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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel" Compare German Shepherd and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is better: German Shepherd or English Cocker Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd English Cocker Spaniel
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank252
Reviews216
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of English Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and an English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The English Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs English 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
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Renal Failure

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

English Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or an English Cocker Spaniel? 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 German Shepherd and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has stronger military background?

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 English Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs English Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and English Cocker Spaniel. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1946 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and English Cocker Spaniel. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and English Cocker Spaniel. 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
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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