Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better than the West Highland White Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier.

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 West Highland White Terrier.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever West Highland White Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
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 14.0 years
Average Price $1870 $2220
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1600 – $2700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the West Highland White Terrier is not better or worse than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you can get the West Highland White Terrier or 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, West Highland White Terriers adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the West Highland White Terrier.

    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, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier

    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 West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than Golden Cocker Retrievers.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    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 West Highland White Terrier puppy is $2220. The price of the West Highland White Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2700. However, the price of the West Highland White Terrier can be as low as $600 and as high as $3999. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 103 West Highland White Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The West Highland White Terrier is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Golden Cocker Retriever West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $1870 $2220
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1600 to $2700

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Cocker Retriever and West Highland White Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies or how many West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terriers?

    A breakdown of the prices of West Highland White Terriers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

    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.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Golden Cocker Retrievers and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Field Spaniel.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sloughi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Newfoundland     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogo Argentino     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Basenji     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kai Ken     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Berger Picard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Affenhuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Samoyed     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dachshund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cavachon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kooikerhondje     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Azawakh     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Komondor     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Havanese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Bolognese     West Highland White Terrier versus Cavapoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Azawakh     West Highland White Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Basenji     West Highland White Terrier versus Mountain Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Mudi     West Highland White Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     West Highland White Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     West Highland White Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     West Highland White Terrier versus French Bulldog     West Highland White Terrier versus Boerboel     West Highland White Terrier versus Cockalier     West Highland White Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Newfoundland     West Highland White Terrier versus Lhasapoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Pomapoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Kai Ken     West Highland White Terrier versus Dalmatian     West Highland White Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     West Highland White Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     West Highland White Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.