Is the English Cocker Spaniel Better than the Patterdale Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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English Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

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English Cocker Spaniel Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier 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 English Cocker Spaniel and for the Patterdale Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier.

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

English Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are similar in size. The English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

English Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Cocker Spaniel to the Patterdale Terrier 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.

Factor English Cocker Spaniel Patterdale Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 inches tall at the s 12 to 15 inches
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Weight 26 to 34 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1500 $680
Price Range $1200 – $1800 $550 – $950
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • BAER Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of MO Adult Onset Neuropathy
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•  No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 a English Cocker Spaniel is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the English Cocker Spaniel is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier. 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • English Cocker Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of English Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    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.

    On the other hand, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Price of English Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    The average price of the English Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1500. The price of the English Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $1800. However, the price of a English Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $650 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 90 English Cocker Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The English Cocker Spaniel is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    English Cocker Spaniel Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1500 $680
    Price Range $1200 to $1800 $550 to $950

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Cocker Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Cocker Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the English Cocker Spaniel puppy or the Patterdale Terrier 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier

    English Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the English Cocker Spaniel or the Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can English Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Do English Cocker Spaniels shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

    English Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can English Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Is the English Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    English Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Do English Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Cocker Spaniel vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Is the English Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    English Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Are English Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are English Cocker Spaniels and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Cocker Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel:

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with English Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Cavachon.
  • Norwich Terrier (81 percent match with English Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Norwich Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel vs Portuguese Pointer.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the English Cocker Spaniel and how the Patterdale Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel and of the Patterdale Terrier to other breeds:

    English Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Cocker Spaniel versus French Spaniel     English Cocker Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     English Cocker Spaniel versus Rottweiler     English Cocker Spaniel versus Puli     English Cocker Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     English Cocker Spaniel versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     English Cocker Spaniel versus Maltipoo     English Cocker Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     English Cocker Spaniel versus Irish Setter     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Mal Shi     Patterdale Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Patterdale Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Patterdale Terrier versus Maltipoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Samoyed     Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Patterdale Terrier versus German Pinscher     Patterdale Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Patterdale Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     

    Conclusion: English Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.