Dalmatian vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Dalmatian vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonDalmatian is originated from Croatia but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Dalmatian may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Dalmatian may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Dalmatian and American Cocker Spaniel has same life span. Both Dalmatian and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same litter size. Dalmatian requires Low maintenance. But American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

dalmatian - historyThe history of the Dalmatian dog is also fairly scant, and the information you get is often unclear.

The name Dalmatian wasn’t used until the end of the 18th century, although it seems as though, according to murals on ancient tombs, there were white hounds then with specks over the body.

It does seem firm that the modern Dalmatian is because of breeding of the English nobility. They used these dogs to accompany them on their carriages. The dogs were also bred with the purpose of getting an exquisite spotted pattern.

It was in 1890 that the first Dalmatian Club was established in England and the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

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:
Non sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Croatia
United States
Height Male:
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
56 - 60 cm
22 - 24 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Coach Dog, Carriage Dog
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
White with Black spots
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Short and smooth
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

dalmatian puppy - descriptionThe Dalmatian is a medium sized dog with its beautiful white coat with black or liver spots being its main feature. The coat is short and dense and the Dalmatian pretty much sheds all year round.

It is notable that at birth, the puppies are pure white, with their spots starting to form about 4 weeks later.

Both the male and female stand at anything between 56–61cm in height and weigh between 22 to 35kg. He is a slender, muscular dogs with plenty of stamina. The ears of the dog are floppy, he has brown eyes and a long tail.

Temperament:

With his human family, the Dalmatian is an active, playful dog. He has the reputation of being somewhat unfriendly and aloof, but many who have kept him as a pet say this isn't so. He loves to take part in games and gets on well with children in the home.

He is intelligent, but when it comes to strangers, the Dalmatian is reserved and even aloof. If you want to get the best from your Dalmatian, make sure that he is trained and socialized as he then knows how to behave well around people. He makes a good watchdog too.

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

dalmatian dog - characteristicsThe Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog, energetic and playful and he is good with pets and children in the home.

He is intelligent too and training and socialization for him will be easy and promise to bring out all his good points.

The Dalmatian became popular in the 1800's when they were used as coach-dogs, and their popularity has been enhanced because of films from Hollywood such as ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Unfortunately many people receive Dalmatian puppies as gifts after seeing movies like this and then hand their dogs into rescue centers when they grow up and are no longer the cute little puppy they first met.

Be a responsible dog owner. A Dalmatian has feelings and you need to commit to caring for him for up to 15 years. You’ll be rewarded by having a wonderful, loyal canine friend.

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

dalmatian puppies - health problemsDalmatians, with good care, can live to be about 10 to 15 years. However, just as with other breeds, the Dalmatian is prone to certain health problems that are more specific to their breed. Some of these problems are skin allergies, deafness and urinary stones.

Skin Allergies:

Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin and they are prone to topical allergies. When you brush your dog, you should check his skin for redness and also check for fleas and ticks.

Red bumps on his skin could mean an allergy and can be distressing for your pet. Your pet may be scratching excessively and the skin may be red and moist with runny, itchy eyes. It is time to get your dog to the vet, who may prescribe an antihistamines to get the itching and allergies under control.

Urinary Stones:

Unfortunately, the Dalmatian is a dog which has a tendency to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. A genetic mutation causes the raised uric acid levels which is more prevalent with the male Dalmatian. Straining to urinate can be tremendously stressful for your dog and you will need to get him to the vet immediately.

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

Grooming:

dalmatian dogs - caringThe Dalmatian is an easy dog to maintain and brushing twice a week will get rid of loose hairs. What is notable with the Dalmatian is that not only does he look like a well groomed dog, he also doesn’t have that typical dog smell around him.

Diet:

No matter what kind of dog you have, a high-quality dog food is always beneficial for your dog’s health. Home-made food is always good for your dog and wholesome food such as brown rice, vegetables and some cooked chicken will delight your pet and keep him interested in his food.

There are also excellent manufactured foods and kibble is a good food to have when you select it according to your dog’s age and energy levels.

These foods, especially the top quality ones, ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he needs. Adding some raw meat into the diet can be highly beneficial for your pet and will keep him bright eyed, bushy tailed and with a wet nose.

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. Dalmatian vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Dalmatian vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  3. Dalmatian vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  4. Dalmatian vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  5. Dalmatian vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  6. Keeshond vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  7. Mexican Hairless vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  8. Tibetan Terrier vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  9. Standard Poodle vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  10. Norwegian Lundehund vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  12. Dalmatian vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  13. Dalmatian vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Dalmatian vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Dalmatian vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dalmatian vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Dalmatian vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Dalmatian vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  19. Dalmatian vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Dalmatian vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dalmatian vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  22. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds