Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cocker Spaniel Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier: Overview
- Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier
- Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of Cocker Spaniel versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Cocker Spaniel versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier
- Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier?
- Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Harrier
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier?
- Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Harriers?
- Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cocker Spaniel Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier? 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier 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 Cocker Spaniel and for the Harrier. 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier.
Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the 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.
On the other hand, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cocker Spaniel to the Harrier 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier
| Factor | Cocker Spaniel | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 24 to 28 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1760 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2000 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 29 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker Spaniel 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 Harrier. 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Cocker Spaniel. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier
The Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier.
Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier
The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Cocker Spaniels live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cocker Spaniels and many Harriers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Cocker Spaniel named Brando that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cocker Spaniels like Brando on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cocker Spaniels, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Pilot is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Pilot that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Mickey is the name of another Cocker Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Bailey is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cocker Spaniels and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cocker Spaniel versus Popularity of Harrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cocker Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Cocker Spaniel is 29 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cocker Spaniel
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Cocker Spaniel Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 29 | 173 |
| 2014 | 30 | 181 |
| 2015 | 30 | 183 |
| 2016 | 29 | 186 |
| 2017 | 29 | 183 |
| 2018 | 30 | 189 |
| 2019 | 28 | 186 |
| 2020 | 30 | 190 |
Health Problems of Cocker Spaniel versus Health Problems of Harrier
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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier 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 Harrier is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Cocker Spaniel.
2 health tests are recommended for Cocker Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cocker Spaniels and in Harriers.
Cocker Spaniel Health Problems
Cocker Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing 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 Cocker Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your 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 Cocker Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cocker Spaniels here.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cocker Spaniels and Harriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Cocker Spaniel Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Cocker Spaniel ranks 12 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1845 Cocker Spaniels, 145 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cocker Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Cocker Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cocker Spaniel and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier:
| Disease | Cocker Spaniel Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 12 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 22 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 26 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 28 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 125 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 144 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier
Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Harriers?
Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier
Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier?
Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
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.
Harriers 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Harrier
Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier?
Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Cocker Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Harriers?
Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cocker Spaniel or the Harrier?
Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cocker Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cocker Spaniel:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cocker Spaniel and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cocker Spaniel and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cocker Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear Cocker Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound Cocker Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Papipoo Cocker Spaniel versus Shichon Cocker Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Bordoodle Cocker Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Cocker Spaniel versus Canaan Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Tibetan Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever Cocker Spaniel versus French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Cocker Spaniel versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Cocker Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff Cocker Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund Cocker Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Irish Setter Cocker Spaniel versus Chinook Cocker Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus King Shepherd Cocker Spaniel versus Norwegian Lundehund
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Bernedoodle Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Harrier versus Schipperke Harrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound Harrier versus Schnoodle Harrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais Harrier versus Manchester Terrier Harrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Harrier versus West Highland White Terrier Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Harrier versus Labradoodle Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Akbash Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Harrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Harrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Harrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Harrier versus Newfoundland Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff Harrier versus Clumber Spaniel Harrier versus Australian Cattle Dog Harrier versus Westiepoo Harrier versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier. 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Harrier better suits you and your family.