Russian Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Russian Setter is originated from Russia but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Russian Setter may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Russian Setter may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Russian Setter and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Russian Setter and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Russian Setter and American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Setter dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Russia
United States
Height Male:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Short or long, smooth or wiry
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

Characteristics

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

Health Problems

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

Caring The Pet

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Schnauzer vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. Schnoodle vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Santal Hound vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  30. Sanshu vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Sapsali vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Setter vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Setter vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Setter vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Setter vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Setter vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Setter vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Setter vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Setter vs Pomsky - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Setter vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Setter vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Setter vs Other - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Setter vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Setter vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Setter vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds