A Detailed Comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Pyrenean Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 15 to 17 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
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 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 16.0 years
Average Price $1870 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

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

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Pyrenean Shepherds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

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

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

    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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    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 Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Golden Cocker Retrievers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Skye Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bull Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus French Bulldog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Samoyed     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Borzoi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Peek A Poo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chow Chow     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Australian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Morkie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schnoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bedlington Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dalmatian     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Keeshond     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Skye Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Azawakh     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Australian Kelpie     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Siberian Husky     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lakeland Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomeranian     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano     

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