English Cocker Spaniel vs Italian Greyhound

Sporting · Medium vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • English Cocker Spaniel is the larger breed at 28–34 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
  • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
  • The Italian Greyhound sheds less.
  • The English Cocker Spaniel is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitEnglish Cocker SpanielItalian Greyhound
Group
SportingToy
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
EnglandItaly
Height (male)
16–17"13–15"
Height (female)
15–16"13–15"
Weight (male)
28–34 lbs7–14 lbs
Weight (female)
26–32 lbs7–14 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years14–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a merry, sturdy, friendly gundog — the original woodcock specialist, leggier than its American cousin. Originally from England, this medium sporting breed typically weighs 28–34 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as merry, sturdy, friendly.

About the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.

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English Cocker Spaniel health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Ear infections
  • Eye disorders

Italian Greyhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Leg fractures
  • Dental issues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • PRA