Comparison: English Cocker Spaniel and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

English Cocker Spaniel and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

English Cocker Spaniel
Photo: NicolasCoeurdelion, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Photo: Taken by Ralf-W. Seipp uploaded by Caronna, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
English Cocker SpanielNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomCanada
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers38–43 cm45–51 cm
Weight12–16 kg17–23 kg
Life span12–15 years–
Recognition features
  • Long silky ears and a silky coat in many colours
  • Longer muzzle than the American Cocker
  • Square build, about 40 cm tall
  • Medium-sized, muscular, compact dog in shades of red or orange with lighter feathering
  • White markings on the tail tip, feet, chest or blaze; strongly webbed feet
  • Slightly wedge-shaped head, triangular high-set ears and a heavily feathered tail
CoatSilky coat with feathering, many colours.Water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness with a softer dense undercoat; may have a slight wave on the back, otherwise straight, and winter coats may form a loose curl at the throat. Various shades of red or orange with lighter feathering and underside of tail, usually with at least one white marking.
PurposeAn English gundog for flushing and retrieving woodcock in dense cover.A tolling dog that lures waterfowl: by playing along the shoreline it draws curious ducks within gunshot range and then retrieves the dead or wounded birds from water and land.

Breed page: English Cocker Spaniel · Breed page: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.