Which lives longer, the Boxer or the English Cocker Spaniel?

The English Cocker Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: Boxer 11.3 years versus English Cocker Spaniel 13.3 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Boxer or the English Cocker Spaniel?

On the Breed Health Score the Boxer scores 47/100 and the English Cocker Spaniel scores 80/100. The English Cocker Spaniel scores higher.

Boxer vs English Cocker Spaniel

The Boxer has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 47/100 (grade D); the English Cocker Spaniel lives a median of 13.3 years with a score of 80/100 (grade A). On the overall index the English Cocker Spaniel scores higher. The English Cocker Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

Boxer

47grade D

English Cocker Spaniel

80grade A

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

13.3 yr

Size

large · 25-32 kg

medium · 12-16 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

47D

80A

Conditions

ARVC (cardiomyopathy)Aortic stenosis Mast cell tumours BOAS Degenerative myelopathy

Progressive retinal atrophy Otitis externa Hip dysplasia Familial nephropathy Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.