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English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Merry Cocker Woker or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd" Compare English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which is better: English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name English Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank522
Reviews621
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Merry Cocker Woker
Cocker
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 28-34 pounds (13-16 kg), Female: 26-32 pounds (12-15 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 31 pounds (14.5 kg), Female: 29 pounds (13.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd? Is an English Cocker Spaniel taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 15-17 inches (38-43 cm), Female: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 16 inches (40.5 cm), Female: 15 inches (38.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$900-$1200 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The English Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Trainable
Quiet
Faithful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: English Cocker Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd?
High: English Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the English Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The English Cocker Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the English Cocker Spaniel breed.
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 German Shepherd indoors.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd?
English 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The English Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of English Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The English Cocker Spaniel 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 common health issues between an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
The English Cocker Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd?
Average
The English Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd 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: English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Renal Failure
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
High: The English Cocker Spaniel breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
Golden
Liver
Roan
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The English Cocker Spaniel requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The English Cocker Spaniel has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Feathered Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd? Do English Cocker Spaniel dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly English Cocker Spaniel or German Shepherd? Can an English Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepherd be friends? Do English Cocker Spaniel dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd?
Yes
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
English Cocker Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
English Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

English Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an English Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1946 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between English Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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