Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States but Collie is originated from United Kingdom. American Cocker Spaniel may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Collie. American Cocker Spaniel may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Collie. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Collie has almost same life span. American Cocker Spaniel may have less litter size than Collie. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Collie requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
18 - 29 kg
39 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
18 - 29 kg
39 - 64 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Lassie, Scottish Collie, Rough Collie
Colors Available:
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
tan and black, White
Coat:
Long, fine, shiney
Long, dense and straight
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american cocker spanielDescended 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.

collieThe Collie is a herding dog from Scotland and is also known by other names such as Rough Collie or Lassie Collie.

The first Collies used to be more in size as today’s Border Collies and they were also essentially black. Queen Victoria stepped in to save the Collie from obscurity, bringing some back to England where their popularity soared.

The looks started changing as they were bred and in 1860 they were shown at a dog show in Birmingham, England as ‘Scotch Sheep Dogs’.Later on the sable coat color was introduced.

In 1879 the first Collie was imported to the United States and a club for the dog breed was formed in 1886.

Description

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.

collie puppy - descriptionThe modern Collie is a medium to large sized dog that stands at 51 – 61cm and weighs between 20 – 29kg. You could say that the popularity of the Collie grew because of the dog Lassie, a Rough Collie dog in the film ‘Lassie Come Home’. People who saw this film learned what a wonderful pet the dog could be.

The Collie has two looks – the full coat which is known as the Rough Collie and the shorter coated Collie known as the Smooth variety. The coat comes in different colors but is essentially tri-colored in white, tan and black tips. The Collie has erect ears and a long, feathery tail.

Temperament:

Temperament of a dog is affected by a number of factors, including lifestyle of owners, heredity as well as whether the dog had training and socialization.

The Collie is a good-natured, friendly dog with no aggressiveness in him. He adapts well to city and country life, so long as he is with his human family, but he will need lots of exercise.

He will do well with training and socialization, turning into an even more splendid pet than he already is. He loves the children in the home and loves playing with them and watching over them. The Collie is intelligent and loyal and is easily trained.

Characteristics

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.

collie dog - characteristicsYour Collie is an intelligent dog who will need physical exercise as well as mental stimulation too, otherwise he can develop some destructive behavior patterns that could be avoided just by seeing to his exercise needs.

He is easy to train and is a sensitive dog, wanting to learn and wanting to please.

A well trained Collie makes a wonderful pet. He is such a loyal dog that he will go to the ends of the earth for his owner, and guarantees to be every bit as affectionate, brave and loyal as the film-star dog, Lassie.

Health Problems

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.

collie puppies - health problemsThe Collie is a healthy dog breed generally, but just like with all other dogs, they are also prone to certain health conditions. It’s not to say that your Collie will get these diseases, but it can be beneficial to you and your pet’s health to be aware of them if you’re looking at the Collie as a pet.

Collie Nose:

This is a condition where the skin of the nose peels and oozes and left untreated, it can be painful for your pet and could even lead to cancer.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited eye disease that can actually lead to blindness. When certain parts of the eye don't develop properly it can lead to CEA - a genetic disease found in Collies as well as other dog breeds. The disease is also known as Choroidal Hypoplasia and brings about changes and abnormalities in the eye.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an abnormal formation of the hip socket and certainly dogs with hip dysplasia should never be bred as it can lead to pain and lameness.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

collie dogs - caringThe Collie will need grooming because of his long hair, and you will need to brush it at least twice a week to rid it of loose hairs and to keep it free from tangles. This is especially important if you live in the country and he leads an active lifestyle running through fields.

Keep a constant check on your Collie’s ears because dirt build-up can lead to an ear infection. Your vet can advise you on how to clean your dog’s ears. Make sure you have your Collie’s nails trimmed.

Diet:

To cater for your Collie’s size and activity levels, make sure to feed him good food that meets his nutritional needs. Protein is the most important nutritional need for dogs, and apart from feeding your dog quality kibble, protein should also come from raw, animal-based sources such as meat, fish and poultry.

You can also include some cooked brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken to provide variety. Make sure he always has fresh, cool water available.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  26. Collie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Collie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Collie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Collie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Collie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Collie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Collie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Collie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Collie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Collie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Collie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Collie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Collie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Collie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Collie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Collie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Collie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Collie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Collie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Collie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Collie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Collie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison