English Springer Spaniel vs English Cocker Spaniel
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| English Springer Spaniel | English Cocker Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Medium | Medium |
| Adult weight | 18.1 to 22.7 kg | 11.8 to 15.4 kg |
| In pounds | 40 to 50 lb | 26 to 34 lb |
| Adult height | 48 to 51 cm | 38 to 43 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate | High |
| Coat | Medium double | Medium to long double |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good with children | Fine with supervision | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Usually good | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | Great Britain |
The main differences
- The English Springer Spaniel is the bigger dog: 18.1 to 22.7 kg against 11.8 to 15.4 kg for the English Cocker Spaniel.
- The English Springer Spaniel needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the English Cocker Spaniel.
- The English Cocker Spaniel takes more grooming (high) than the English Springer Spaniel (moderate).
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 14 years for the English Springer Spaniel and 12 to 14 years for the English Cocker Spaniel.
- With children, the English Cocker Spaniel is rated reliably good and the English Springer Spaniel fine with supervision.
Temperament
English Springer Spaniel: Friendly, obedient and playful, the English Springer Spaniel is a tough, muscular gundog with a kindly, trusting expression and mannerly household manners.
English Cocker Spaniel: Gentle and affectionate, yet full of life and exuberance, with a merry nature and ever-wagging tail.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
English Springer Spaniel
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, which breeding stock should be x-rayed for under the hip and elbow scoring schemes
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Other hereditary disorders that are usually not life threatening and can be managed, which the breed club health scheme lists in full
English Cocker Spaniel
- Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Familial nephropathy (FN), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Adult-onset neuropathy (AON), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Hip dysplasia, which breeding stock should be hip scored by x-ray before mating
Common questions
Which is bigger, the English Springer Spaniel or the English Cocker Spaniel?
The English Springer Spaniel. Adults weigh 18.1 to 22.7 kg, against 11.8 to 15.4 kg for the English Cocker Spaniel, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the English Springer Spaniel or the English Cocker Spaniel?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 14 years for the English Springer Spaniel and 12 to 14 years for the English Cocker Spaniel. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the English Springer Spaniel or the English Cocker Spaniel better with children?
The English Cocker Spaniel scores higher for children (3 against 5 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- royalkennelclub.com for the Royal Kennel Club exercise or grooming band, used where it asks for more than the AKC score