English Springer Spaniel vs Cocker Spaniel: cost, health and care compared
The English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| English Springer Spaniel | Cocker Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Sporting Group [2] | Sporting Group [3] |
| Weight | 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female) [2] | 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female) [2] | 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [2] | 10–14+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 27 [4] | No. 33 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Ear infections See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Allergies and itchy skin See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$19,000 | $8,800–$19,000 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see English Springer Spaniel health problems and costs and Cocker Spaniel health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the English Springer Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel?
The AKC gives the English Springer Spaniel a life expectancy of 12–14+ years and the Cocker Spaniel 10–14+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the English Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel have?
English Springer Spaniel: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Ear infections. Cocker Spaniel: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease and Allergies and itchy skin.
Which is better with kids, the English Springer Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel?
The AKC rates the English Springer Spaniel 3 of 5 and the Cocker Spaniel 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.