English Cocker Spaniel vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Cocker Spaniel
Sporting Group
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Cocker Spaniel Overview
English Cocker Spaniels showcase a graceful, compact build with their distinctive long, silky coat and expressive eyes. Their well-proportioned body features a deep chest, strong legs, and a characteristic merry tail action. Distinguished by their soft, melting expression and low-set ears, these dogs embody elegance in motion with their fluid gait and balanced structure.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive fox-like faces and short legs. Their double coat comes in red, sable, fawn, or black and tan, often with white markings. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable strength and agility, featuring a long body, erect ears, and their signature stubby tail. Their alert expression and confident bearing reflect their heritage as capable herding dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Cocker Spaniels are less energetic than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Cocker Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Cocker Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
- Trainability: Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be slightly easier to train due to their Pembroke Welsh Corgi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pembroke Welsh Corgis adapt better to apartment living, while English Cocker Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Cocker Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Cocker Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 26-34 lbs 12-15 kg | 28-30 lbs 13-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Cocker Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Merry, Responsive | Affectionate, Smart, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Cocker Spaniel | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Cocker Spaniel Temperament
The English Cocker Spaniel is known for being energetic, merry, responsive, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Temperament
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is characterized by being affectionate, smart, alert, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Cocker Spaniel and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
English Cocker Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Cocker Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Cocker Spaniels require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pembroke Welsh Corgis need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pembroke Welsh Corgis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Cocker Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Glaucoma
- PSOM
- Kidney Disease
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's
- Eye Problems
- DM
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog
- Compact size
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Heavy shedder
- Can be vocal
- Prone to back problems
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Cocker Spaniel and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.