Why you Should Get the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Instead of the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and for the Golden Cocker Retriever. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.

On the other hand, the Golden Cocker Retriever belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

FactorCavalier King Charles SpanielGolden Cocker Retriever
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Height12 to 13 inches at the shoulder20 to 24 inches
Weight13 to 18 pounds30 to 45 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/52/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Easy To Groom4/54/5
General Health4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Good For Novice Owners5/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Life Span9 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan12.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$2410$1690
Price Range$1800 – $3000$1400 – $1750
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Golden Cocker Retriever. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125.

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Golden Cocker Retriever weighs 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. The Golden Cocker Retriever is 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Size of Golden Cocker Retriever

    Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Golden Cocker Retriever is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Golden Cocker Retriever is 13.5 years.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Price of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is $2410. The price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be as low as $300 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1216 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy is $1690. The price of the Golden Cocker Retriever typically ranges from $1400 – $1750. However, the price of the Golden Cocker Retriever can be as low as $500 and as high as $3975. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 68 Golden Cocker Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $2410 $1690
    Price Range $1800 to $3000 $1400 to $1750

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Golden Cocker Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies or how many Golden Cocker Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy or the Golden Cocker Retriever 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.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    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.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Cavalier King Charles 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 a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds aside from the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chihuahua     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Maltipoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus English Setter     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chi-Poo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bernedoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Afador     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pyredoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Yorkipoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus French Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.