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Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or English Collie or Cocker? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel" Compare Border Collie and Rough Collie. Which is better: Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Rough Collie American Cocker Spaniel
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank384029
Reviews1363
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel breeds.
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
English Collie
Lassie Dog
Long-Haired Collie
Scottish Collie
Collie
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm) 15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) 15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $400-$600 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed.
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Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Rough Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the American Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
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Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
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The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Rough Collie indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rough Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Rough Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Rough Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The American Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most active?
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rough Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Rough Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rough Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Brown
Buff
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel? Border Collie or Rough Collie or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or American Cocker Spaniel?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rough Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rough Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
American Cocker Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Rough Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Rough Collie, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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