Working vs Show Cocker Spaniel—What Are the Main Differences?
Before welcoming a Cocker Spaniel to your life, there are some things to consider, so you can adopt the one that fits your nature and lifestyle. Cocker Spaniels thrive on human companionship and love being around people, that’s why families love to have one in their homes.
Working and Show Cocker Spaniels are types of the English Cocker Spaniel. They both are so adorable and popular across the planet, Earth. Working Cocker Spaniels are more energetic and skinny than a Show Cocker.
But, you can’t simply bring a Cocker Spaniel home based on this minor difference alone—there’s much more to consider before you make a choice. After keeping all the differences in mind, you’ll make a wise choice, and your life won’t remain the same as they’ll become an irreplaceable part of your life!
What Are the Differences Between Working and Show Cocker Spaniel?
Even though Working and Show Cockers are of the same breed, they’re as different as chalk and cheese in their physical appearance, temperament, and energy levels.
The main difference between Working and Show Cocker is in their behavior. Show Cocker spaniels usually need less exercise and love to sniff around. In contrast, Working Cockers spaniels are extremely energetic and love having a job to do and being always around their owners, often requiring more mental and physical stimulation than their show counterparts.
These differences come from what they were bred for: Working Cockers were bred for hunting and fieldwork, while Show Cockers were bred for the show ring and companionship. Now, let me walk you through their differences deeply.
Look and Size
The most striking distinction between Working and Show Cocker Spaniels is their physical build. Let’s examine both types more closely:
Show Cocker
Show Cockers have a rounded body and skull and a shorter snout, which makes them look so cute. Their ears are long, low-set, and feathered, often dangling below their jawline.
They are medium-sized dogs; males usually stand between 15-17 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25-30 pounds, while females are 14-16 inches tall and weigh around 28-32 pounds.
Show Cocker’s coat is usually silkier with long hairs, and more profuse than Working Cocker’s, especially around the chest, legs, and ears. This gives them a showy look, which is highly prized in the show ring.
Working Cocker
Working Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, are bred for their hunting abilities rather than their looks, yet, they look gorgeous too. They have a flatter skull, a longer muzzle, and longer and so athletic bodies. They are physically strong hence known as speedy and energetic.
They have less-feathered short ears, often reaching to their jaw but are less pendulous than Show Cockers. Size-wise, they’re medium—not too big, not too small. Males usually stand between 15.5–16 inches at the withers and weigh 28-32 pounds, while females are 13.5–14.5 inches tall and weigh around 25-32 pounds.
Working Cockers have shorter hairs on their bodies and tighter fur. They come in many shades, with golden being the fan favorite. Color doesn’t that matter if you consider buying it for hunting purposes, but do look for Cocker Spaniel’s colors if you are getting one for your family.
Temperament and Traits
While both types share the friendly and affectionate nature that Cocker Spaniels are known for, there are some differences in their temperaments and behavioral traits:
Show Cocker
Show Cockers are known as merry cockers, you know why? because they are sweet, loving, calm, love to make people happy, and have cheerful personalities. Because of these temperaments, families plus kids love to have one at home.
If you exercise your Show Cocker every single day, they’ll be healthier, happier, and better behaved. They have a more laid-back temperament and require a moderate amount of exercise, don’t fret, they won’t tire you, just an hour of exercise is enough.
With enough exercise and mental challenge, they can adapt well to apartment living. As they love to live with people, they never want to leave them, if left alone for long, separation anxiety steps in. Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, curious, and easily trainable dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation, which can be done with interactive toys.
Both types of Cocker Spaniels can be vocal; they tend to bark to express excitement, alert their owners, or seek attention, so it’s important to train them to manage excessive barking.
Working Cocker
Working Cockers, true to their name, love to work and have high energy levels. They are intense, alert, and more energetic than Show Cockers. They have retained most of their hunting instincts and are blessed with a strong prey drive.
