Dachshund vs Cocker Spaniel
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Multi-pet Homes, First-time Owners
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
High
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Dachshund might be better if you:
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Cocker Spaniel might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Dachshund
The Dachshund, also known as the 'wiener dog' or 'sausage dog,' is a small breed known for its long body and short legs. They are playful, curious, and courageous, making them popular family pets. Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired, and they can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Their unique appearance and lively personality make them a beloved breed worldwide.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium-sized breed known for its affectionate nature, intelligence, and playful disposition. With a distinctive long, flowing coat and expressive eyes, they are often recognized for their beauty as well as their friendly demeanor. Cocker Spaniels are eager to please, making them highly trainable and well-suited for families and individuals alike. They are generally social, enjoying the company of people and other pets, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their friendly and gentle temperament makes them excellent companions, though they can be sensitive and may require gentle training methods.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Good with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
High grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Dachshund
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their size and age.
Health Care
Check ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup; clean as needed.
Cocker Spaniel
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check and clean their ears weekly to avoid infections.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Grooming
Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their size and age.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup; clean as needed.
Health Care
Check and clean their ears weekly to avoid infections.
Additional Care Notes
Dachshund
- •Ensure access to fresh water at all times.
Cocker Spaniel
- •Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Dachshund
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use short, consistent training sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep their attention. Socialization is key, so expose them to various environments, people, and other pets from a young age. Consistency is crucial; use the same commands and gestures every time.
Training Challenges
- •Separation anxiety - Gradually accustom your Dachshund to being alone by creating a safe space and using puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- •Barking excessively - Identify triggers for the barking and train them to 'speak' and 'quiet' on command, rewarding them for the quiet behavior.
- •Stubbornness - Use patience and varied training methods to keep them engaged, and avoid repetition that leads to boredom.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as Cocker Spaniels can be sensitive to harsh corrections. Socialization with other dogs and people is also essential during their early months.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions if not properly motivated
- •Distractions from their curious nature, making it hard to focus
- •Separation anxiety, leading to unwanted behaviors when left alone
- •Overexcitement around new people or pets
- •Difficulty in housebreaking if not consistent with schedules
Dachshund
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use short, consistent training sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep their attention. Socialization is key, so expose them to various environments, people, and other pets from a young age. Consistency is crucial; use the same commands and gestures every time.
Training Challenges
- •Separation anxiety - Gradually accustom your Dachshund to being alone by creating a safe space and using puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- •Barking excessively - Identify triggers for the barking and train them to 'speak' and 'quiet' on command, rewarding them for the quiet behavior.
- •Stubbornness - Use patience and varied training methods to keep them engaged, and avoid repetition that leads to boredom.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as Cocker Spaniels can be sensitive to harsh corrections. Socialization with other dogs and people is also essential during their early months.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions if not properly motivated
- •Distractions from their curious nature, making it hard to focus
- •Separation anxiety, leading to unwanted behaviors when left alone
- •Overexcitement around new people or pets
- •Difficulty in housebreaking if not consistent with schedules
Training Resources
Dachshund Training Guide
Cocker Spaniel Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Dachshund Breeders
Find Cocker Spaniel Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.