MyDogBreeds
Both English Cocker Spaniel and English Mastiff are originated from United Kingdom. English Cocker Spaniel may grow 33 cm / 12 inches shorter than English Mastiff. English Cocker Spaniel may weigh 97 kg / 213 pounds lesser than English Mastiff. English Cocker Spaniel may live 3 years more than English Mastiff. English Cocker Spaniel may have less litter size than English Mastiff. English Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But English Mastiff requires Low maintenance
The English Cocker Spaniel has a rich history that dates back to at least the 14th century in England. Originally bred as a bird hunting dog, the breed's name "Cocker" comes from their specialization in hunting the woodcock bird.
Early spaniels, including the Cocker, were used as gun dogs to flush out and retrieve game. Over time, they were developed into a smaller, more agile hunter, distinct from other spaniels like the English Springer Spaniel.
By the 19th century, breeders in England focused on enhancing the breed's stamina, agility, and hunting instincts, while also fostering a gentle temperament. The English Cocker Spaniel became recognized as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel in the early 20th century. Though originally bred for fieldwork, the breed’s affectionate nature and beautiful, silky coat led to its growing popularity as a companion dog.
Today, the English Cocker Spaniel is cherished both as a working dog and a family pet, known for its friendly, playful, and loyal personality.
Throughout most of history there have been images created by people of very large, sturdy dogs that they shared their space with. The English Mastiff can trace some part of her ancestry to these same dogs. This breed is thought to have come from the stock of ancient breeds such as the Alpine Mastiff, Pugnaces Britanniae and Alaunt. The Mastiff in general has then become a main descendent of many other breeds of dogs since the 1880’s. The images of these types of dogs goes back to the 5th and 6th century.
There is no genetic evidence linking these dogs to the modern Mastiffs and the English Mastiff, but the resemblance is obvious. There is anecdotal evidence that these Mastiff type dogs were exported from England – the English Mastiff – to Greece to hunt game but were also used as war dogs by the Celts. The Alaunt was probably used the Normans and bred by the Alans. Writings and images throughout these times depicted a dog that looked very much like today’s English Mastiff. Some speculate that the English Mastiff came to the United States of the Mayflower.
There was a decline in the English Mastiff in its homeland in the 1800’s following the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 which prohibited owners and trainers from baiting animals. Then in the 19th century, prior to the first World War, systematic breeding programs began with J.W. Thompson. His first English Mastiff was a female named Dorah. Dorah’s ancestors included dogs from Thompson’s Grandfather. Captain John Garnier of the Royal Engineers also had dogs that contributed to the development of the English Mastiff.
During this time some breeders got away from pure type and began to breed for other factors. In the late 1800’s, Edgar Hanbury and Mark Hanbury Beaufoy began restoring the breed to its original soundness. One of their dogs was exported to the US were breeding to soundness continued until the First World War reduced the number of English Mastiffs around the world. By the time the war ended there were no English Mastiffs outside of England.
There was a dog in Canada named Beowulf and direct descendent of imports from Britain, who came to the States after the war and began to re-establish the breed on this continent and registered with the American Kennel Club. Yet as of 1945, the contribution from North
Breeding was stopped again for World War II and started again after the war. Many of these puppies died of distemper. Only one female had pups that were able to grow up into adults. North America sent dogs to England at this time and all of the Mastiffs from that time, could be traced back to Nydia and the 14 North American Mastiffs. Since then the breed has been restored slowly in Europe, North America and everywhere in the world.
The English Mastiff is known by his massive head with a black mask and comes in a wide variety of colors. He is also known as a gentle giant because of his personality and the love he has for his people.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, elegant, and compact dog known for its beautiful coat and gentle nature. With a graceful, athletic build, it has a slightly wavy, silky coat that is longer on the ears, legs, chest, and belly, giving the dog a refined appearance.
Their large, expressive eyes and long, floppy ears add to their charming look. Typically, they stand between 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm) tall and weigh between 26 to 34 pounds (12 to 15.5 kg), with males being slightly larger than females.
This breed is known for its friendly, affectionate nature, making it a beloved family companion. The English Cocker Spaniel is also energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation, and is well-suited for active families.
Originally bred as a bird hunting dog, they have a strong instinct for retrieving and a keen sense of smell. Despite their hunting background, they are also social and adaptable, getting along well with other pets and children.
Their eager-to-please attitude makes them trainable, though they do require consistency. Overall, the English Cocker Spaniel is a loving, playful, and loyal dog that thrives in a family environment.
