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

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

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

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

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 Labrador Retriever.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

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

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Labrador Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
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 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1870 $1290
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $850 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    		•

    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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

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

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Labrador Retrievers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.

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

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

    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, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever

    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 Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    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 Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of the Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Labrador Retriever
    Average Price $1870 $1290
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $850 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Labrador Retriever

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

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?

    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.

    Labrador 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.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever

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

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers?

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

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

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever:

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Shiloh Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bolognese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxerdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Stabyhoun     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akbash     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Great Pyrenees     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cane Corso     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shihpoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sheepadoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Briard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Bulldog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Redbone Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Frenchton     

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Saluki     Labrador Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Portuguese Water Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Boerboel     Labrador Retriever versus Afador     Labrador Retriever versus Collie     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Hound     Labrador Retriever versus Brittany     Labrador Retriever versus Shichon     Labrador Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Cesky Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Akita     Labrador Retriever versus Beagle     Labrador Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Labrador Retriever versus Kuvasz     Labrador Retriever versus Silky Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Afador     Labrador Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Bernedoodle     Labrador Retriever versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Labrador Retriever versus Swedish Vallhund     

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