The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most exciting dog breeds that exist. Even in Brazil, the Spaniel is among the most popular dog breeds in Brazilian homes. Still, many people do not know that this medium-sized animal breed can have two presentations: the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. Even though the English Spaniel is more easily recognizedWhen you think of a Cocker puppy, it's still possible to confuse it with the American Spaniel. Today, you'll find out exactly how to differentiate between the Cocker types!

English X American Cocker Spaniel: appearance has similarities and differences

Understanding why the two types of Cocker are so often confused is simple: they are, in fact, quite similar. Physically, one of the main hallmarks of the English and American Cocker Spaniel is their long, droopy ears. In addition, both the American Cocker and the English Spaniel have well rounded heads and eyes. However, there are other distinct characteristics that make them breeds alikeComparing the American and English Cocker Spaniel, a difference in size can be noticed. The American Cocker is smaller than the English Spaniel: while the former is usually 36 cm, the latter is usually around 40 cm.

In addition, the coat of the American Spaniel dog is smoother and longer, while that of the English Cocker Spaniel is a bit shorter and wavy. Both have silky coats, but the American Spaniel's hair tends to grow faster. The muzzle is also a clear difference between the two types of Cocker: photos show that the English Spaniel's is thick and elongated, well proportioned to its size.The American Cocker Spaniel, made famous in the movie "Lady and the Tramp", has a rounded head and a shorter muzzle.

Both the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel have a huge variety of colors. Among them, which are common to both, we can highlight: black, gold, blue, orange, liver, brown, black and white, black and cinnamon and many other combinations.

The two Cocker Spaniel dog breeds have quite a lot in common

The personality of the English and American Cocker Spaniel is what makes separation more difficult, as they are both docile, friendly and full of energy to spare. Even though both types of Cocker were developed for hunting dog work, they both adapt very well to life as companion dogs, as they are also super attached to their owners and loving.

Curiosity and restlessness, however, have not been put aside with the development of the "domesticated" side of the breeds. On the contrary, these can still be considered two of the main characteristics of a Cocker Spaniel. Like the American Cocker, English is also playful and full of energy. Therefore, it is important that in both cases there is no lack of play. Both variations of the breed loveplaying in the water!

Docile, the Cocker loves to be with the family and are dogs that get along well with children, as well as other animals too, but the socialization process from an early age is important. They also do not like to be alone and need the attention of the guardian. The Cocker Spaniel dog is also very intelligent, which makes them easy to train.

English Cocker Spaniel: the "original" version of the breed

The most popular version of the Cocker Spaniel here in Brazil, the English Cocker was the first of the two breeds to be developed. As its name makes clear, the English Cocker Spaniel dog came from Britain around the 17th century, where it served as a hunting dog for birds - the hunting instinct is stronger in them than in the American Cocker Spaniel. However, there are theories that the English Cocker Spaniel was born in the United Kingdom.The Cocker Spaniel actually originated in Spain and only later went to England, where it developed and became popular. It would have been there where the Cocker Spaniel got its name.

American Cocker Spaniel: the younger and smaller brother

The Cocker Spaniel that comes from the United States is a slightly smaller version than the original. It was also bred to be a hunting dog, but has a lighter instinct than the English. It is believed that some specimens of the English Cocker were taken to the United States from the 1800s. There, they underwent some changes, giving rise to the American Spaniel that we know today.Therefore, the American Cocker Spaniel can be considered a variation - or a younger sibling - of the English Cocker Spaniel. The two types of Cocker were considered one breed until 1946, when they were finally registered as different.

The health of the American Spaniel and English Spaniel needs special care for the ears

Cocker Spaniel ears need extra care. Because they are stuffy and, at the same time, leave the most superficial part of the animal's ear structure very exposed, it is necessary to clean the dog's ear frequently. It is also important to always take the animal to the vet for a check-up and watch for signs of discomfort and pain in your friend. In addition to canine otitis, theThe American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel also have a high tendency to develop eye, spine, elbow and knee problems (dysplasia is common). The Spaniel's diet is also important in the care of the animal's health. The Cocker puppy needs age-specific food, as do seniors and adults. This ensures that they have a good diet.immune system, as the feed has the nutrients needed for each stage of life.

Spaniels need special care, especially for their coat

Coat: Spaniel puppies' hair needs constant brushing to avoid knots. Grooming also needs a certain frequency, but each type of Cocker should be groomed at a different interval. Grooming can be done at intervals of a month to a month and a half in the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker Spaniel, on the other hand, has hair that grows faster, so it is worth itestablish shorter intervals between groomings so that the comfort of the animal is preserved. Like the English, the American Cocker also needs frequent grooming.

Teeth: Whether American or English dog breeds, teeth need special attention. Brushing needs to be daily, preferably, to avoid the appearance of tartar, cavities and other problems related to oral health.

Eyes: The eyes of the American Cocker and English Cocker also need special care. In both breeds of Spaniel, there is a tendency to problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Therefore, frequent visits to the veterinarian are necessary to have a follow-up and examinations up to date.

Nails: The English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel need to have their nails trimmed frequently. As they are playful dogs, there is always a risk of getting hurt at play if the nails are too big and sharp.

Food and exercise: Spaniel puppies have a lot of energy, so they need frequent activities to prevent them from showing destructive behavior. Maintaining an exercise routine is essential. In addition, it is important to know the best food for Cocker Spaniel. Ideally, the food should be according to the age of the animal and in an amount appropriate to its size - which, in both types of Cocker, is medium.It is worth talking to your vet to find out exactly how much and how many times a day to give.

Find out how much an English Spaniel and an American Spaniel costs

Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Spaniel have a similar average price. The Cocker puppy, of both types, is usually found between R $ 1000 and R $ 4000. However, there are places where the values are higher than that. The main thing before buying a Cocker is to make sure it is a reliable kennel, which guarantees well-being and quality of life for the animal. Adopting Cocker Spaniel is a good way to help your pet.another option for those who want to have one of these two types of Spaniel so docile and passionate as a best friend.

English Cocker Spaniel X-ray: learn about the breed's characteristics

• Porte: Medium
• Average height: 40 cm
• Average weight: 13 to 15 Kg
• Coat: A little shorter and wavier
• Colors: Black, gold, blue, orange, liver, brown, black and white, black and cinnamon, etc.
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years

American Cocker Spaniel X-ray: learn about the characteristics of the American version

• Porte: Medium
• Average height: 36 cm
• Average weight: 11 to 13Kg
• Coat: Smooth and long
• Colors: Black, gold, blue, orange, liver, brown, black and white, black and cinnamon, etc.
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years