Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel: what’s the difference?

The Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel. No, we’re not talking about the next biggest boxing match, while these spaniels are working dogs, they are lovers, not fighters. The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest sporting dog in the world - a furry little companion who is a bit of a jack of all trades. Zoomies around a muddy field? No problem. Snuggles by the fire? Your pooch thought you’d never ask. That’s not too far from the truth for our slightly bigger Springer Spaniel either - Springers are true country bumpkins that love a good sniff around with their pet parents in tow.

What’s the difference between a Cocker Spaniel and a Springer Spaniel? 

Despite being of the same ilk, the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel have their differences - most noticeably in terms of looks. Springers are generally heavier and bigger than Cocker Spaniels and their muscular bodies make them excellent working dogs. Cockers are the smaller and fluffier of the two but are still little hunting dogs at heart. Now, whether you can tell the difference between a Cocker Spaniel and a Springer Spaniel or not, what do you know about their origins? 

Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel History

You’ll kick yourself if you didn’t see this one coming - historians believe that spaniels originated in… Spain. While that makes total unsurprising sense, you may not know quite how long these ancient doggies have been around. Spaniels were globetrotting across the Mediterranean on Roman merchant ships long before ending up on British soil in the fourth century AD. Centuries later, various different spaniels were depicted in paintings and prints across Europe, and the 17th century saw “spaniel ears” as the favoured hairstyle of the era (a trend we really hope doesn’t come back around!).

By the 18th century, spaniels were well-established as working dogs. “Land spaniels” like the Cocker and Springer Spaniels were used to flush out prey from the undergrowth so hunters could catch game with their nets. A century later, spaniels like these become known as “gun dogs”, favoured for their clever ability to hunt and retrieve next to their gun-wielding humans. 

Soon after this, distinctions between different types of spaniels began to emerge. The Cocker Spaniel, named after the woodcock birds it was known for hunting, was recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1892. By 1940, two varieties of the Cocker had emerged - the American and English. 

In a similar fashion, the Springer Spaniel was given its name because of its ability to catch prey by surprise - literally “springing” on it. In 1902 the English Kennel Club recognised the English Springer Spaniel, and four years later the Welsh Springer was registered at the American Kennel Club.

Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel looks 

Being more like distant cousins than twins, Springer and Cocker Spaniels have features unique to each breed. One of the largest breeds of spaniel, Springers can be athletic and lean, weighing up to 50 pounds and approximately 19-20 inches tall. The smaller Cocker Spaniel weighs 20-30 pounds and is 13-15 inches tall. 

The easiest way to spot a Cocker from a Springer is to take a quick look at its coat. Cocker Spaniels can have varying colours from solid black, brown and gold to blue and lemon roans. According to the American Kennel Club, Springer Spaniels should never have a solid coat - their coats should always be a combination of black, white, red, and liver. Fun fact - the prominence of white in a Springer Spaniel’s coat makes it easier for hunters to keep an eye on them (unless they’ve got a muddy camouflage, of course). 

Along with shorter ears and longer muzzles, Springer Spaniels also have short fur with feathering around their legs and tummies. They have an undercoat which means they are well-equipped for getting out whatever the weather, whereas Cockers have fluffy single-layered coats - styles can vary, of course, with so many Spaniel haircuts to choose from. Both breeds need regular brushing to keep their fur in tip-top condition, and it’s worth taking them to the groomers every once in a while.

Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel personality

Both working and show spaniels are intelligent, loyal and eager to please. They will dote on their loved ones whether they are part of an adoring family or working hard in the fields. As their working history suggests, these doggies have lots of energy and need a good amount of exercise. It’s important to give them lots of opportunities to let off steam, so walk them in areas where you can let them off the lead to have a good sniff around. 

A working Springer will love getting their nose to the ground and a bit of rain and wet weather will not deter them! Show Springer Spaniels may look a little more refined, but that working dog instinct will come out if you’re out in the county (or in the vicinity of a pheasant!). Working Cocker Spaniels can be just as adventurous as Springers, and both will enjoy endless games of fetch, lots of running around, and agility training. 

While Springers and Cockers have similar energy levels, Cocker Spaniels generally fare better when left alone for long periods of time. Springer Spaniels may suffer from separation anxiety so they are better suited to pet parents who can bring them along on all their adventures. 

Springer Spaniel or Cocker Spaniel - which is right for you? 

We get it, they’re both super cute. But if you’re thinking about becoming a dog owner there are lots of things you need to think about. Both types of spaniels are easy to train, but they have lots of energy that needs somewhere to go (even if that means trying to swim in a muddy puddle!). 

Cocker Spaniels are easy to train making them popular family pets. You will find them with single-coloured coats and big puppy dog eyes, and their small size makes them much better suited to small homes than Springers. 

But if you’re looking for a hunting dog by day, family dog by night, the Springer Spaniel is really the one that “springs” to mind. They love nothing more than to test their outdoorsy skills - pegging it to the end of the field and tearing through the bracken on the scent of something interesting. 

One thing is clear though - life will be much more exciting with either of these popular spaniel breeds at home. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance pooch, check out which dog breed is the easiest to take care of. 

Want the best of both worlds?

If you're crazy for Cockers and star-studded about Spaniels, then learn about the adorable mix of these two breeds in our guide to Sprocker Spaniels.