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9 Key Features That Separate The English And American Cocker Spaniels

9 Key Features That Separate The English And American Cocker Spaniels

The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular breeds in the world. In fact, these pups rank 29th in popularity out of 193 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

However, not far behind, in 52nd place, is the English Cocker Spaniel. These two sporting breed members share the same early roots, which might explain why these biddable and merry compact sporting dogs are often mistaken for one another.

The American Cocker Spaniel and The English Cocker Spaniel are loyal and fun-loving dog breeds with much in common. But, while they have similarities, there is a clear distinction between the two breeds.

In our English vs. American Cocker Spaniel guide, we aim to bring you closer to both of these breeds and reveal all the things that separate them. So, read on to find out what the differences are between the two varieties of Cocker Spaniels and figure out which one is better for you!

1. English Cocker Spaniel Overview

old dog of the English cocker spaniel breed lies in the green grass
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An English Cocker Spaniel belongs to the breed of gun dogs. English Cockers are considered faithful, compassionate, athletic, well-balanced, and determined family pets that are said to have great alertness and intelligence. 

The eyes of English Cockers are dark, and they have close-lying and lush ears, and these dogs can either be show dogs or field dogs.

The tail of the English Cocker can be docked in North America. The field-bred English Cocker’s tail is docked to about four to five inches, and for show dogs, the tail is docked very close to the dog’s body. Tail docking is also made legal in Australia and South Africa. 

The male pups of this breed are about 15.5 to 17 inches tall, and female ones are about 15 to 15.5 inches in height. Both genders of this breed weigh around 26 to 34 pounds, and they are considered to be dogs of balanced temperament and movement.

English Cockers can come in various hues like red-golden, black, brown, as well as partly colored like brown and white ticked, white with black pigmentation, orange with black pigmentation, etc. The English Cocker Spaniel is said to have a cheerful and merry nature.

English Cockers are prone to health problems such as skin allergies, heart murmurs, benign tumors, and deafness. The English Cocker Spaniel breed may also face an issue called rage syndrome, which means the dog may attack viciously without any warning. English Cockers have a lifespan of about eleven to twelve years.

2. American Cocker Spaniel Overview

brown American Cocker Spaniel in the garden
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American Cocker Spaniels belong to a breed of sport dogs, and are considered to be the smallest in the group. These dogs are covered with silky fur at the ears and throughout the body, extending to their legs. 

The ears of American Cockers hang down, and they have an upturned nose. Males of this breed are around 15.5 inches tall while the female American Cockers are 13 inches in height. They typically weigh between 24 and 28 pounds.

American Cockers also come in numerous hues such as tan and black, and they can also be partly colored. Also, these dogs can come in a color called merle, which is technically a genetic color pattern.

The first-ever American Cocker Spaniel was a brown and white dog named Captain, in the year 1878. Today, the American Cocker Spaniel is considered to be the oldest breed of dogs in the USA.

The American variety of Cocker Spaniels is considered to be a friendly, gentle-natured pet that gets along great with both adults and kids. They are not viewed as working dogs, but rather as merry and intelligent pups. American Cockers were once hunting dogs, and now, most of them are show dogs.

American Cocker Spaniels also face health issues such as glaucoma, dilated cardiomyopathy, ear infections, deafness, and eye infections. They are also prone to rage syndrome, canine epilepsy, and cataracts. American Cockers also have a life expectancy of around ten to eleven years.

3. They Differ In Size

English Cocker Spaniel
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American Cocker Spaniels are somewhat smaller than their English counterparts. American Cockers are 13 to 15 inches tall, and have a weight of between 24 and 28 pounds while their English relatives weigh between 26 and 34 pounds, and are 15 to 17 inches tall.

4. The Difference In Head Shape Is Actually Visible

The dog is standing in the garden on the green grass.
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American Cocker Spaniels have a rounder head, with bigger and rounder eyes placed more to the front of their face. 

The English Cocker’s eyes are set more on the sides of their muzzles, which are longer than the American’s. Also, English Cocker Spaniels have distinctively longer ears.

5. Coat Length And Colors?

blue roan cocker spaniels
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The American Cocker Spaniel sports a long coat while the English Cocker Spaniel’s coat is medium-length. An American Cocker’s coat also has more feathering.

Both breeds’ coats come in a variety of colors, but English cockers can have any coat color without being disqualified by the AKC in the show ring. The American breed’s color requirements are more specific for dog shows.

Both English and American breeds require daily brushing, and show dogs require additional care including trimming and stripping.

6. American vs English Cocker Spaniel Temperament

a man is training a dog
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American and English Cockers have different temperaments due to their breeders’ focus on different things. English Cocker Spaniels have a much stronger prey drive as these dogs are still heavily used for this purpose in the United Kingdom.

While their American counterparts are still used in hunting in some areas of the world, these dogs have been bred more as companion dogs and for the show ring.

In any case, both breeds are known for good temperament and for being excellent family dogs, although English Cocker Spaniels can be a bit difficult if you don’t fulfill their exercise needs.

Even though they are different breeds of dogs, both English and American cockers possess a high energy level, and don’t like being left alone. They need regular exercise and someone to play with them during the day.

Both breeds do well with other dogs and pets you might have in your home, and both are great with children. But, it is always a good idea that younger children should be supervised and taught how to properly interact with canines.

