Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel: Key Differences

English springer spaniel vs cocker spaniel? The springer is the bigger, taller dog with a longer muzzle, less prominent eyes and a lighter coat. The English cocker is smaller, with longer, lower-set ears and often a fuller coat, and comes in roan colors that are rare in other spaniels. Both are flushing spaniels that hunt close and push birds into the air, so the choice usually comes down to size, cover and how much dog you want in the house.

Below is a side-by-side table, how to tell them apart in the field, how each one hunts, and answers to common questions. Run a springer? Browse our English springer spaniel shirts.

Springer vs cocker spaniel at a glance

Breed differences here follow the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America comparison (ECSCA: What's the difference?).

How to tell a springer from an English cocker

Coat patterns overlap. ECSCA notes that springers "may have a similar coat pattern" to open-marked black and white or liver and white English cockers, so color alone will not settle it. Look at these points instead:

• Height and build: the English springer "stands taller and heavier."
• Head: springers have "a longer muzzle, the eyes are not as prominent and the coat is less profuse than most Cocker Spaniels."
• Ears: "English Cockers are smaller and have longer, and lower-set ears than English Springers."
• Roan: a white coat speckled with color is common in English cockers and "relatively rare in other spaniels."

Field-bred vs show-bred springers

Field lines often look like a different dog. ECSCA says field-bred English springers "often have a lighter build, with a more moderate amount of coat and featherings than show-bred Springers," and their markings are frequently mostly white or white with patches of color. If you want a hunting dog, look at field-bred lines with proven parents.

English cocker vs American cocker

In the US, "Cocker Spaniel" on AKC papers means the American Cocker Spaniel, a separate breed with a rounder skull, shorter muzzle and heavier coat. Most hunters comparing a springer with a cocker mean the English cocker.

How springers and cockers hunt

Both breeds are flushing dogs. Instead of pointing and holding, a spaniel quarters back and forth in front of the hunter, usually inside gun range, finds the bird and flushes it into the air. A good spaniel then marks the fall and retrieves to hand.

• Springers bring more size and power for thick cover, cattails and heavy pheasant country, and their reach suits long days in big fields.
• English cockers are lighter and fit tight brush, grouse and woodcock cover, small trucks and smaller homes.

Either breed needs daily exercise and steady training. Without a job, both can become bored and busy around the house.

Which one should you choose?

Pick a springer if you hunt pheasant in heavy cover, want a bigger retriever for ducks on the side, and have room for a high-energy dog. Pick an English cocker if you hunt tight woods, want a smaller dog, or travel a lot. In both breeds, the breeder and the parents' hunting record matter more than the breed label.

Gear for spaniel hunters

Our English springer spaniel shirts show springers on pheasant hunts and can be personalized with your name or your dog's name, in hoodie, long sleeve shirt, T-shirt and zip-up hoodie styles. Check each product page for exact options. Heading out for roosters? Read what to wear pheasant hunting, or compare another bird dog pair in English setter vs Llewellin setter.

FAQ

What is the difference between a springer spaniel and a cocker spaniel?

The English springer is taller and heavier, with a longer muzzle, less prominent eyes and a lighter coat. The English cocker is smaller, with longer, lower-set ears, and roan colors are common.

Which is better for hunting, a cocker or a springer?

Both are capable flushing dogs. Springers suit heavy pheasant cover and long days; English cockers suit tight woods and hunters who want a smaller dog.

Are springer spaniels good hunting dogs?

Yes. English springers are bred to flush and retrieve upland birds, and field-bred lines are popular with pheasant hunters.

Are springer spaniels more hyper than cocker spaniels?

Energy depends more on breeding lines than breed. Field-bred dogs of both breeds need daily exercise and training.