Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

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

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

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 Gordon Setter.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter: Overview

Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are similar in size. The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Gordon Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
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 $1360
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1250 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
    		•

    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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Gordon Setter are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter

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

    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, Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter

    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 Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Gordon Setter

    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 Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of the Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Gordon Setter.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Gordon Setter
    Average Price $1870 $1360
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1250 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Cocker Retriever and Gordon Setter. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies or how many Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setters?

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter?

    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.

    Gordon Setters 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.

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

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

    Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Gordon Setter

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

    Gordon Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

    Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

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

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Mudi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schnoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita Chow     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavachon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kuvasz     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bordoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Hairless Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Beagle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Ibizan Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Basenji     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pomapoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cesky Terrier     

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Portuguese Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus Goldendoodle     Gordon Setter versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Gordon Setter versus Basenji     Gordon Setter versus Bich Poo     Gordon Setter versus Airedale Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Finnish Spitz     Gordon Setter versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Samoyed     Gordon Setter versus Greyhound     Gordon Setter versus Siberian Husky     Gordon Setter versus Bolognese     Gordon Setter versus Bluetick Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Gordon Setter versus Goldador     Gordon Setter versus Siberian Husky     Gordon Setter versus Lhasa Apso     Gordon Setter versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Puggle     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Poodle     Gordon Setter versus Berger Picard     Gordon Setter versus French Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Bedlington Terrier     

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