Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund

The Cocker Spaniel and the long-haired Dachshund are two small dog breeds. Furry, with elongated bodies and slender muzzles, these two dogs share several physical similarities that make them hard to tell apart. Can you do it at a glance?

The differences between the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund include body size, leg shape, and personality. Want to know more about these breeds? Don't miss the info SoyUnPerro has put together for you — let's go!

Characteristics of the Cocker Spaniel

There are two types of Cocker: American and English; of the two, the American Cocker Spaniel is the variety that most resembles the Dachshund. It's a sporting hunting dog known for its balanced temperament and speed. Males typically stand between 36.83 and 38.10 centimeters at the withers, while females reach between 34.29 and 35.56 centimeters.

The Cocker Spaniel's head is rounded and the muzzle is somewhat elongated. The nose can be black, liver, or brown; generally, these tones pair with the eyelid color depending on the coat's shade. The bite is a scissor bite. The breed's eyes are round, with a notably intelligent look over a dark iris. The ears are also thin and long, hanging down at the sides of the head.

The breed's coat is short on the head and medium-length on the rest of the body. The Cocker Spaniel also has feathering on the ears, chest, and belly. Overall, the coat is silky and shiny. As for color, several combinations are accepted by international kennel clubs: solid black, cream, liver, and red, black or liver with tan markings, black and white, red and black, among other varieties.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a balanced, intelligent dog. The breed stands out for its sweet personality and the loyalty it shows its owners; it also gets along well with children and other pets.

Characteristics of the Dachshund

The Teckel, also called the Sausage Dog or Dachshund, is a hunting variety known for its elongated, muscular body and small size. Males stand between 37 and 47 centimeters at the withers, while females reach between 35 and 45 centimeters.

The Dachshund's head is elongated and somewhat flat. Nose color changes depending on coat shade, while the bite is a scissor bite. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and lively; the iris should be dark. The ears are thin, long, and hang down to the muzzle.

Only the long-haired Dachshund resembles the Cocker Spaniel, mainly because of its glossy double coat. Feathering on the ears, chest, and legs is also common in this breed. Coat colors vary widely: solid red, red with black areas, chestnut or black, merle (dark base with patches), and brindle.

This breed is charming and intelligent. It gets along very well with people, children, and other pets, though it can bark a bit and be a little temperamental. Like other small breeds, caution is recommended when letting it play with children and larger dogs, since it could get hurt easily; the same caution is needed around stairs and high places.

Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund

There are several differences between the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund, even though at first glance these dogs look quite similar thanks to their coats. Did you guess any way to tell them apart? Pay attention to the details listed below:

• Size: the Cocker Spaniel and the Dachshund are both small dogs; however, the Dachshund is taller than the Cocker by a few centimeters.
• Body shape: the Dachshund's body is longer than the Cocker's, which gives it its well-known sausage-like look.
• Skull shape: the skull is rounded in the Cocker, but longer and flatter in the Dachshund.
• The stop: the stop is pronounced in the Cocker and more subtle in the Dachshund.
• Neck length: the neck is shorter in the Dachshund than in the Cocker, and a slight dewlap is visible.
• Eye shape: the eyes are round in the Cocker, while they're almond-shaped in the Dachshund.
• Coat length: both breeds have smooth, shiny, feathered coats; however, this feathering is usually more abundant and noticeable on the Cocker Spaniel's body.
• Leg shape: the Dachshund's legs are shorter.
• Behavior: both breeds are loving with their families, but the Dachshund is more restless and vocal.