History of American and English Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were originally considered to be the same breed, but over time, they have developed into distinct breeds with different characteristics.
The English Cocker Spaniel, was originally bred as a hunting dog in the United Kingdom in the 19th century, and was used primarily to hunt small game such as woodcock, but also pheasants and ducks. They were known for their stamina and endurance, as well as their ability to flush and retrieve game birds. They were very popular in the UK and were considered to be versatile hunters, able to work in a variety of terrains.
On the other hand, American Cocker Spaniels were developed in the United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as companion dogs. They were bred to be smaller, more compact and with a more luxurious coat than their English counterparts. They were bred to suit the American lifestyle, which required a less active and demanding dog that would fit well in homes and apartments.
As a result of these different breeding practices, the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel developed into two distinct breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and purpose. American Cocker Spaniels have become known for their friendliness, trainability, and affectionate nature, while English Cocker Spaniels have retained many of the characteristics that made them excellent hunting dogs, such as their endurance, stamina, and versatility.
Difference Between American and English Cocker Spaniel
The main difference between American and English Cocker Spaniels is their physical appearance, temperament, and history.
In terms of physical appearance, American Cocker Spaniels are generally smaller and have a more compact build compared to English Cocker Spaniels. American Cocker Spaniels also have a shorter, rounder head and a shorter, more tightly curled tail. They also have a shorter muzzle, and rounder eyes compared to English Cocker.
In terms of temperament, American Cocker Spaniels tend to have a more energetic and playful personality, while English Cocker Spaniels are known to be more laid-back and reserved. American Cocker also requires more exercise and grooming than the English one.
In terms of history, the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were originally considered to be the same breed, but they were developed and evolved in different ways. English Cocker Spaniels were primarily used as hunting dogs, while American Cocker Spaniels were bred to be companion dogs. Over time, these distinct breeding practices led to the development of two distinct breeds: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel, each with its own unique characteristics.
It is important to note that both breeds are still considered to be Cocker Spaniels, but with different characteristics. While both breeds can make great pets, it is important to research and understands the differences between them before bringing a dog into your home, so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Physical characteristics
In terms of physical characteristics, American Cocker Spaniels are generally smaller than English Cocker Spaniels. They typically weigh between 14 to 18 pounds and stand at about 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. In comparison, English Cocker Spaniels typically weigh between 26 to 34 pounds and stand at about 14.5 to 15.5 inches tall at the shoulder. American Cocker Spaniels have a shorter and more compact build, with shorter legs and a rounder body shape.
Both breeds have a distinctive, long, and silky coat, which is wavy or slightly curled, but the American Cocker Spaniel’s coat is typically longer and more luxurious than the English Cocker Spaniel. They come in variety of colors, including black, brown, tan, and golden. American Cocker Spaniels have more variety in coat color than English Cocker.
In terms of facial features, American Cocker Spaniels have a rounder head shape and a shorter muzzle compared to English Cocker Spaniels. They also have a rounder and more wide-set eyes and shorter, more tightly curled tail. English Cocker Spaniel has a more refined head, a longer muzzle and more oval shaped eyes.
Both breeds have long drooping ears, but the ears of an American Cocker Spaniel are typically longer and have more feathering, or hair, than the ears of an English Cocker Spaniel. They also have a more expressive face, giving them a “cute” look.
Temperament and personality
In terms of temperament and personality, American Cocker Spaniels are known to be more energetic and playful, while English Cocker Spaniels are known to be more laid-back and reserved. American Cocker Spaniels are known to be very social and affectionate with their owners, and they enjoy being around people and other animals. They have a strong desire to please and be trained, so they can be relatively easy to train and are good with children and other pets.
On the other hand, English Cocker Spaniels have a more independent personality, they are also affectionate with their owners, but not as dependent as American Cocker. They are more reserved and less likely to be as outgoing and sociable as the American Cocker Spaniel. They can be a bit more reserved around strangers but they can be equally good with children and other pets.
Both breeds are intelligent and eager to please, but American Cocker Spaniels tend to have a higher energy level and require more exercise, while English Cocker Spaniels are more content to relax at home. American Cockers can have a tendency to be more vocal than English Cockers, but with proper training, both breeds can learn to control their barking.
It’s important to keep in mind that each dog is an individual and may not fit perfectly into the typical characteristics of their breed. Socialization, training and proper care can play a big role in shaping the temperament of a dog.
Health concerns
Both American and English Cocker Spaniels are generally healthy breeds, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
American Cocker Spaniels may be more prone to certain health problems than English Cocker Spaniels, such as hip dysplasia, a common inherited disorder that affects the hip joint, leading to arthritis and lameness. They are also more likely to develop certain eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which can lead to blindness. Additionally, American Cocker Spaniels can have a high risk of developing skin allergies, which can cause itching and scratching, as well as ear infections, due to their long and floppy ears.
English Cocker Spaniels are generally considered to be a hardier and healthier breed, they can be prone to certain health problems as well, such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. They are also more prone to certain genetic conditions that affects the liver and the blood known as Copper Toxicosis, and also Glaucoma.
Conclusion
In terms of physical appearance, American Cocker Spaniels have a rounder head shape, a shorter muzzle, rounder and more widely set eyes and shorter, more tightly curled tail. English Cocker Spaniel has a more refined head, a longer muzzle and more oval shaped eyes.
In terms of temperament and personality, American Cocker Spaniels are more outgoing, sociable and affectionate with their owners, and have a stronger desire to please and be trained. English Cocker Spaniels are more independent and reserved, but still affectionate and good with their owners.
In terms of purpose and history, American Cocker Spaniels were bred to be companion dogs in the United States, while English Cocker Spaniels were bred to be hunting dogs in the United Kingdom.
Both breeds can be prone to certain health problems, so it’s important to research the genetic history of the individual dog and any known health concerns in the family line when buying or adopting a dog. It’s also important to consider the specific characteristics of the breed, as well as your own lifestyle and preferences when choosing a pet.
