English vs American Cocker Spaniel: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Did you know that there are actually two different Cocker Spaniel breeds? Unless you've taken the time to look it up before, you likely didn't know. In fact, while you'd notice some differences between an English Cocker Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel if you had them both in front of you, you still might not realize they're different breeds!

But exactly how are English and American Cocker Spaniels different from each other? We'll answer that question for you here and help you decide which one is right for you!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

English Cocker Spaniel Overview

The English Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful and loving small dog that requires a fair amount of work to raise. They come in tons of different colors, and they always seem to be happy.

While they might not look like it now, they're sporting dogs and have a tireless demeanor, meaning they're up for anything you throw at them!

Personality / Character

The English Cocker Spaniel is an outstanding family dog that gets along great with just about anyone. They're outstanding therapy dogs and they generally get along great with any other pets you bring into the home.

Of course, each English Cocker Spaniel will have its own personality you'll have to adjust to, but with the proper acclimation, there's no reason they can't get along with just about everyone! The English Cocker Spaniel is also extremely smart and eager to please, so you can usually train them for a wide range of tasks.

Physical Traits

The most significant differences between an English Cocker Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel come down to their physical appearance. English Cocker Spaniels tend to stand a bit taller, but they're also a bit heavier, giving them a more square-like appearance.

English Cocker Spaniels have a shorter coat, but compared to many genuine short-coat breeds, it's still pretty long. Finally, English Cocker Spaniels have longer muzzles than American Cocker Spaniels.

Health & Care

While English Cocker Spaniels are generally pretty healthy breeds, they have a few genetic conditions you'll need to look out for. These health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

You can help minimize the chance of your English Cocker Spaniel developing these conditions by going to a reputable breeder and taking your pup to a vet for regular visits.

Suitable for:

It's hard to find a family that an English Cocker Spaniel isn't suitable for. They require a bit of work, but if you have the time and energy for them, they're great companions for just about anyone. They're outstanding family dogs, get along great with other pets, and they're even a great choice if you live by yourself. If you're looking at getting a dog, you can't go wrong with an English Cocker Spaniel.

American Cocker Spaniel Overview

The American Cocker Spaniel, or just the "Cocker Spaniel" in America, is another outstanding dog breed with one of the sweetest and most loving personalities. They're a higher-energy breed that requires a fair amount of work to care for, but their charming personalities make them well worth it.

Personality / Character

Whether it's an American Cocker Spaniel or an English Cocker Spaniel, they have loving personalities. The American Cocker Spaniel gets along with just about everyone, including small children and other four-legged pets.

They're large enough that small kids can't easily hurt them, but they're not so large that they will accidentally knock them over. American Cocker Spaniels make great therapy dogs, just keep in mind they have a higher energy level.

American Cocker Spaniels love having tasks to complete, so keep this in mind before getting one. Finally, keep in mind that every dog will have their own personality, so you'll still want to meet and greet an American Cocker Spaniel before bringing them into your home.

Physical Traits

While the American Cocker Spaniel is similar to the English Cocker Spaniel in a lot of ways, they do have significant differences regarding their appearance. For starters, the American Cocker Spaniel is shorter and longer than the English Cocker Spaniel.

Furthermore, the American Cocker Spaniel has a longer coat than the English Cocker Spaniel, and they have a shorter muzzle. These aren't huge differences between the two breeds, but if you know what you're looking for, it's pretty noticeable.

Health & Care

The American Cocker Spaniel is generally a healthy breed, especially if you get them from a reputable breeder, but there are a few health concerns you should keep an eye on. These problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and various eye conditions.

Getting your American Cocker Spaniel from a reputable breeder and ensuring they get regular checkups from a vet can help you avoid these issues with your pup.

Suitable for:

Just like it's hard to find a situation where an English Cocker Spaniel isn't a great choice, the same thing is true for American Cocker Spaniels. They're extremely loving and easygoing dogs, and they get along great with kids and other pets.

But while they get along great with everyone, they don't need to be around a ton of different people. If you're looking at getting a dog, you won't regret getting an American Cocker Spaniel.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The truth is that if you can't decide between getting an English or an American Cocker Spaniel, there isn't a wrong choice. They both have the same charming and loving personalities, and the only thing you need to decide is which one you like more!

Find the one you like the best, track down a great breeder, and then enjoy your new pup. Whether it's an English or an American Cocker Spaniel, you're getting a dog you can love for years to come.

• Related Read: Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: (L) Kristina Chizhmar, Shutterstock | (R) MVolodymyr, Shutterstock