Why the Doberman Pinscher is Better than the Golden Cocker Retriever as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Doberman Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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

Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever

FactorDoberman PinscherGolden Cocker Retriever
Tolerates Cold Weather1/52/5
Dog Friendly1/54/5
General Health1/54/5
Low Prey Drive5/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/53/5
Life Span10 to 13 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/52/5
Height24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/51/5
Good For Novice Owners3/54/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/52/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight60 to 80 pounds30 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan11.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1910$1690
Price Range$1100 – $2500$1400 – $1750
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is 81 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 Doberman Pinscher is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get a Doberman Pinscher!

    Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most different:

  • Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
  • Doberman Pinschers have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    The Doberman Pinscher weighs 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. The Doberman Pinscher is 24 to 28 inches tall 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 Doberman Pinscher versus Size of Golden Cocker Retriever

    Lifespan of Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is 11.5 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 Doberman Pinscher.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Doberman Pinscher Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $1910 $1690
    Price Range $1100 to $2500 $1400 to $1750

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. 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 Doberman Pinscher 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.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Doberman Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Doberman Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    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 Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Doberman Pinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Doberman Pinscher or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Doberman Pinscher versus Chow Chow     Doberman Pinscher versus Lakeland Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Doberman Pinscher versus Chinook     Doberman Pinscher versus Puli     Doberman Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer     Doberman Pinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog     Doberman Pinscher versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Manchester Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Belgian Tervuren     Doberman Pinscher versus Portuguese Water Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Cane Corso     Doberman Pinscher versus Irish Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Shih Tzu     Doberman Pinscher versus Akita Chow     Doberman Pinscher versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Doberman Pinscher versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.