Breed Comparison: Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog.

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

On the other hand, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 7 to 9 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 85 to 140 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
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 8.0 years
Average Price $1870 $2390
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1750 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (Effective 7/1/15 the minimum eye exam age to qualify for CHIC is 18 months)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Shoulders
  • 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a better pet than the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

    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, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs weigh 85 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is between 7 to 9 years. The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is 8.0 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy is $2390. The price of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog typically ranges from $1750 – $3000. However, the price of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 110 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
    Average Price $1870 $2390
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1750 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Cocker Retriever and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies or how many Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    A breakdown of the prices of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    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.

    Greater Swiss Mountain 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.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog:

  • Bracco Italiano (75 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (78 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bordoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schipperke     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cockalier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Ibizan Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schnoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labradoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bullmastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita Chow     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bracco Italiano     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Briard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Tibetan Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Biewer Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Havanese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Berger Picard     

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Sheepadoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maltese     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kishu Ken     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Goldendoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Leonberger     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Canaan Dog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kuvasz     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Field Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Saluki     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Sloughi     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maltipoo     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Black Russian Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Setter     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Dachshund     

    Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.