Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Rough Collie vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States but Rough Collie is originated from United Kingdom. American Cocker Spaniel may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Rough Collie. American Cocker Spaniel may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Rough Collie. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Rough Collie has same life span. American Cocker Spaniel may have less litter size than Rough Collie. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Rough 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
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
8 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Lassie Collie, Long-Haired Collie
Colors Available:
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
dark brown and sometime black, Fawn, white
Coat:
Long, fine, shiney
Long, double-coated, silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
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, Stubborn, 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.

rough collieMany people have seen the movie ‘Lassie’, and of course this movie made the Collie popular and famous.

Apart from the Rough Collie, you also get the Smooth Collie. The Rough Collie’s origins start in the 1800’s in Scotland and Wales but unfortunately, the Rough Collie's exact origins are shrouded in lack of information.

These dogs were used as herding dogs in real-life and in movies, and it was in 1879 that the first English Rough Collie was imported to the USA, but it is the UK from whence the dog comes.

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.

rough collie puppy - descriptionThe Rough Collie or Long-haired Collie is considered to be a medium to large sized dog with a long, double-layer coat.You’ll find the coat mainly as tri-colored – white, fawn and dark brown and black.

The Rough Collie stands at between 51 to 61cm in height and weighs between 18 and 30kg. The long, thin muzzled dog has semi erect, semi-floppy ears, sweet, gentle eyes and a long, plumed tail.

Temperament:

Rough collies are loving, gentle dogs who thrive on spending time with their human families. Their kindly nature makes them good therapy dogs.They don’t do well when left in the back yard on their own day after day. They’re social dogs who love playing with the children in the home and they get on well with other family pets.

The Rough Collie is highly intelligent and he is easy to train. With training and socialization he becomes so well behaved you can take him anywhere.

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.

rough collie dog - characteristicsThe Rough Collie is such an intelligent dog, but he is loving and devoted too. He can slot into life in the city or countryside because all he really wants is to be close to his human family.

Wherever you live with your Rough Collie though, he will need to be well exercised. He is sweet but slightly timid and will want to be with a family that isn't too noisy in terms of lots of shouting.

People who have had Collies say these dogs make he most awesome pets, and in the right environment these wonderful intelligent dogs will make splendidly loyal, loving pets and companions,

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.

rough collie puppies - health problemsThe Rough Collie can reach 12 to 14 years of age with good care. There are always some health issues to be aware of such as hereditary eye diseases. Also, as with most larger breeds, hip dysplasia is always a concern.

Other illnesses to look out for include cancer, skin allergies, bloat and Grey Collie Syndrome. As a responsible dog owner, get your pet to the doctor when you notice a change in his behavior – tiredness, vomiting, lethargy, unusual lumps, swelling and a feeling of depression.

Gray Collie Syndrome:

This is a form of canine cyclic neutropenia which affects the Collie breed. There is a low concentration of neutrophils in the blood. It can be hereditary or it can develop because of a side effect of chemotherapy for instance. It is essentially caused by a defect in the bone marrow stem cells. Affected dog will always battle with gastrointestinal problems and infections of the eye.The life expectancy of a Collie with this ailment will be less than 3 years.

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.

rough collie dogs - caringYour Rough Collie does shed so he will require a good brush twice a week. The long silky hair can matt so this grooming session will be important.

Exercise:

Your film-star collie is an active, athletic dog. He has always been used to herding sheep, and instinctively he wants to be active. His bright eyes are always alert to some action, and his exercise needs go beyond just allowing him to run around in your back yard.

He is the kind of dog that wants something more energetic such as going on hikes or long walks and running after sticks or balls on the beach.

Diet:

A Collie is an energetic dog and will require the best dog food there is. If you give him commercially manufactured food make sure it is the right food for his size, his breed and his energy levels.

To add some variety, feed him some home-made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Try and feed him some raw meat occasionally. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

Comparison with other breeds

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