Both cockers and springers are bred to do the same thing, so when it comes to work there’s not much to choose between them.Well-trained examples of either breed will hunt even the densest of cover with the same passion, and both are enthusiastic with similar powers of endurance.

Springers mostly have a size advantage over working cocker spaniels. 
Springers are mostly heavier. A  typical working cocker will weigh between 9.5kg and 15kg, a springer around 20kg.                                                                                          However there are working springers around  15-16 kgs and  well over 20 kgs.
The bigger springer will be able to manage heavy game. Although the smallest  cocker will  retrieve big cock pheasants and hares. 
Both breeds love water, the bigger springer has the advantage of being a more powerful swimmer.
But for everything else do you really need a springer when the smaller cocker can cope equally well?6. Cocker spaniels generally have a better engine and more staying power than springers. 7. Cockers come in more colours than springers– solid black, browns and gold to blue and lemon roans.8. Springers tend to be cheaper than cockers to purchase. 9. However cockers don’t eat as much as a springer so your food costs will be smaller.10. “It’s often said that very few people switch from Cockers to Springers, while those who move from Springers to Cockers rarely go back—though some hunters still enjoy working both breeds.”

Both breeds retrieve a shot pheasant with ease.

English Springer Spaniel

Working Cocker Spaniel

What is the best breed to be competitive in NZ Trials.
Cockers and springers compete together in NZ Spaniel Natural Game Trials.
Cockers acquit themselves well against their bigger cousins.
In our 2025 Trial season 25 springers were placed in all championship trials  and 28 cockers were placed (either 1st, 2nd or 3rd).
In the 2025 North Island SNG Championship Cockers got 1st and 2nd ((No 3rd Place awarded), 2025 South Island SNG Championship Cockers got 1st, 2nd & 3rd.
In the New Zealand SNG Championship a springer got 1st and cockers 2nd & 3rd.

Cocker or Springer?

Both cockers and springers are bred to do the same thing, so when it comes to work there’s not much to choose between them.

Well-trained examples of either breed will hunt even the densest of cover with the same passion, and both are enthusiastic with similar powers of endurance.