English Cocker

　　English and American Cocker Spaniels look very similar, and many people find it difficult to distinguish them. Even after seeing many online methods for differentiation, they remain confusing. Today, we introduce a quick way to distinguish them by focusing on height, head shape, and fur volume!

　　1. Height

　　English Cocker is larger than American Cocker: English Cocker’s height is 38-41cm, weighing 13-15kg; American Cocker’s height is 36-38cm, weighing 11-13kg.

　　2. Head

　　American Cocker has a rounder face than English Cocker: English Cocker’s forehead is longer, cheeks narrower; American Cocker’s forehead is shorter, cheeks fleshier with more noticeable drooping on both sides of the nose. Overall, American Cocker’s face seems gentler and cuter, while English Cocker’s looks tougher and more rational.

　　3. Fur Volume

　　American Cocker has more fur than English Cocker: American Cocker’s fur is very abundant, especially on the lower body where the hair can grow long and, after grooming, resembles a silky large skirt. English Cocker’s fur is neater in comparison.

　　To summarize: English Cocker is larger, with a longer face and less fur volume; the opposite is true for American Cocker.

　　Are English and American Cockers alike or different?

　　American Cocker descended from English Cocker lineage and was bred in the United States. The original English Cocker was a scent hunting dog skilled at chasing pheasants or wild ducks. Its narrow head and prominent muzzle helped capture scents during the hunt, and the drooping ears prevented foreign objects from injuring the ears while running. English Cocker was introduced to the U.S. around 1870. By 1920 to 1930, the American Cocker Spaniel gradually took shape. At that time, the U.S. already had kennel clubs and purebred dog shows. During the American Cocker’s development, breeding emphasis shifted from function to companionship and show. Thus, dogs that looked cuter and more aligned with American aesthetic preferences were preserved, forming an independent breed. In September 1946, the AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the American Cocker as a distinct breed from the English Cocker. In January 1947, the American Cocker was officially listed in the AKC pedigree registry.