Is the Bearded Collie or the English Cocker Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the Bearded Collie and the English Cocker Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bearded Collie or the English Cocker Spaniel?

The Bearded Collie sheds more than the English Cocker Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the English Cocker Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Bearded Collie or the English Cocker Spaniel?

The English Cocker Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Bearded Collie or English Cocker Spaniel bigger?

Bearded Collie and English Cocker Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Bearded Collie or English Cocker Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Bearded Collie or English Cocker Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie and English Cocker Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Bearded Collie vs English Cocker Spaniel: Which Sheds Less?

Bearded Collie vs English Cocker Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Bearded Collie	English Cocker Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bearded Collie needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The English Cocker Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bearded Collie demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The English Cocker Spaniel demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bearded Collie is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The English Cocker Spaniel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bearded Collie is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas English Cocker Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie and English Cocker Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bearded Collie and English Cocker Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Cocker Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bearded Collie has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, English Cocker Spaniel has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bearded Collie if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the English Cocker Spaniel on temperament, size and care.

Choose the English Cocker Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bearded Collie or the English Cocker Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Bearded Collie and the English Cocker Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bearded Collie or the English Cocker Spaniel?: The Bearded Collie sheds more than the English Cocker Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the English Cocker Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Bearded Collie or the English Cocker Spaniel?: The English Cocker Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bearded Collie or English Cocker Spaniel bigger?: Bearded Collie and English Cocker Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Bearded Collie or English Cocker Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Bearded Collie or English Cocker Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie and English Cocker Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Bearded Collie vs English Cocker Spaniel