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Difference Between American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel vs English Cocker Spaniel

American cocker spaniel and English cocker spaniels are two breeds of cocker spaniels which have similar origins. These dogs were held to hunt woodcocks in England so suggests the name cocker spaniel. These are the smallest of the working land spaniels. They were not officially recognized as their own breed until 1892. Although these dogs were originally from England, they eventually had a following in the United States.

American Cocker Spaniel

The first cocker spaniel in America was first registered in the American Kennel Club in 1878 and was bred which later on formed a new modern breed different from that of an English cocker spaniel. The breed is the smallest of the sporting dogs. It has very distinctive head shape which makes it very easy to recognize. It is a happy breed and its working intelligence is average as it is trained to show standards.

English Cocker Spaniel

English cocker spaniel was named as such because its breed was established in Britain. The breed is a sporting dog that is good natured, very active and it is compactly built. It is given a nickname “merry cocker” as it constantly wags its tails because of its happy nature. English cocker spaniel also has the character of alertness and intelligence.

Difference between American cocker spaniel and English cocker spaniel

When one observes an American and English cocker spaniel side by side, the obvious difference would be their coats wherein American cocker spaniel has a more profuse coat than an English Cocker spaniel. Another notable difference is that English cocker spaniel is larger than American cocker spaniel. The former’s muzzle is longer and the eyes are set differently. The latter’s eyes are wider and set more forward than the English cocker spaniel.

American and English cocker spaniels have set names in the show competitions. Because of their distinctive features and glamorous looks, they are much loved among dog show fancy.

In brief:

• American and English cocker spaniels are two different breeds of dogs of the same origin. The breed originally came from Britain and there was a following in the United States which was later on bred and evolved into a different breed.

• English cocker spaniels are nicknamed “merry” spaniels because of its happy disposition and always wagging its tale.

• English and American cocker spaniels differ greatly in looks as the latter has longer and lustrous hair, slightly larger and different face shape compared to the former.