Cocker Spaniels are one of the best dog breeds for working and as a family pet because of their intelligence, loyalty, and energy, which make them great companions for children.
However, there are two distinct breeds of cocker spaniels: the English cocker spaniel and the American cocker spaniel. A common misunderstanding in recent years was that English and American Cocker Spaniels were descended from the same parentage.
When it became clear that American Cocker Spaniels were fundamentally different from English Cocker Spaniels in temperament, the decision was made to separate the two breeds as distinct entities.
English Cocker Spaniel Vs. American Cocker Spaniel
A leash is a must while walking a dog outside due to the energetic nature of the English Cocker Spaniel and its strong hunting instincts. In contrast, the American Cocker Spaniel has a shorter life expectancy of 11 years and requires more frequent bathing.
English Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are classified as gun dogs. The English cocker spaniel is regarded as a loyal, caring, athletic, well-balanced, and intelligent family companion with a high level of awareness and intellect. The English cocker spaniel has dark brown eyes and long, luxuriant ears that lie close to the head. There are two types of English cocker spaniels: those used for hunting and those for display.
In North America, the English cocker spaniel’s tail may be docked. When breeding English cocker spaniels for the field, the tails of the dogs are docked roughly 4-5 inches long, whereas the tails of the show dogs are docked closer to the body.
South Africa and Australia have also legalized docking. Both the male and female English cocker spaniels are around 15.5 to 16 inches tall. In terms of weight, the English cocker spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a well-balanced disposition and mobility.
Brown, black, red-orange, white with white ticking, and white with black pigmentation are just a few of the many colors that an English cocker spaniel may have. The English cocker spaniel is said to have a jovial disposition.
Skin allergies, deafness, heart murmurs, and benign tumors are all possible health issues for the English cocker spaniel. Rage syndrome, a condition in which dogs attack violently and without warning, may affect English cocker spaniels. The average lifespan of an English cocker spaniel is between 11 and 12 years.
American Cocker Spaniel
The American cocker spaniel is a breed of dog that is mostly used for hunting and other activities. The smallest of the sports dog breeds is this one. The ears, the torso, and the legs of this canine are all clothed in silky hair. The nose of an American cocker spaniel is tipped upward, as are the dog’s drooping ears. Approximately 15.5 inches tall in males, the American cocker spaniel stands around 14.5 inches tall in females. They weigh between 11 and 14 kg.
In addition to black, tan, and partial colors, American cocker spaniels are available in a wide range of colors. The merle hue of the American cocker spaniel is also available (which is a genetic pattern). Captain, a brown and white dog, was the first known American cocker spaniel in 1878. The American cocker spaniel is now regarded as the oldest breed of dog in the United States.
The American cocker spaniel is regarded as a kind and loving companion that gets along well with children and their families. Rather from being seen as a working dog, it is considered as a fun and witty pet. Most of these dogs were formerly used for hunting but today they’re more often seen as pets.
Deafness, glaucoma, dilated cardiomyopathy, ear infections, and infections in the eyes are all common health concerns for American cocker spaniels. Rage syndrome, cataracts, and canine epilepsy may also affect them. More than ten years is the average life expectancy of an American cocker spaniel, too.
Difference Between English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel
- A typical English cocker spaniel weighs between 26 and 34 pounds and is between 15 and 17 inches tall. The American cocker spaniel weighs between 20 and 30 pounds, is between 13.5 and 15.5 inches tall, and has a smaller head and body.
- Cocker spaniels from England have a more slender head than their American counterparts. The American cocker spaniel’s head is formed like a dome.
- In addition to having larger eyes and a longer nose, the English cocker spaniel also has ears that are so long they rest on the dog’s paws. Their nose is smaller, their ears are shorter, and their eyes are narrower in an American cocker spaniel.
- With an English cocker spaniel’s coat, the length is shorter and the texture is silkier. Longer and heavier in texture, an American cocker spaniel coat is unique to American breeds.
- For outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, consider bringing an English cocker spaniel. Compared to other breeds, American cocker spaniels prefer spending time inside.
Conclusion
One of the most popular dog breeds in the world is the Cocker Spaniel. It is known as the Cocker Spaniel since it refers to the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel, two distinct species. It may not be obvious at first glance that the English and American Cocker Spaniels have somewhat distinct traits.
While the English Cocker Spaniel has a strong hunting instinct, the American Cocker Spaniel lacks this trait, making it an excellent choice for families who prefer to spend their time indoors rather than outdoors, whereas the English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent choice for families who prefer to spend their time outdoors and are always ready to discover new places and parks because the English Cocker Spaniel has this trait.
Because this article effectively highlights the differences between these two main canine breeds and mentions the various situations these two canine breeds are best suited for, the audience has a better knowledge and eliminates any doubts they may have had about these two canine breeds.