Why the Pomeranian is Better than the Golden Cocker Retriever as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pomeranian 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.

Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Golden Cocker Retriever

FactorPomeranianGolden Cocker Retriever
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/52/5
Life Span12 to 16 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Kid-Friendly2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Potential For Playfulness3/55/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds30 to 45 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/53/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$2150$1690
Price Range$1500 – $2500$1400 – $1750
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Golden Cocker Retriever, we still believe that the Pomeranian is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!

    Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Pomeranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Pomeranians adapt well to apartment living. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

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

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

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 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 Pomeranian versus Size of Golden Cocker Retriever

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 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 Pomeranian live longer than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Pomeranian Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $2150 $1690
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1400 to $1750

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. 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 Pomeranian 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.

    Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

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

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Pomeranian versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Pomeranian versus English Springer Spaniel     Pomeranian versus Bearded Collie     Pomeranian versus Dogo Argentino     Pomeranian versus Jack Russell Terrier     Pomeranian versus Irish Wolfhound     Pomeranian versus Boston Terrier     Pomeranian versus Boxer     Pomeranian versus Peek A Poo     Pomeranian versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pomeranian versus Saluki     Pomeranian versus Siberian Husky     Pomeranian versus Japanese Spitz     Pomeranian versus Irish Setter     Pomeranian versus Finnish Spitz     Pomeranian versus Biewer Terrier     Pomeranian versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pomeranian versus Karelian Bear Dog     Pomeranian versus Mudi     

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