Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Retriever Versus Lowchen: Introduction
- Golden Retriever versus Lowchen: Overview
- Golden Retriever versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen
- The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Lowchen
- Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Lowchen
- Temperament of the Golden Retriever Versus the Lowchen
- Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Lowchen
- The Popularity of Golden Retriever versus Popularity of Lowchen
- Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Lowchen
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Lowchen
- Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Lowchens?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen?
- Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
- Do Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Lowchen
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen?
- Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Retrievers and Lowchens?
- Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Retriever versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Retriever Versus Lowchen: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen? 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 Retriever and the Lowchen 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 Retriever and the Lowchen.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen 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 Retriever and for the Lowchen. 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 Retriever and the Lowchen.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen.
Golden Retriever versus Lowchen: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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.
On the other hand, the Lowchen 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 Retriever versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Retriever to the Lowchen 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 Retriever and the Lowchen
| Factor | Golden Retriever | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 9 to 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2200 | $1642 – $4500 |
| Temperament Score | 85.6 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 3 | 163 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden 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 Lowchen. 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 Retriever is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lowchen is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Golden Retriever. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Retriever and the Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen
Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen are most different:
The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen
The Golden Retriever and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Lowchen
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen.
Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Lowchen
The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
Lowchens live longer than Golden Retrievers.
Temperament of the Golden Retriever Versus the Lowchen
The Golden Retriever has a better temperament than the Lowchen.
This is because the temperament score for the Golden Retriever is 85.6 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 85.6 percent, the Golden Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 813 Golden Retrievers and 12 Lowchens.
Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Lowchen
The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of a Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Lowchen is more expensive than the Golden Retriever.
| Golden Retriever | Lowchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1870 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2200 | $1642 to $4500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Retriever and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Retriever puppies or how many Lowchen puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Golden Retriever puppy or the Lowchen 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.
The Popularity of Golden Retriever versus Popularity of Lowchen
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Golden Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Golden Retriever is 3 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Golden Retriever
Popularity of Lowchen
| Year | Golden Retriever Popularity Rank | Lowchen Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 | 154 |
| 2014 | 3 | 165 |
| 2015 | 3 | 161 |
| 2016 | 3 | 171 |
| 2017 | 3 | 169 |
| 2018 | 3 | 168 |
| 2019 | 3 | 158 |
| 2020 | 4 | 161 |
Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Lowchen
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Golden Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Golden Retriever than for the Lowchen.
4 health tests are recommended for Golden Retriever while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Golden Retrievers and in Lowchens.
Golden Retriever Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Golden Retriever puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Golden Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Golden Retriever breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Golden Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Golden Retrievers here.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Golden Retrievers and Lowchens
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Golden Retriever Breed is Ichthyosis problems.
This is because the Golden Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Ichthyosis problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1770 Golden Retrievers, 33 of them had Ichthyosis problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Golden Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Golden Retrievers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Golden Retriever and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Golden Retriever and the Lowchen:
| Disease | Golden Retriever Rank | Lowchen Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 11 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 17 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 33 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 36 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 39 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 40 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 45 out of 198 dog breeds | 163 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 56 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 56 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 58 out of 182 dog breeds | 42 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 112 out of 145 dog breeds | 19 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Lowchen
Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Lowchens?
Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Lowchens shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen
Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen?
Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Lowchens 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 Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Lowchen
Golden Retrievers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen?
Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
Golden Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Golden Retrievers and Lowchens?
Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?
Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Lowchen?
Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden 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 Retriever:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Golden Retriever and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Retriever and of the Lowchen to other breeds:
Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever versus Braque du Bourbonnais Golden Retriever versus Peek A Poo Golden Retriever versus Bearded Collie Golden Retriever versus Pyredoodle Golden Retriever versus Weimaraner Golden Retriever versus Bearded Collie Golden Retriever versus Canaan Dog Golden Retriever versus Scottish Terrier Golden Retriever versus American Pit Bull Terrier Golden Retriever versus Lowchen Golden Retriever versus Manchester Terrier Golden Retriever versus Papipoo Golden Retriever versus Lakeland Terrier Golden Retriever versus Belgian Tervuren Golden Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier Golden Retriever versus Sheepadoodle Golden Retriever versus Coton de Tulear Golden Retriever versus Finnish Spitz Golden Retriever versus Irish Setter Golden Retriever versus Greyhound Golden Retriever versus Rottweiler Golden Retriever versus Affenhuahua Golden Retriever versus Norwich Terrier Golden Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff Golden Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Lowchen versus Pomeranian Lowchen versus Cesky Terrier Lowchen versus Canaan Dog Lowchen versus Bull Terrier Lowchen versus Havanese Lowchen versus Irish Setter Lowchen versus Akbash Lowchen versus Berger Picard Lowchen versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Lowchen versus Labrador Retriever Lowchen versus Norwegian Buhund Lowchen versus Cesky Terrier Lowchen versus Beagle Lowchen versus Bullmastiff Lowchen versus Tibetan Spaniel Lowchen versus German Shepherd Dog Lowchen versus Leonberger Lowchen versus Chorkie Lowchen versus Pomchi Lowchen versus Cane Corso Lowchen versus Belgian Sheepdog Lowchen versus Belgian Sheepdog Lowchen versus Mastiff
Conclusion: Golden Retriever versus Lowchen. 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 Retriever and the Lowchen better suits you and your family.