American Cocker Spaniel vs Silkese Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Cocker or Silktese?

Compare the American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Cocker or a Silktese? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Merry Cocker, Cocker, Cocker Spaniel

Silktese

Weight

What is the average weight of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

28.5 pounds ( 13 kg )

11.5 pounds ( 5 kg )

Height

What is the average height of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese

14.5 inches ( 36.8 cm )

10.5 inches ( 26.7 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the American Cocker Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Silkeses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese dogs?

Outright
Tempered
Merry
Intelligent
Trusting
Joyful
Outgoing
Sociable

Active
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Quick
Gentle
Tempered
Joyful
Sweet
Inquisitive
Easygoing

Shedding Level

Do American Cocker Spaniels shed more than Silkeses, or which breed sheds more, American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses?

American Cocker Spaniels are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Silkeses shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

American Cocker Spaniels are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Avoid Silkeses as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Origin

What is the origin of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese dog breeds?

United States

Uknown

Ancestry

What are the origins of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds?

English Cocker Spaniel

Silky Terrier and Maltese

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese dogs?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds?

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Brindle
Sable
White
Silver
Blue

Black
Gray
Brown
White
Cream

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds?

American Cocker Spaniels have medium-length coats.

Silkeses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

Wavy

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An American Cocker Spaniel can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Silkese can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

American Cocker Spaniels are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Silkeses are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese, which breed is more prone to health problems?

American Cocker Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Silkese breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds?

Cataracts
Retinal Dysplasia
Seborrhea
Skin Problems

Patellar Luxation
Hypoglycemia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

Entropion
Ectropion
Corneal Erosion
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
Skin Fold Dermatitis

Diabetes
Portosystemic Shunt
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds?

Eye
Hip
Blood
Knee
Dna For Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

Eye Examination
Ear Examination
Urinalysis
Blood Count

Energy

How do the energy levels of American Cocker Spaniels and Silkeses compare?

American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese breeds are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, these breeds may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

American Cocker Spaniel vs Silkese social needs comparison

American Cocker Spaniel has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Silkese has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

American Cocker Spaniel vs Silkese exercise need comparison.

American Cocker Spaniels require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Silkeses need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

American Cocker Spaniels sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Silkeses have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses bark more/less frequently?

The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Silkese dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: American Cocker Spaniel vs Silkese?

Roaming urge

American Cocker Spaniel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese entertained?

Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Fetch, Nap, Cuddling, Running, Play keep away, Walk, Short walks, Sleeping, Sitting, Exploring, Eating Snacks, Nose work, Go to Park, Run, Hike, Chase, Tracking, Snuggling, Chatting, Grooming, Napping, Belly rubs

Playing fetch, Walking, Napping, Tug-of-war, Puzzle Toys, Walk, Barking, Jumping, Going on walks

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses?

Medium

American Cocker Spaniels are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Low

Silkeses are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Silkese dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese walk each week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Cocker Spaniel, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silkese, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most American Cocker Spaniels usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

45 minutes

In general most Silkeses usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses?

American Cocker Spaniels have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Silkeses require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese dogs?

Daily

Ideally, both American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for American Cocker Spaniels and Silkeses?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese in cups?

2.5 cups

For an average 25-30 pound (11 - 14 kg) American Cocker Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

1.5 cups

For an average 9-14 pound (4 - 6 kg) Silkese feed 1.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an American Cocker Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

$1.00 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Silkese is somewhere $1.00 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Cocker Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Silkese is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: American Cocker Spaniels vs Silkeses

American Cocker Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Silkeses are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Sensitivity Level

How do American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese compare in sensitivity?

American Cocker Spaniels have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Cocker Spaniel vs Silkese?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

American Cocker Spaniels and Silkeses are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Do American Cocker Spaniels or Silkeses have a friendlier temperament towards children?

American Cocker Spaniels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Silkeses are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

Cat Friendly

Do American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

American Cocker Spaniels are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Silkeses are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

American Cocker Spaniels and Silkeses are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.

Pet friendly

How do American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: American Cocker Spaniel or Silkese?

American Cocker Spaniels are highly friendly around strangers.

Silkeses are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese?

American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese are playful dogs. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for American Cocker Spaniel and Silkese is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of American Cocker Spaniels and Silkeses compare?

American Cocker Spaniels are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Silkeses are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.