Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  English Springer Spaniel |  English Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | England | United Kingdom |
| Group | Gundog | Gundog |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Coat | Medium length, flat or wavy, weather resistant double coat with feathering | Silky, flat or slightly wavy coat with feathering |
| Weight | 18 to 25 kg | 12 to 16 kg |
| Height | 46 to 56 cm | 38 to 43 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 yrs | 12 to 14 yrs |
| Exercise need | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Barking | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Trainability | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Copes alone | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 2/10 | 2/10 |
| Shedding | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Running cost | €108 / month | €192 / month |
English Springer Spaniel verdict
A nose-driven, biddable gundog that needs real work for its mind and body.
Get one if
- · Active owners able to provide 90 minutes or more of varied exercise daily
- · Households keen on structured activities such as scent work, agility or gundog training
- · Families with children who enjoy outdoor play and can supervise a boisterous young dog
Think again if
- · Owners wanting a low exercise, sedentary companion breed
- · Households unable to commit regular time to training recall around scent distractions
- · Anyone unwilling to groom a feathered coat several times weekly
English Cocker Spaniel verdict
A merry, affectionate gundog with a soft, silky coat and a nose that never switches off.
Get one if
- · Active families who enjoy daily walks
- · Owners keen on scent work or gundog training
- · Households able to provide company for most of the day
Think again if
- · Owners who need to leave a dog alone for long hours
- · Households unwilling to manage a moderate grooming routine
- · Owners wanting a naturally calm, low energy dog