Which is Better Between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel?

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Boerboel Versus English Cocker Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boerboel and for the English Cocker Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boerboel or the English Cocker Spaniel.

Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the English Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the English Cocker Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel to the English Cocker Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel

Factor Boerboel English Cocker Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 26 to 34 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 inches tall at the s
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2660 $1520
Price Range $2225 – $3000 $1200 – $1800
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 93.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•
  • BAER Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of MO Adult Onset Neuropathy
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the English Cocker Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the English Cocker Spaniel is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the English Cocker Spaniel is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get the English Cocker Spaniel!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are most different:

    • Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, English Cocker Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, English Cocker Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs. However, English Cocker Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
    • Boerboels are not very friendly towards strangers. However, English Cocker Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, English Cocker Spaniels do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel

    The Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel.

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, English Cocker Spaniels weigh 26 to 34 pounds when fully grown. English Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of English Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of English Cocker Spaniels is 13.0 years.

    English Cocker Spaniels live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the English Cocker Spaniel Versus the Boerboel

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the English Cocker Spaniel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the English Cocker Spaniel is 93.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 94.7 percent, the Boerboel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 93.3 percent, the English Cocker Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 75 English Cocker Spaniels.

    Price of Boerboel versus Price of English Cocker Spaniel

    The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the English Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1520. The price of the English Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 35 English Cocker Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the English Cocker Spaniel.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boerboel and English Cocker Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Boerboel puppies or how many English Cocker Spaniel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Cocker Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of English Cocker Spaniels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boerboel puppy or the English Cocker Spaniel puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of English Cocker Spaniel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Boerboel is prone to more genetic health problems than the English Cocker Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the English Cocker Spaniel.

    6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 5 tests are recommended for the English Cocker Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boerboels and in English Cocker Spaniels.

    Boerboel Health Problems

    Boerboels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boerboel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boerboel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boerboel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boerboels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.

    English Cocker Spaniel Health Problems

    English Cocker Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing English Cocker Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a English Cocker Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your English Cocker Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen English Cocker Spaniels for:

  • BAER Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of MO Adult Onset Neuropathy
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Cocker Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    English Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than English Cocker Spaniels?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    English Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the English Cocker Spaniel

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    English Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the English Cocker Spaniel?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    English Cocker Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Cocker Spaniel?

    Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    English Cocker Spaniels have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about English Cocker Spaniels?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    English Cocker Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    English Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. English Cocker Spaniel

    Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    English Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    English Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the English Cocker Spaniel?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    English Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about English Cocker Spaniels?

    Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    English Cocker Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and English Cocker Spaniels?

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    English Cocker Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the English Cocker Spaniel?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    English Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the English Cocker Spaniel?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    English Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the English Cocker Spaniel?

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    English Cocker Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boerboel and the English Cocker Spaniel better suits you and your family.