Which lives longer, the English Cocker Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?

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

Which is healthier, the English Cocker Spaniel or the German Shepherd Dog?

On the Breed Health Score the English Cocker Spaniel scores 80/100 and the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100. The English Cocker Spaniel scores higher.

English Cocker Spaniel vs German Shepherd Dog

The English Cocker Spaniel has a median lifespan of 13.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 80/100 (grade A); the German Shepherd Dog lives a median of 11.3 years with a score of 59/100 (grade C). On the overall index the English Cocker Spaniel scores higher. The English Cocker Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

English Cocker Spaniel

80grade A

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Median lifespan

13.3 yr

11.3 yr

Size

medium · 12-16 kg

large · 22-40 kg

Flat-faced

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

80A

59C

Conditions

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

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

Full profiles

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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.