German Wirehaired Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

German Wirehaired Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States but German Wirehaired Pointer is originated from Germany. American Cocker Spaniel may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than German Wirehaired Pointer. American Cocker Spaniel may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than German Wirehaired Pointer. Both American Cocker Spaniel and German Wirehaired Pointer has almost same life span. American Cocker Spaniel may have less litter size than German Wirehaired Pointer. Both American Cocker Spaniel and German Wirehaired Pointer requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Sporting dog
undefined
United States
Germany
Height Male:
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
60 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
Height Female:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Deutsch Drahthaar, Drahthaar
Colors Available:
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
black flecked , Liver and white
Coat:
Long, fine, shiney
Straight, wiry, harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
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.

german wirehaired pointerMedium to large sized, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a griffon type dog breed hailing from Germany and developed for hunting purposes in the 19th century.

Known as the Drahthaar in Germany, the dog is a mix of griffon, Deutscher Stichelhaar, German Shorthaired Pointer, Deutscher Kurzhaar as well as the Pudelpointer.

He was imported into the United States in the 1920s, and it was in 1953 that the German Drahthaar Club of America was formed.

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.

german wirehaired pointer puppy - descriptionWell muscled, this is a medium to large sized dog standing at between 57 and 68cm in height and weighing between 27 and 32kg.

He has a weather resistant wiry coat which is of medium length and which is wiry and harsh. Coat color is liver and white as well as black flecked.The undercoat provides insulation against the cold.

He has quite a bit of facial hair in terms of eyebrows, beard and whiskers.He has webbed feet, typical of German Pointers. His tail is docked to about two-fifths of its natural length, but these days it is often left long.

Temperament:

Lively, playful, affectionate and intelligent, the German Wirehaired Pointer is easy to teach. He becomes wonderfully obedient with training and socialization and responds well to instructions to sit, come and stay.

He is an active dog and likes to be involved in the activities that his human family are involved in. He becomes bored and frustrated when he doesn’t get the exercise and attention he craves.

He isn’t suited to life in the city where the premises are small as he needs plenty of vigorous exercise every day. They do well in the country where they have plenty of place to run and where their hunting skills come into action.

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.

german wirehaired pointer dog - characteristicsGerman Wirehaired Pointers make awesome pets as they’re lively, playful, social and loving. They particularly suit living in a home where the people are active, outdoor types.

They make superb jogging- or cycling companions and will thrive on sharing these activities with a family member. He is a dog who has a need to be loved and included in all that his family gets up to. He wants lots of pats and stroking to show him that you care.

Give him the love and care he craves and you’re guaranteed to have the most wonderful loving pet.

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.

german wirehaired pointer puppies - health problemsGerman Wirehairs are generally healthy, and when you look after them well they can reach 12, 13 or 14 years of age. Also, if both German Wirehaired Pointer parents have certificates proving they were tested and cleared of hip dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases and blood-clotting disease, then your pet will have less risk of developing these conditions.

Your pet isn’t likely to get sick, but like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain diseases and conditions. Hip Dysplasia is something that can be noticed when your pet is still a puppy.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a heritable condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog can battle with pain so that he no longer wants to play, he battles to get up after lying down and he may even begin to show signs of lameness. Arthritis can develop too.

Cataracts:

You’ll notice cloudiness on the eye lens that can grow over time. Not all cataracts impair vision, although there are some instances where vision loss is experienced. Cataracts can sometimes be surgically removed with good results.

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.

german wirehaired pointer dogs - caringYour German Wirehaired Pointer isn’t a heavy shedder so brushing his coat twice a week will be ideal for him to rid the coat of loose hairs.

Diet:

Your German Wirehaired Pointer is an active dog and this has to be taken into account when looking at diet. He will require a diet with quality protein. You’ve also got to look at things such as whether your dog is neutered or spayed as they require less calories. On the other hand there are dogs that will require more calories because of their activity levels.

Make sure your German Wirehaired Pointer eats a top quality dog food. Add in some homemade food such as cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables from time to time as well as some raw meat. You have to constantly remember that your dog’s health depends on the nutrition you provide.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. German Wirehaired Pointer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. German Wirehaired Pointer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. German Wirehaired Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. German Wirehaired Pointer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. German Wirehaired Pointer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. German Wirehaired Pointer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. American Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. American Cocker Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. American Cocker Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American Cocker Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Cocker Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Cocker Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Cocker Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Cocker Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Cocker Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Cocker Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Cocker Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Cocker Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Cocker Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Cocker Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Cocker Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Cocker Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Cocker Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Cocker Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Cocker Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Cocker Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison