Dog breed comparison
Cocker Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The English Springer Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Cocker Spaniel tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cocker Spaniel | English Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 14 inches to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 inches to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 24 to 28 pounds | 45 to 55 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 9 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Apartment living
The Cocker Spaniel copes better in an apartment than the English Springer Spaniel.
Exercise needs
The English Springer Spaniel needs more exercise than the Cocker Spaniel.
Good with children
The English Springer Spaniel is better with children than the Cocker Spaniel.
Energy
The English Springer Spaniel has more energy than the Cocker Spaniel.
Intelligence
The English Springer Spaniel is quicker to learn than the Cocker Spaniel.
Good with other dogs
The English Springer Spaniel gets on better with other dogs than the Cocker Spaniel.
Which to choose
Cocker Spaniel or English Springer Spaniel?
Choose the Cocker Spaniel if…
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Choose the English Springer Spaniel if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Is the Cocker Spaniel or the English Springer Spaniel bigger, and which lives longer?
The English Springer Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. The Cocker Spaniel tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Cocker Spaniel or the English Springer Spaniel?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cocker Spaniel or the English Springer Spaniel?
The English Springer Spaniel is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Cocker Spaniel can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
