Which is Better between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel? A Very Detailed Review.

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

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 Sussex Spaniel.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

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

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Sussex Spaniel
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 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
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 12.5 years
Average Price $1870 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 No Data
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 Sussex Spaniel. 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 Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sussex Spaniel is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get the Sussex Spaniel!

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 Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Sussex Spaniels can tolerate cold weather.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Sussex Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Sussex Spaniels have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    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, Sussex Spaniels weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Sussex Spaniels are 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel

    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 Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Sussex Spaniel

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

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Sussex Spaniels 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 Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Sussex Spaniel

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

    Sussex Spaniels 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 Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Sussex Spaniels 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:

  • Dalmatian (80 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Keeshond.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pug     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cockalier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Morkie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bluetick Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chorkie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenpinscher     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Plott     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Stabyhoun     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Welsh Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Beagle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Clumber Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boykin Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shichon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Water Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Bulldog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Azawakh     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Scottish Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Sussex Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Sussex Spaniel versus Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Chihuahua     Sussex Spaniel versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Sussex Spaniel versus Shichon     Sussex Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus English Setter     Sussex Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     Sussex Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sussex Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund     Sussex Spaniel versus Greyhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Mountain Cur     Sussex Spaniel versus Border Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Plott     Sussex Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Pekingese     Sussex Spaniel versus Lhasapoo     Sussex Spaniel versus Great Dane     Sussex Spaniel versus Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     

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