These dogs are friendly, loyal, and cuddly and often express affection for their families by enthusiastically wagging their tails. They love being around their owners 24/7 and this attachment, while endearing, can sometimes lead to separation anxiety. So they shouldn’t be left alone at home for the whole day.
Working Cockers are intelligent and quick learners, which makes them excellent at obeying and agility training. They require more mental stimulation and exercise than their Show counterparts, if not given, boredom sets in, and with it, some unwanted behavior.
As they are ‘Working’, they love having a job to do like hunting, taking part in dog sports, or challenging play and training sessions. They are considered a good family dog, but, it is not a thing for families looking to adopt a more laid-back dog.
Exercise
Despite being of the same breed, both aren’t bred for the same purpose, so their exercise pattern differs. This part is where the difference is clear. Here’s how:
Show Cocker
Show Cockers need just moderate exercise as they are less energetic. Moderate means that 30-60 minutes of daily routine would be pretty enough, which can also be split into two or more sessions, so you won’t tire exercising them. This should include walks with opportunities to sniff, light playtime with toys, or fetch games.
While they enjoy being active, Show Cockers are generally content with a more relaxed exercise routine. They will become what their owners say, I mean they’ll adjust to their owner’s lifestyle. This habit of them makes them a perfect fit for less active families.
Although, they need just a little exercise, please keep in mind that, they need it every single day, no days off, to maintain their physical and mental health, else, they may develop obesity and behavioral issues.
Working Cocker
Working Cockers are bred to flush birds out of trees and for hunting purposes, that is, to work, they are highly energetic and active workers. They are unlikely to truly tire out even if exercised all day long. They need daily exercise and plenty of it, and should be given at least 1-2 hours daily and maybe some would go for longer if given the opportunity.
Their exercise should include long walks, playtime, off-leash running, and swimming. Both Show and Working Cockers require a lot of brain exercises to stay happy and healthy, which can be done through agility training, scent work, and other challenging activities that provide significant physical stimulation.
Working Cockers are only suited for active families and they thrive with them, so only get Working Cocker if you have an active lifestyle and can give opportunities for physical activity and mental challenges. If not enough exercise and mental stimulation are given, Working Cockers can become bored, restless, and maybe destructive.
Health Issues
Both working and show cocker spaniels can suffer from certain health issues, some of which are common to the breed as a whole, while others may be more common in one type or the other:
Show Cocker
Show Cockers are bred for aesthetics and can have a number of health issues. The most common disease is ear infection. Their cute floppy ears can catch moisture, and dirt and stay damp—causing infections. When they suffer from ear infections, they often expel foul-smelling discharge, scratch their ears, and bow their heads. If left untreated, repeated infections can cause hearing loss and may require surgery.
Eye issues are a major concern for the majority of Show Cockers with conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma being rather prevalent. Redness of the eye, blurry and bluish appearance of the cornea, and excessive tearing indicate that your Show Cocker has glaucoma. Glaucoma can be very painful and requires immediate vet care.
Hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joint—causing arthritis, is another issue to watch out for in Show Cockers. They’ll have limpness and it’ll be difficult for them to stand up once they have been laid down when they have Hip dysplasia. While it can’t be cured, symptoms can be managed through weight control, physical therapy, and FHO surgery.
Working Cocker
Working Cockers are considered more robust as they come with athletic bodies, yet, they’re not immune to health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia can affect them, though perhaps to a lesser extent than Show Cockers.
Just like Show Cockers, Working Cockers also have eye diseases with conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma. As their original breeding purpose includes hunting waterfowl, they spend a considerable amount of time in the water (they enjoy it too!), which can pave the way for ear infections.
There’s a condition in Working Cockers called exercise-induced collapse that can cause them to collapse after intense physical activity—something they normally shouldn’t as a Working Cocker. This condition can be treated by avoiding activities that trigger it, like intense exercise or activities that cause the dog to become over-excited, especially in hot weather.
