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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Irish Terrier.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Terrier: Overview

Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier are similar in size. The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Irish Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 18 to 20 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 25 to 27 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
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 14.0 years
Average Price $1870 $1280
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1000 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a better pet than the Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train. However, Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Terrier

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

    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, Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Terrier

    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 Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Golden Cocker Retrievers.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Irish Terrier

    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 Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of the Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Irish Terrier.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Irish Terrier
    Average Price $1870 $1280
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1000 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Cocker Retriever and Irish Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies or how many Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terriers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Irish Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier?

    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.

    Irish Terriers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Irish Terrier

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

    Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

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

    Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier:

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shiranian     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita Chow     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afghan Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Japanese Spitz     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Leonberger     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afador     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Westiepoo     

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Irish Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Pug     Irish Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Irish Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Irish Terrier versus Hovawart     Irish Terrier versus Collie     Irish Terrier versus English Setter     Irish Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Maltipoo     Irish Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Irish Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Irish Terrier versus Bich Poo     Irish Terrier versus Pomapoo     Irish Terrier versus Shiranian     Irish Terrier versus Basset Hound     Irish Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

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