English Cocker Spaniel vs Australian Shepherd
Breed Compatibility
89% Compatible
Energy Level
English Cocker Spaniel: Regular Exercise0.6
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
English Cocker Spaniel: Eager to Please1.0
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Cocker Spaniel: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
English Cocker Spaniel5/5
Australian Shepherd5/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Cocker Spaniel5/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Good with Strangers
English Cocker Spaniel4/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Cocker Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
PRA: Progressive retinal deterioration
Glaucoma: Eye pressure condition
PSOM: Middle ear disease
Kidney Disease: Renal function issues
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Pros & Cons Comparison
English Cocker Spaniel
Pros
Affectionate family companion
Excellent with children
Highly trainable
Moderate size
Good sporting abilities
Cons
Regular grooming required
Can be vocal
Needs consistent exercise
Potential health issues
Separation anxiety prone
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
English Cocker Spaniel Fun Fact
Their characteristic 'merry' tail action while working gave rise to their nickname as the 'merry cocker.'
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Heritage & Purpose
English Cocker Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting woodcock and other game birds, these skilled retrievers excelled at flushing and retrieving game in dense undergrowth.
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Special Considerations
English Cocker Spaniel
Regular grooming needed to maintain coat condition. Requires consistent exercise routine. Ear cleaning and monitoring essential due to breed's susceptibility to infections.
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.