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Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Comparison – Which dog is better Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Cocker?

"Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel" Compare Shetland Sheepdog and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is better: Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel?
Name Shetland Sheepdog American Cocker Spaniel
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank2429
Reviews63
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Shetland Sheepdog and American Cocker Spaniel. What other names are these breeds known by?
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Cocker
Merry Cocker
Cocker Spaniel
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Shetland Sheepdog and an American Cocker Spaniel. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Shetland Sheepdog and an American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is heavier?
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
20.5 pounds (9 kg) 22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel? Is a Shetland Sheepdog taller than an American Cocker Spaniel?
13-16 inches (33-41 cm) 15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14.5 inches (37 cm) 15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Shetland Sheepdog and an American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The American Cocker Spaniel is quite easy to get.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare training requirements.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare alertness levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare territorial behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Shetland Sheepdog and an American Cocker Spaniel. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Outgoing
Outright
Tempered
Merry
Trusting
Joyful
Sociable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the American 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel? Which can be better for hunting?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare adaptability levels.
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
American 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 Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Shetland Sheepdog and an American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is healthier?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Primary Seborrhea

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare activity levels.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Shetland Sheepdog and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Brown
Buff
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare drooling amounts.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Shetland Sheepdog and an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare fur types.
Dense Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare bathing frequencies.
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 Shetland Sheepdog or American Cocker Spaniel? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed more than American Cocker Spaniel dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

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

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare service capabilities.

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
Which is better for therapy work: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American 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 Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Shetland Sheepdog or an American Cocker Spaniel? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

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

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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Shetland Sheepdog and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 4-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Shetland Sheepdog and American Cocker Spaniel breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Shetland Sheepdog and American 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.

Shetland Sheepdog vs American Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and American Cocker Spaniel. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Shetland Sheepdog and American 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 Shetland Sheepdog and American 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
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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