Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Golden Cocker Retriever | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 20 to 24 inches | 13 to 16 inches 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 | Starts at 20 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 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2000 | $1000 – $2000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!
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 Shetland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog.
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, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Shetland Sheepdog.
| Golden Cocker Retriever | Shetland Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1870 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2000 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Cocker Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy or the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shetland Sheepdog
Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Golden Cocker Retriever and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Azawakh Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papipoo Golden Cocker Retriever versus Manchester Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldador Golden Cocker Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mudi Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxerdoodle Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afador Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltipoo Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sloughi Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bich Poo Golden Cocker Retriever versus Puli Golden Cocker Retriever versus Great Pyrenees Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita Chow Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kishu Ken Golden Cocker Retriever versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever versus Brussels Griffon Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papillon Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shiranian Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog Golden Cocker Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund Golden Cocker Retriever versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Setter Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cane Corso
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxer Shetland Sheepdog versus Sloughi Shetland Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Shetland Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff Shetland Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund Shetland Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Shetland Sheepdog versus Briard Shetland Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Frenchton Shetland Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Setter
Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.