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Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Lab or Merry Cocker Woker? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel" Compare Maltese and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Labrador Retriever English Cocker Spaniel
OriginsItaly flagItaly England flagEngland Canada flagCanada England flagEngland
Group Companion Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank33152
Reviews3116
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Lab
Labrador
Merry Cocker Woker
Cocker
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Small Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 31 pounds (14.5 kg), Female: 29 pounds (13.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 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: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 16 inches (40.5 cm), Female: 15 inches (38.5 cm)

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1000-$2000 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The English Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Trainable
Quiet
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: English Cocker Spaniel dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: English Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the English Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Average: The English Cocker Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The English Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the English Cocker Spaniel breed.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever 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: Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of English Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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.
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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 health problems common in Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least 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: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Renal Failure

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The English Cocker Spaniel breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 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.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. What colors are available?
White Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Blue
Golden
Liver
Roan
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The English Cocker Spaniel requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The English Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The English Cocker Spaniel has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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 Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel? Maltese or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever 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?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Labrador Retriever or English Cocker Spaniel?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever 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
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever 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?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
English Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

English Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English 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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English 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.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English 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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English 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.

Maltese vs Labrador Retriever vs English Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1946 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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 Maltese, Labrador Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
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
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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