English Cocker Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel
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English Cocker Spaniel
This spaniel was bred to flush birds out of dense cover for the hunter, and the name Cocker comes from woodcock, the game it specialized in working. The silky, medium length coat with feathering on the ears and legs needs regular brushing, and those long, low hanging ears have a habit of dipping into food and water bowls, which is why many owners use specially shaped dishes. A male typically weighs around 14.5 kilograms on a compact, energetic frame. The breed is known for an unusually cheerful, tail never stops wagging temperament that has become something of its trademark. Like most spaniels, its ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections building up underneath the coat. Though bred as a hunting dog, most kept today never see fieldwork and settle comfortably into family life instead. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is considered the oldest of the sporting spaniel breeds, and its name comes from the job it does, springing game out of thick cover directly toward the hunter's gun. The flat or wavy, medium-length, weatherproof coat with feathering on the legs and ears lets it work both field and water. Males weigh around 25 kilograms, with a compact, agile build that holds up for a full day outdoors. It's one of the most popular hunting breeds in the UK and is also widely used as a detection dog for drugs or explosives thanks to its keen nose. Energy levels run high, and without enough exercise the dog tends to grow restless indoors. Temperament runs friendly, and it gets along well with children. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.
At a glance
| English Cocker Spaniel | English Springer Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 39.0–41.0 cm | 48.0–56.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 13.0–14.5 kg | 20.0–25.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 yrs | 12–14 yrs |
| Coat | flat, silky, medium-length coat with feathering | flat or wavy, medium-length, weatherproof coat with feathering |
Temperament & Family Life
| English Cocker Spaniel | English Springer Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| English Cocker Spaniel | English Springer Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| English Cocker Spaniel | English Springer Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| English Cocker Spaniel | English Springer Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.