The English Mastiff is a giant dog with a broad head and body. In terms of mass it is the worlds largest dog, just a little bigger that the Saint Bernard. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are 6 inches taller but do not carry the weight and bulk of the Mastiff. Mostly square in his body and his head with a massive chest and wide set forelegs. The head is square and very large. No matter the color of the coat, the face should have a black mask like the St. Bernard. His eyes and nose are also dark.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, graceful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. Standing between 15 to 17 inches tall and weighing between 26 to 34 pounds, they have a silky, slightly wavy coat with longer feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and belly, giving them an elegant appearance.
Their large, expressive eyes and long, floppy ears further enhance their charm. These dogs are gentle, playful, and social, forming strong bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets. Energetic and active, they enjoy regular exercise like walks, playtime, and sometimes swimming.
Smart and eager to please, they are relatively easy to train, though they may show a bit of independence at times. Loyal and loving, they seek companionship and attention from their owners. While generally healthy, English Cocker Spaniels can be prone to certain health issues like ear infections, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Overall, they make excellent companions for active families or individuals due to their affectionate, energetic, and loyal temperament.
The English Mastiff is very happy to play with children. You willl need to be careful with small children as he does not know his size and is likely to sit on them.
This lovable giant is noble and loyal. He will protect his family and he will be courageous about it.
This is a big dog but he doesnt live outside. You need a big yard and perhaps a big house. He may not adapt to an apartment.
The English Mastiff is smart and certainly trainable. He can be independent and stubborn at times but he has the ability to learn.
The English Cocker Spaniel is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues:
Ear Infections: Their long ears can trap moisture, leading to infections. Regular cleaning is essential.
Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition causing progressive vision loss.
Cataracts: Cloudiness in the lens of the eye, common in older dogs. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Heart Issues: Mitral valve disease in older dogs. Obesity: Prone to weight gain if not properly exercised or fed. Regular vet visits, proper diet, and exercise help manage these conditions.
Being a massive dog can take its toll on the body’s development and that is certainly true of the English Mastiff. A lot of running is not recommended in the early life of the dog – preferable for the first two years. This could damage the joint’s growth plates and cause him a lot of problems in later years. Too much exercise in this massive dog can hurt him but so can, not enough exercise.
Some of the health issues other than this that the English Mastiff is prone to include:
A large dog like the English Mastiff is always prone to pain from arthritic joints. See your vet about pain medication.
A spot under the skin that is swollen and filled with fluid. Can be treated. It is not an infection or contagious.
Can result in lameness and arthritis.
Caring for an English Cocker Spaniel involves meeting their physical, emotional, and grooming needs. They are an active breed, so it’s important to provide daily exercise—a walk or play session for about 30 to 60 minutes will keep them happy and healthy. Mental stimulation is equally important, so be sure to provide toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their mind engaged.
Grooming is essential for this breed, as their long, silky coat needs to be brushed 2–3 times a week to prevent matting, especially around the ears and legs. Regular ear cleaning is also important to avoid infections, and they should be bathed every 4–6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo.Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks and teeth brushing a few times a week will help maintain their overall health.
Their diet should consist of high-quality food tailored to their age, size, and activity level, with fresh water always available. Regular vet visits for vaccinations and health check-ups are crucial, and you should be vigilant for any signs of illness like ear infections or limping. Additionally, early socialization and positive reinforcement training will ensure they grow into well-rounded, obedient companions. By providing consistent care and attention to their physical and emotional needs, your English Cocker Spaniel will thrive as a loyal and loving member of the family.
This is an enormous dog that grows quickly. It is important to feed them properly as they grow. If he doesn’t get what he needs as a puppy you will not be able to make it up to him later on.
The English Mastiff puppy needs good nutrition for growing properly.
From 12-16 weeks of age feed him 3-4 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 3-4 meals.
From 4 -6 months of age feed him 8-10 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.
From 6-18 months of age feed him 8-12 cups a day of a high protein, high quality, dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.
The English Mastiff is still growing from a year to 18 months. Starting at 18 months feed him 10-12 cups a day of high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2 meals.
As your Mastiff ages, cut down on the protein and feed a dry food appropriate for his age.
The English Mastiff is a very large dog that should not be allowed to get obese since he is prone to dysplasia. He needs protein throughout puppyhood and until he is about 8-10.
This is a couch potato if you let him be. Make sure he gets at least one long walk per day or he will tend to gain weight. Play with them off leash about an hour every day.