A Detailed Comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger.

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

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

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 Leonberger.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Leonberger: Overview

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

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

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Leonberger
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 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1870 $870
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $300 – $1150
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

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

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Leonbergers can tolerate cold weather.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are good for new dog owners. However, Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather. However, Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger 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 Leonberger get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Leonberger

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

    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, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Leonberger

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Leonbergers.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Leonberger

    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 Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Leonberger
    Average Price $1870 $870
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $300 to $1150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Leonberger

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

    Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

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

    Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Brittany     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Standard Schnauzer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Carolina Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Saint Bernard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogo Argentino     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dachshund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chihuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Morkie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Newfoundland     Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Puli     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Golden Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Barbet     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pomeranian     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus English Springer Spaniel     Leonberger versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Leonberger versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Leonberger versus Kooikerhondje     Leonberger versus Siberian Husky     Leonberger versus Bernedoodle     Leonberger versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Leonberger versus Boston Terrier     Leonberger versus Pomchi     Leonberger versus Airedale Terrier     Leonberger versus Affenpinscher     Leonberger versus Tibetan Spaniel     Leonberger versus Cockalier     Leonberger versus Standard Schnauzer     Leonberger versus Yorkipoo     Leonberger versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Leonberger versus Australian Cattle Dog     Leonberger versus Shiranian     Leonberger versus Akita Chow     Leonberger versus Valley Bulldog     Leonberger versus Cockalier     Leonberger versus American Eskimo Dog     Leonberger versus Westiepoo     Leonberger versus Cockalier     Leonberger versus Fila Brasileiro     

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