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German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Cocker?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel" Compare German Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is better: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd American Cocker Spaniel
OriginsGermany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank229
Reviews193
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the American Cocker Spaniel breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than an American Cocker Spaniel?
Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Is a German Shepherd taller than an American Cocker Spaniel?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel?
$800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
High: German Shepherd 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.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherd 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.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd 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.
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German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
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.
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than an American Cocker Spaniel?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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).
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd 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: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the American Cocker Spaniel breed?
3 to 4 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel coat comparison:
Fuzzy Feathered
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel color? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Brown
Buff
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than American Cocker Spaniel dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Can a German Shepherd and an American Cocker Spaniel be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with American Cocker Spaniel dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Yes
German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd 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?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
American Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or American Cocker Spaniel? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

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

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and American Cocker Spaniel have? German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 4-7 puppies

German Shepherd vs American Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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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