Grooming and Care
They both have so subtle differences in grooming, as they have different looks and distinct coat types. Let’s see the differences:
Show Cocker
Show Cockers are bred to show, true to their names, usually at Crufts. They have long and silky coats that require regular grooming and a lot of it, which can be time-consuming and might cost a pretty penny. They’re prone to matting and tangling, so they require brushing every single day, especially in shedding seasons and where the fur is longer like on legs, chest, and ears.
While Show Cocker can enjoy being outside, they can get dirty, and dirtiness can cause health issues. Keeping them neat and clean by bathing at least once a month is a must-do and it keeps their luxurious look and healthy. Make it a point to clean their floppy ears often (to avoid infection) and trim their nails regularly so as not to overgrow.
Unless you’ve been a dog owner for decades, you might not be able to groom your Show Cocker yourself. Even then, a professional groomer can do it better. So, to maintain their coat in top condition, make sure to schedule professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. They’ll return your Show Cocker back shining!
Working Cocker
Working Cockers require much less grooming than the Show Cockers, cuz they have shorter and tighter fur—a bit easier to maintain. Where Show Cockers require daily brushing, Working Cockers are good to go with brushing 2-3 times a week (more in shedding seasons) to be not matted.
Bathing is usually required less often, around every 6-8 weeks, but if you let them go out to play, give them a bath to kick away mud and dirt. Occasional trimming around the feet, face, and ears can help them stay tidy. Ear care is just as important as for Show Cockers to give not a place to ear infections.
Trimming their nails is also important as they grow up, and brushing their teeth at least three times a week helps prevent plaque buildup and other dental issues. Regardless of your choice—Working or Show Cocker, set aside some bucks for your dog’s professional grooming to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Finding Your Perfect Cocker Spaniel Match
If you’re still on the fence thinking which one to go for—this part is for you! Look at your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences—it all depends on these factors. To dispel your confusion, below is the worth-it guide:
Choose a Show Cocker Spaniel if:
If you prefer a calmer, laid-back dog—Show Cocker is the perfect fit. Here’s why: Show Cockers are generally less energetic and content to stay home and relax—suited for a calm, easygoing lifestyle. If they get regular walks, they’ll be happy, and when they’re happy, they can easily live in compact homes. They enjoy grooming as their long, silky coats require regular maintenance.
Families, especially kids are gonna love their gentle and affectionate nature—excellent companions for your children. If you never had a dog before, I say—just bring Show Cocker home! Perks? Your family will heart it, and the best thing is that they have moderate energy levels and are easy to train.
Lastly, if you want a dog primarily for companionship, Show Cockers thrive on human attention and are happy to be lap dogs.
Choose a Working Cocker Spaniel if:
If you are a rich man…I mean if you are with an active lifestyle, go for Working Cocker Spaniel. They are high-energy dogs—making them a perfect companion for outdoor explorers. You might wonder why they are called ‘Working’ cockers—well, they actually work!
These dogs stand out in sporting and working environments—especially in hunting woodcock, grouse, and other game birds. To stay healthy, Working Cocker Spaniels require extensive exercise—long walks, runs, and mental stimulation every single day.
They love to be in rural or suburban areas as there they have enough space to run freely and explore. Their high intelligence lets them enjoy training challenges and their drive makes them a solid fit for advanced training exercises. Their shorter coats require less grooming than Show Cockers—the go-to choice for those who prefer lower-maintenance pets.
Working Cockers are affectionate enough, yet, they tend to be more task-oriented and independent—ideal for those who don’t want a constantly attention-seeking dog.
Wrapping Things Up
Both Show and Working Cocker Spaniels are great family dogs, but their differences in appearance, energy levels, and care requirements mean that one type might be more suitable for you and your family.
Separate some time to think about your lifestyle, including your exercise habits, grooming preferences, how much time you can give them, and what you want in a canine companion. If possible, spend time with both Working and Show Cocker before welcoming one to ensure you bring the best fit.
Be prepared to provide them with love, care, proper nutrition, often vet check-ups, and the exercise and mental stimulation they need to thrive. If treated well, these dogs can bring happiness and companionship to your home for decades.
