DogExpress
Spaniels are a dog breed you will immediately fall in love with. Be it a cocker spaniel or springer spaniel. Be it the floppy ears, big puppy dog eyes, or even the sweet dispositions. Not falling in love with the dogs of this breed that too at first glance is not possible.
If you are looking to adopt one such dog, you will need to consider all these aspects about the dog to analyze which dog would suit your family the best. As per the AKC, 15 different spaniel dogs are recognized and are adopted globally.
Following are some detailed descriptions and noticeable differences between the most popular spaniel breeds – the cocker spaniel and the springer spaniel.
Breed Information
The cocker spaniel and springer spaniel are from Spain. Therefore, the two have a pretty similar heritage. Both were original bird hunting dogs and helpers for their respective hunters. It was during the 17th century, long before guns got invented.
When rifles came into use, especially during early hunting, these dogs never shied away to show their tremendous passion for the sport. Therefore, these breeds came to be known as ‘Gun Dogs’.
During the earlier times, spaniels were placed mainly into two classifications. They were ‘land spaniels’ and ‘water spaniels. The cocker spaniel and springer spaniel were part of the land spaniel category. Both breeds hardly have anything in common apart from slight differences in appearance and minor differences in their instincts.
As per the AKC reports, the springer spaniel is a comparatively new breed of spaniels. As per the reports, the springer got intentionally bred for a purpose. This breed could find birds that used to find shelter in the thick bushes and compel them to ‘spring’ them out of hiding.
Hence, it got its name, springer spaniel. And, the cocker spaniel got its name. They were known for hunting a bird known as the woodcock bird. Therefore, it got its name, cocker spaniel.
Appearance 
The first thing you will notice when looking at both these dogs is that the cocker spaniel is relatively small in size compared to the springer spaniel. However, upon a closer inspection, you will come across a few other differences, but they are all minor differences.
At just thirteen to fifteen inches tall and weighing between twenty to thirty pounds, the cocker spaniel is the smallest of all sporting dogs. The springer spaniel is nineteen to twenty inches in height and weighs around fifty pounds. Apart from the size, there are other differences too that are noticeable.
One such difference is seen in their famous coats. While both these dogs boast of their gorgeous and sporty looks, the cocker spaniel tends to have longer, fuller and fluffier hair. The springer spaniels have shorter fur on their bodies with feathered hair under their chest and legs.
They are available in a wide range of colors and color combinations. However, it is the cocker spaniel that appears in solid colors. Another difference is in the heads. While the springer spaniel has a long muzzle, the cocker spaniel has fluffier ears. These are a few significant differences in appearance between these two dog breeds.
Read Also: Cocker Spaniel Facts and Advice
Grooming of the Spaniels
The cocker spaniel and springer spaniel have a moderate maintenance costs. However, it’s the cocker spaniel certainly has a higher maintenance fee. There are reasons why the cocker spaniel has higher maintenance costs. Since the cocker spaniel has a longer and feathery coat, it’s obvious that the cocker spaniel would require regular brushing.
In fact, given the thickness of their coat, you should brush them regularly. It avoids the development of mats and tangles. One should avoid these mats and tangles. Once developed, it gets practically impossible to straighten them with the brush. Hence, you will have to cut them out.
Cocker spaniels need frequent bathing sessions as well, along with careful blow dries. Apart from these, Cocker spaniels require trims due to their thick and feathery coats. This trimming and brushing are advised not to do yourselves, instead get a professional groomer to do the job, as incorrect trimming might jeopardize the beautiful look of this dog.
Springer spaniels need to be brushed once a week. Although they require frequent trimming, trimming is necessitated around the head and under the tail. It is a task, which is easy enough for anyone from the family to do instead of hiring a professional.
Temperament and Training
Both cocker and springer spaniels are known to be naturally well-mannered dogs. They are the dogs with the perfect behavior. Both the breeds are loyal, eager to please, well-mannered, and generally good dispositions. Both can go from a faithful companion to working dogs within a moment’s notice.
Cocker spaniels and springer spaniels are smart and trainable. However, they tend to get distracted. During training sessions for these dogs, treats and praises work much better than harsh words or actions. Cocker spaniels are energetic, and a task given to him will keep him busy all day long unless asked to stop.
The task can be a simple one. For instance, a fetch game or even agility training. Springer spaniels are curious, and always eager to explore. Therefore, continued training is well-advised for springers. The vital difference between the two breeds is seen in their ability to be left alone.
The cocker spaniel (if well trained), can be left alone for the whole day, while the springer spaniel might suffer from separation anxiety, and therefore should not be left alone for an extended period.
in Chandigarh, India. 
