A Detailed Comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier.

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

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Jack Russell Terrier is a small-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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Jack Russell Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 13 to 17 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
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 12.5 years
Average Price $1870 $1100
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $700 – $1250
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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Jack Russell 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, Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier puppy is $1100. The price of the Jack Russell Terrier typically ranges from $700 – $1250. However, the price of the Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Jack Russell Terrier
    Average Price $1870 $1100
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $700 to $1250

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell Terriers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Jack Russell Terriers?

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

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Jack Russell Terrier

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

    Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Jack Russell 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.

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers?

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

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

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Jack Russell Terrier

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

    Jack Russell Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Jack Russell Terriers?

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Jack Russell Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Rottweiler     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Kelpie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Puli     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Lhasapoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Catahoula Bulldog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pug     Golden Cocker Retriever versus King Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenpinscher     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boykin Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Tervuren     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Springer Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Tervuren     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bloodhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Water Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus King Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Biewer Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavapoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bulldog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Italian Greyhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Bulldog     

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Jack Russell Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saluki     Jack Russell Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Jack Russell Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Jack Russell Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brittany     Jack Russell Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Foxhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schipperke     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Rottweiler     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     

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