Cocker Spaniel vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
100% Compatible
Energy Level
Cocker Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Cocker Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Cocker Spaniel: Daily Brushing0.8
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Cocker Spaniel5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Cocker Spaniel5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
Cocker Spaniel4/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Cocker Spaniel
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Ear Infections: Chronic inflammation
Heart Disease: Cardiac concerns
Patellar Luxation: Knee problems
Glaucoma: Eye pressure issues
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
Cocker Spaniel
Pros
Affectionate family companion
Good with children
Highly trainable
Moderate size
Sporting ability
Cons
Regular grooming required
Prone to ear infections
Can be vocal
Separation anxiety prone
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
Cocker Spaniel Fun Fact
The Cocker Spaniel was America's most popular breed for several years in the 1940s and 1950s.
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
Cocker Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting woodcock and other game birds. These skilled retrievers excelled at flushing and recovering birds from dense undergrowth.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Special Considerations
Cocker Spaniel
Daily coat brushing essential to prevent matting. Regular ear cleaning needed to prevent infections. Moderate exercise requirements must be met consistently.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
Shedding
OccasionalShedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Cocker Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever →Same Group
Cocker Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Cocker Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Cocker Spaniel vs Welsh Terrier →