Cocker spaniel
English springer spanielClose cousins: springers are the bigger, longer-legged spaniel.
Side by side
A tick marks the better of the two on each line.
| Cocker spaniel | English springer spaniel | |
| First year | £3,620 | £3,406✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,790 | £1,576✓ |
| A month | £149 | £131✓ |
| Food a month | £32✓ | £44 |
| Insurance, a month | £40 | £40 |
| Adult weight | 12 to 15kg | 18 to 23kg |
| Lifespan | About 13 years | About 13 years |
| Grooming | Groomer every 8 weeks | At home✓ |
| Breed health problems | Some | Some |
| Over its life | £25,094 | £22,318 |
Which should you pick?
Pick the English springer spaniel if…
- You want the cheaper dog to run: about £214 a year less
- You want a bigger dog: usually 18 to 23kg
- You’d rather not pay for a groomer
Health problems to know about
Cocker spaniel
- Ear infections
- Eye problems
- Hip problems
English springer spaniel
- Ear infections
- Eye problems
- Hip problems
Whichever you choose, ask the breeder for health test results for both parents, and look for lifetime insurance with at least £6,000 a year for vet fees.
Compare insurance for either breed
Look for lifetime cover. Quotes for the same puppy can vary a lot between insurers.
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Questions
Which is cheaper, a cocker spaniel or a English springer spaniel?
The English springer spaniel is cheaper to run, by about £214 a year.
Which lives longer, a cocker spaniel or a English springer spaniel?
Cocker spaniels live about 13 years and springer spaniels about 13 years on average.
Which is bigger, a cocker spaniel or a English springer spaniel?
Cocker spaniels usually weigh 12 to 15kg and springer spaniels 18 to 23kg as adults.
More comparisons
These use the same starting figures as our breed pages: a girl puppy at £1,000, mid-range food for the adult weight, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. Put in your own figures.