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Cocker Spaniel vs English Cocker Spaniel

Two cocker spaniels of different build; the Cocker is smaller with a heavier coat, the English Cocker taller, more active and better with children.

Cocker Spaniel profileEnglish Cocker Spaniel profile

Verdict

The Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel are close relatives with cheerful, affectionate temperaments, strong trainability and a need for regular grooming and ear care. Both shed at a moderate level and both ask for roughly an hour of exercise or less.

The Cocker is the smaller dog at 20 to 30 pounds, with the heavier coat, a gentler and more sensitive manner, and a better fit for apartments. It is rated less suited to very young children. The English Cocker is taller at 26 to 34 pounds, more active, rated better with children and has a lighter grooming load. It suits active families, hunters and anyone who likes working tasks.

Choose the Cocker Spaniel if

  • You want the smaller of the two for an apartment with a walking routine
  • You are happy to commit to heavy coat care
  • You prefer a gentle, sensitive temperament
  • Your children are older

Choose the English Cocker Spaniel if

  • You want a more active partner for hunting or outdoor life
  • You prefer a slightly lighter coat to care for
  • You have children and want a lively match for them
  • You can provide a full hour of daily exercise

Side by side

Cocker Spaniel English Cocker Spaniel
AKC group Sporting Group Sporting Group
Size class Medium Medium
Typical weight 20 to 30 lb 26 to 34 lb
Height 13.5 to 15.5 in at the shoulder 15 to 17 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 33 of 202 35 of 202
Shedding Moderate Moderate
Grooming needs Very high High
Energy Moderate High
Trainability Easy Easy
Barking Barks sometimes Barks sometimes
With children Good with supervision Very good
Apartment living Good Moderate
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Below average Average
Cold tolerance Average Average
Temperament
  • cheerful
  • gentle
  • affectionate
  • sensitive
  • merry
  • affectionate
  • alert
  • active
Health concerns to know about
  • ear infections
  • eye conditions
  • hip dysplasia
  • heart disease
  • immune-mediated disease
  • ear infections
  • progressive retinal atrophy
  • familial nephropathy
  • hip dysplasia
  • hypothyroidism
Suits
  • families with older children
  • people willing to groom
  • apartment dwellers with a walking routine
  • active families
  • hunters
  • owners who like a medium-small sporting dog

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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