7. Exercise Needs

cocker spaniels running
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English Cocker Spaniel: As a sporting breed, the English Cocker Spaniel is a dog with high energy levels and an instinctual drive to stay active. They were originally bred to be hunting companions, and as such, they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

This breed loves vigorous physical activity, including long walks, runs, hikes, and even swimming. They enjoy interactive games like fetch and retrieving, and will often run after a ball or frisbee for hours, showing no signs of slowing down.

Their love for physical stimulation is complemented by their intelligence, as they enjoy mentally engaging activities too. English Cockers thrive in environments where they can be active and entertained, making them ideal for families with active lifestyles or owners who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Without enough physical activity, they can become bored or restless, which may lead to undesirable behaviors like chewing or digging. Regular exercise is not just a luxury for these dogs—it’s a necessity for their well-being.

American Cocker Spaniel: While the American Cocker Spaniel is still an active breed, they do not require the same high-intensity exercise as their English counterparts. These dogs are more adaptable to a variety of living environments, whether in a suburban home or a city apartment.

American Cockers are content with moderate exercise, like daily walks, casual playtime in the backyard, or a trip to the park for fetch. Their energy levels are a little more manageable, and they don’t need long, exhausting runs to stay happy. However, they still enjoy engaging in playful activities, such as chasing a ball, tug-of-war, or playing with other dogs.

While exercise is important for keeping them physically fit, they are often just as content lounging with their owners on the couch after a short walk.

That said, a lack of exercise can still lead to weight gain and other health issues, so a consistent routine of play and moderate activity is essential to keeping them at their best.

8. Health Issues

cocker spaniel sleeping
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English Cocker Spaniel: The English Cocker Spaniel is generally a healthy and hardy breed, but like many dogs, they are prone to a few specific health conditions. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can cause discomfort and arthritis over time.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are key to managing this condition. Additionally, the breed is susceptible to cataracts, which can impair their vision, and ear infections, as their floppy ears tend to trap moisture and bacteria.

Regular ear cleaning is important to prevent these infections. Despite these potential health issues, with proper care, an English Cocker Spaniel can live a long and happy life.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a good exercise regimen will go a long way in preventing or managing these conditions.

American Cocker Spaniel: The American Cocker Spaniel also faces its own set of health concerns. Due to their long, droopy ears, ear infections are a common issue, much like the English Cocker.

Keeping their ears clean and dry is essential to preventing these painful infections. Another common issue in American Cockers is heart problems, particularly mitral valve disease, which affects the heart’s ability to function properly.

This breed is also more prone to eye conditions such as cataracts and retinal problems, which can cause vision impairment or blindness. American Cockers are also at risk for obesity, which can lead to other health complications, such as joint problems and heart disease.

Because of their tendency to put on weight, it’s essential to monitor their diet and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy body weight. Regular veterinary visits and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks.

9. Training And Intelligence

spaniel puppies
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English Cocker Spaniel: The English Cocker Spaniel is a highly intelligent breed, making them relatively easy to train. They enjoy learning new things, especially if it involves activities like retrieving, agility training, or scent work.

Their intelligence, combined with a strong desire to please, makes them very trainable when using positive reinforcement methods.

However, this breed is known for its independent streak, so training may require a bit of patience, especially if they get distracted by their surroundings or if they aren’t particularly motivated by the task at hand.

English Cockers excel when they are kept mentally and physically stimulated, and training sessions that include a mix of fun and challenge tend to work best.

Their independent nature also means they can sometimes be a bit stubborn, so consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successfully training them. They thrive in homes where their owners are willing to provide regular mental stimulation and variety in their training.

American Cocker Spaniel: Like their English counterparts, the American Cocker Spaniel is highly intelligent, but they tend to be more sensitive to training methods. This breed responds best to gentle, patient, and positive reinforcement techniques.

They are more eager to please than the English Cocker, which can make training a bit easier for first-time dog owners or families. However, because they are so sensitive, harsh training methods or heavy-handed corrections can cause them to become anxious or withdrawn.

Positive reinforcement, along with rewards such as treats, praise, and affection, works wonders to keep them motivated. The American Cocker is generally quick to pick up commands and tricks, and they love being the center of attention during training sessions.

Their gentle, loving nature makes them great candidates for service dog work, therapy dog roles, or even obedience competitions. They excel when their emotional needs are met, and they are trained with patience and consistency.

Bonus Fun Fact: Cocker Confusion

playful American Cocker Spaniel

Most people do not realize that there are two kinds of Cocker Spaniels, and it might have something to do with their name.

In the United States, the breed that comes in three varieties is known simply as the “Cocker Spaniel,” but everywhere else, it is known as the “American Cocker Spaniel.”

The same thing goes for the English Cocker Spaniel, but in reverse. What Americans call an English Cocker Spaniel is known simply as a “Cocker Spaniel” anywhere else in the world.

People who aren’t familiar with English Cockers know they are spaniels, but simply aren’t sure which kind.

So, they mostly guess based on colors. If the dog is a solid color, they may guess it is an American Cocker, but if it’s an open-parti (white with black, liver, or red patches), then people mostly guess it is a Springer Spaniel or an English Cocker.

The confusion only goes deeper with the even more unfamiliar roan-parti English Cockers that are white, and have colored hairs mixed together on their body with solid patches.