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Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Decker Giant or Parson or Merry Cocker Woker? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel" Compare Rat Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Rat Terrier Parson Russell Terrier English Cocker Spaniel
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland England flagEngland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank9711952
Reviews216
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel breeds.
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Parson
Parson Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Merry Cocker Woker
Cocker
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) 14-18 pounds (6-8 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?
Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) 16 pounds (7 kg) Male: 31 pounds (14.5 kg), Female: 29 pounds (13.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel? Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel height comparison:
Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) 12-14 inches (31-36 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?
Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) 13 inches (33.5 cm) Male: 16 inches (40.5 cm), Female: 15 inches (38.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$300-$500 $400-$600 $900-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Parson Russell Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The English Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs are quite 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Parson Russell Terrier 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Happy
Energetic
Intelligent
Obedient
Bold
Eager
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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Parson Russell Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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: Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel?
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Parson Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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
Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Parson Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
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? Which can be better for hunting?
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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A lot: Parson Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The English Cocker Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Parson Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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The English Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier 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 Parson Russell Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the English Cocker Spaniel breed.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Parson Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The English Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which uses mouth most during play?
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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
Compare bite forces between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Parson Russell Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Parson Russell Terrier: 14 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of English Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, 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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Parson Russell Terrier 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 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Parson Russell Terrier 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 Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Parson Russell Terrier 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: Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Renal Failure

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most active?
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel?
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low: The Parson Russell Terrier has good luck with genetics.
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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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which needs most food?
No data available 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
Tan
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Blue
Golden
Liver
Roan
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Parson Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The English Cocker Spaniel requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Parson Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Parson Russell Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The English Cocker Spaniel has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Shiny
Rough Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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 Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel? Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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English Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel?
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier or English Cocker Spaniel?
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel?
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Parson Russell Terrier 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
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Parson Russell Terrier 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?
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Parson Russell Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
English Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, 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.

Not really

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

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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

Parson Russell Terrier 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
Compare cart pulling abilities between Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, 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.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, 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.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
5-7 puppies 4-8 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, 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.

Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1997 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1946 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers 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 Rat Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, and English Cocker Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
No data available 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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