Breed Comparison: Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Irish Water Spaniel

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Irish Water Spaniel: 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 Water Spaniel? 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel.

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

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 Water Spaniel.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview

Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel are similar in size. The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Irish Water Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
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 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
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 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1870 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • 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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Water Spaniel is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the Irish Water Spaniel!

    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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Irish Water Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel

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

    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 Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel

    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 Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Irish Water Spaniel

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

    Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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 Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels?

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

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

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Irish Water Spaniel

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

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels?

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

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

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel

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

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Kerry Blue Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Peek A Poo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Kelpie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pomchi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Yorkshire Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Carolina Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chihuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shiranian     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akbash     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Cocker Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bich Poo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Schipperke     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kishu Ken     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kooikerhondje     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Malinois     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shih Tzu     Irish Water Spaniel versus English Setter     Irish Water Spaniel versus Saint Berdoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Akita     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Irish Water Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus King Shepherd     Irish Water Spaniel versus Westiepoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Akita Chow     Irish Water Spaniel versus Rottweiler     Irish Water Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bich Poo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomapoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

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