English Cocker Spaniel vs Shiloh Shepherd - Breed Comparison

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.

The Shiloh Shepherd is currently a hybrid that breeders are attempting to develop into a new breed. New York breeder, Tina Barber, out of Shiloh Shepherds kennel developed dogs when in 1974, she attempted to develop a German Shepherd line. She wanted a GSD that was more like the ones she remembered from her childhood.

Tina took her foundation stock out of the AKC and got the FIC (Federation of International Canines) to recognize the Shiloh Shepherd as a separate breed. The FIC is not the same as the FCI or Federation Cynoloquque Internationale. In 1991 the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed, and the shepherd was recognized by the American Rare Breed Association.

Official recordkeeping on the breed began in 1993. The computer system TCCP maintains breed records and the Shiloh Shepherd has at least 9 generations in the system. Tina Barber was president of the Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club of America and oversaw the international club as well. She was responsible for the breed. After her death in 2011, her daughter took her place in working with the breed.

The Shiloh and the German Shepherd were then crossed to develop the King Shepherd.

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.

Shiloh Shepherds are giant dogs, much larger than the usual German Shepherd Dog. The Shiloh had been bred to be a companion animal and not a guardian or herder. The Shiloh looks more like a wolf than either the German or the King Shepherd Dog. Their back is straighter than the GSD and they are larger, more stable and more intelligent. They were bred to show a complimentary balance between strength and elegance.

They have slightly domed, broad heads with a muzzle that gradually tapers, strong cheekbones and black lips. Their ears are triangles, well cupped and firm. The Shiloh Shepherds eyes are either brown or very dark. They have a straight back which is muscular and broad. Their chests deep and their tails plush, long and curved.

They have a very “heavy” appearance compared with other shepherds. They are well muscled in both the lower and upper thighs. Their coat is plush, and they have a dense undercoat. Their hair is harsh to the touch. There is both a smooth coat and a plush coat with the plush coat being more prevalent.

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes, they are good with children. They are large however and have to be monitored with small children

2.Special talents - Speed and balance.

3.Adaptability good – they are large dogs and need space.

4.Learning ability good – intelligent and loves learning.

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.

The Shiloh Shepherd has some health issues to deal with. These include: They seem to have very sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – supplement with digestive enzymes.

• Bloat – gastric dilatca ation volvulus – twisted stomach or intestines. Needs immediate veterinary care.

• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth – diarrhea, difficulty absorbing nutrients, abdominal pain.

• Hip dysplasia – causes arthritis or lameness.
• Tumors – intestinal.

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.

1.Feeding the puppy -Due to the breed’s sensitive stomach and intestinal issues, it is important to feed the puppy a high quality large or extra-large breed of dog food. Feed at least 3 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult- You will still want to feed a high quality large or extra-large breed dog food two times a day. However, if you feed the pup well and keep the intestinal issues under control, the adult should have an easier time.

3.Points for Good Health - Good eyesight and hearing.

4. Games and Exercises Be careful of the puppies’ exercise levels. Their bones grow slower than most so avoid a lot of jumping or strenuous exercise until they are adults. This means that even though they will be very good at agility or flyball and they will love playing them, do not start them when they are puppies. Wait until they are mature. The do well in herding trials, agility and search and rescue. Many make great therapy dogs.