Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

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

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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer 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.

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

Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

FactorMiniature SchnauzerGolden Cocker Retriever
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds30 to 45 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years12 to 15 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 24 inches
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Good For Novice Owners3/54/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1950$1690
Price Range$1400 – $2500$1400 – $1750
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 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 Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Golden Cocker Retriever. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 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 Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Golden Cocker Retriever

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 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 Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    Miniature Schnauzer Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $1950 $1690
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $1400 to $1750

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Miniature Schnauzers 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.

    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 Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

    Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Miniature Schnauzer versus English Toy Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Miniature Schnauzer versus German Pinscher     Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pug     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dachshund     Miniature Schnauzer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Schnoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Water Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Schnauzer versus Dalmatian     Miniature Schnauzer versus Airedale Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Standard Schnauzer     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Shepherd     Miniature Schnauzer versus Mastiff     Miniature Schnauzer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Miniature Schnauzer versus Saint Berdoodle     

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