Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu
- Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu
- Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Golden Cocker Retriever | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 20 to 24 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 45 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2000 | $1200 – $2300 |
| 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu
The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Shih Tzus.
Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Golden Cocker Retriever | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1870 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2000 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Cocker Retriever and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Shih Tzus?
Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu
Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Shih Tzu
Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu?
Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Shih Tzus?
Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Shih Tzu?
Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good 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 Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Golden Cocker Retriever and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltipoo Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogo Argentino Golden Cocker Retriever versus Frenchton Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kuvasz Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bich Poo Golden Cocker Retriever versus Redbone Coonhound Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Golden Cocker Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Pinscher Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenhuahua Golden Cocker Retriever versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afador Golden Cocker Retriever versus Hovawart Golden Cocker Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kerry Blue Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bull Terrier Golden Cocker Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kai Ken Golden Cocker Retriever versus Weimaraner Golden Cocker Retriever versus Westiepoo
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Valley Bulldog Shih Tzu versus American Hairless Terrier Shih Tzu versus Kishu Ken Shih Tzu versus Alaskan Malamute Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo Shih Tzu versus Irish Wolfhound Shih Tzu versus West Highland White Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bull Terrier Shih Tzu versus Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Basset Hound Shih Tzu versus English Toy Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Pomapoo Shih Tzu versus German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Bichon Frise Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Xoloitzcuintli Shih Tzu versus Border Collie Shih Tzu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Chorkie Shih Tzu versus Puli Shih Tzu versus Xoloitzcuintli Shih Tzu versus Finnish Lapphund
Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.