Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cocker Spaniel Versus Lowchen: Introduction
- Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen: Overview
- Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen
- Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen
- Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Cocker Spaniel
- Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Lowchen
- The Popularity of Cocker Spaniel versus Popularity of Lowchen
- Health Problems of Cocker Spaniel versus Health Problems of Lowchen
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen
- Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Lowchens?
- Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen?
- Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
- Do Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Lowchen
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen?
- Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
- How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Lowchens?
- Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cocker Spaniel Versus Lowchen: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen? 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen.
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 Lowchen.
Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen: Overview
A very important difference between the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-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 Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cocker Spaniel to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen
| Factor | Cocker Spaniel | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 24 to 28 pounds | 9 to 18 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1760 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2000 | $1642 – $4500 |
| Temperament Score | 82.0 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 29 | 163 |
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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Cocker Spaniel. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen
The Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen.
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, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen
The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
Lowchens live longer than Cocker Spaniels.
Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel has a better temperament than the Lowchen.
This is because the temperament score for the Cocker Spaniel is 82.0 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 82.0 percent, the Cocker Spaniel has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 233 Cocker Spaniels and 12 Lowchens.
Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Lowchen
The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Lowchen is more expensive than the Cocker Spaniel.
| Cocker Spaniel | Lowchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1760 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2000 | $1642 to $4500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cocker Spaniel and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Cocker Spaniel puppies or how many Lowchen puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cocker Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cocker Spaniel puppy or the Lowchen 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.
The Popularity of Cocker Spaniel versus Popularity of Lowchen
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 Lowchen over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cocker Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cocker Spaniel
Popularity of Lowchen
| Year | Cocker Spaniel Popularity Rank | Lowchen Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 29 | 154 |
| 2014 | 30 | 165 |
| 2015 | 30 | 161 |
| 2016 | 29 | 171 |
| 2017 | 29 | 169 |
| 2018 | 30 | 168 |
| 2019 | 28 | 158 |
| 2020 | 30 | 161 |
Health Problems of Cocker Spaniel versus Health Problems of Lowchen
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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is prone to more genetic health problems than the Cocker Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Lowchen than for the Cocker Spaniel.
2 health tests are recommended for Cocker Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cocker Spaniels and in Lowchens.
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.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cocker Spaniels and Lowchens
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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cocker Spaniel and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cocker Spaniel and the Lowchen:
| Disease | Cocker Spaniel Rank | Lowchen Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 12 out of 145 dog breeds | 19 out of 145 dog breeds |
| 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 | 42 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 125 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 144 out of 198 dog breeds | 163 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 Lowchen
Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Lowchens?
Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.
Lowchens shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen
Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen?
Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
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.
Lowchens 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 Lowchens?
Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Lowchen
Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen?
Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
Cocker Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Lowchens?
Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?
Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cocker Spaniel or the Lowchen?
Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Lowchens are very good 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 Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cocker Spaniel and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cocker Spaniel and of the Lowchen to other breeds:
Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cocker Spaniel versus Harrier Cocker Spaniel versus Greyhound Cocker Spaniel versus Shiba Inu Cocker Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff Cocker Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Cane Corso Cocker Spaniel versus Beagle Cocker Spaniel versus Bernedoodle Cocker Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje Cocker Spaniel versus Samoyed Cocker Spaniel versus Border Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Cocker Spaniel versus Goldador Cocker Spaniel versus German Longhaired Pointer Cocker Spaniel versus Korean Jindo Dog Cocker Spaniel versus Bluetick Coonhound Cocker Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje Cocker Spaniel versus English Springer Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel Cocker Spaniel versus Bernedoodle Cocker Spaniel versus Beaglier Cocker Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer Cocker Spaniel versus Sloughi Cocker Spaniel versus Vizsla Cocker Spaniel versus Chihuahua
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Lowchen versus Dogue de Bordeaux Lowchen versus Basset Hound Lowchen versus Biewer Terrier Lowchen versus Bluetick Coonhound Lowchen versus Standard Poodle Lowchen versus Basset Hound Lowchen versus Australian Kelpie Lowchen versus Chorkie Lowchen versus Spanish Mastiff Lowchen versus Border Collie Lowchen versus Mudi Lowchen versus Saint Bernard Lowchen versus Mal Shi Lowchen versus Australian Cattle Dog Lowchen versus Azawakh Lowchen versus Portuguese Pointer Lowchen versus West Highland White Terrier Lowchen versus Irish Wolfhound Lowchen versus Japanese Spitz Lowchen versus Standard Poodle Lowchen versus Pharaoh Hound Lowchen versus Sheepadoodle Lowchen versus Schnoodle
Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Lowchen. 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 Lowchen better suits you and your family.