers.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Golden Retriever

    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 reviewing the prices of 40 Golden Cocker Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of the Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Retriever and the Golden Cocker Retriever are sold for about the same price.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Golden Retriever
    Average Price $1870 $1870
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1500 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy or the Golden 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: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Golden Retrievers?

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

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

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

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

    Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

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

    Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Golden Retriever

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

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

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Golden Retriever vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden 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 Retriever:

  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Irish Setter (72 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Irish Setter.
  • Labrador Retriever (75 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Skye Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Foxhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Malinois     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Keeshond     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boerboel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Toy Fox Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenhuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Lancashire Heeler     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bich Poo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Standard Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Wirehaired Pointer     

    Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Retriever versus Japanese Chin     Golden Retriever versus Border Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Golden Retriever versus Border Collie     Golden Retriever versus Schnoodle     Golden Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Golden Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Retriever versus Dogo Argentino     Golden Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Golden Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Golden Retriever versus Miniature Pinscher     Golden Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Golden Retriever versus Irish Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Whippet     Golden Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Golden Retriever versus Bordoodle     Golden Retriever versus Belgian Tervuren     Golden Retriever versus Cockalier     Golden Retriever versus Border Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Golden Retriever versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Irish Terrier     

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