If you love the friendly, playful nature of Cocker Spaniels but prefer a dog without their signature long, floppy ears, this list is for you. We’ve gathered 10 dog breeds that share some of the Cocker Spaniel’s charm—such as size, temperament, and energy level—but sport shorter or differently shaped ears. Whether you want a similar companion for family life, exercise, or just a lovable pet, these breeds offer great alternatives without the maintenance of long ears.
American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog known for its curly or wavy coat and shorter, more moderately set ears that don’t hang as long as those of a Cocker Spaniel. This breed is highly intelligent and energetic, making it a great choice for active families or those who enjoy water activities. Its ears are covered in tight curls, which require less daily grooming compared to the silky, long ears of Cocker Spaniels.
English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are larger than Cocker Spaniels and have ears that are long but generally less pendulous and heavy. Their ears tend to be more triangular and set higher on the head, which gives them a more alert appearance. This breed is prized for its versatility in hunting and companionship, with a friendly, eager-to-please personality and a coat that is easier to maintain than the typical Cocker’s.
Boykin Spaniel
Originating in South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a compact sporting dog with medium-length ears that are shorter and less floppy than those of a Cocker Spaniel. It has a wavy, water-resistant coat and is known for its gentle temperament and high trainability. The Boykin’s ears are covered in short, curly fur, which minimizes ear infections common in breeds with long, dense ear hair.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog has a curly or wavy coat and ears that are triangular and set high, lying close to the head rather than hanging long. This breed is energetic, intelligent, and excellent for active households, especially those near water. Its ear shape and coat type reduce grooming needs and the risk of ear problems often seen in long-eared spaniels.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Similar in many ways to the English Springer but with a distinctive red-and-white coat, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has ears that are moderately long but set higher and less pendulous than a Cocker’s. This breed is loyal, affectionate, and requires regular exercise. Its ears are less prone to matting, making grooming more straightforward for owners seeking a spaniel-like dog without long ears.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a larger sporting breed with very short, tight curls covering its entire body, including its ears. Unlike the Cocker Spaniel’s long, flat ears, this breed’s ears are short and lie close to the head, reducing grooming and ear care requirements. Known for its intelligence and versatility in waterfowl hunting, it has a confident and independent temperament.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is notable for its dense, curly coat and ears that are covered with tight curls but do not hang as long as those of a Cocker Spaniel. This breed is one of the largest spaniels and has a distinctive “rat tail.” It’s highly energetic and intelligent, requiring consistent training and exercise, with ears that need less maintenance than the silky, long ears of Cockers.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian water dog with a dense, curly coat and ears that are moderately sized and covered in curls, but notably shorter and less pendulous than Cocker Spaniel ears. This breed is famous for its truffle-hunting skills and has a friendly, affectionate nature. Its ear shape and coat texture make it hypoallergenic and easier to care for regarding ear infections and matting.
American Brittany
The American Brittany is a medium-sized hunting dog with short, triangular ears that lie close to the head, quite unlike the long, floppy ears of the Cocker Spaniel. This breed is highly energetic, intelligent, and versatile in field work. Its short ears reduce grooming time and lower the risk of ear infections, making it a practical choice for active owners who want a spaniel-like temperament without long ears.
English Cocker Spaniel (with cropped ears)
While not a separate breed, some owners opt for cropping the English Cocker Spaniel’s ears to reduce length and maintenance. This practice is controversial and illegal in many countries, but in places where it is permitted, it results in a dog that retains the breed’s classic personality and size with shorter ears. However, it’s important to consider ethical and legal factors before choosing this option.
How to Choose
When selecting a dog breed similar to Cocker Spaniels but without long ears, consider temperament, activity level, grooming needs, and health predispositions. Temperament is crucial—if you want a friendly, family-oriented dog, focus on breeds with gentle dispositions like the Boykin Spaniel or English Springer. Activity level matters because many spaniel-like breeds require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Grooming is especially important if you want to avoid the ear infections and matting common with long-eared dogs; breeds with shorter or curly ears tend to be easier to maintain. Finally, research breed-specific health issues such as hip dysplasia or ear infections to ensure you’re prepared for potential care requirements. Meeting individual dogs and consulting with breeders or rescue groups can help you find the best match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs with shorter ears have fewer ear infections?
Generally, yes. Dogs with shorter ears or ears that don’t hang close to the ear canal have better airflow, reducing moisture buildup that leads to infections.
Are these breeds good with children like Cocker Spaniels?
Many of these breeds, such as the Boykin Spaniel and English Springer, are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them good family dogs.
Do these breeds require as much grooming as Cocker Spaniels?
Most breeds with shorter or curly ears require less daily grooming and ear care than Cocker Spaniels, but coat type varies, so some still need regular brushing and trimming.
Which breed is best for apartment living?
The American Water Spaniel and Lagotto Romagnolo can adapt well to apartments if given sufficient exercise, though all these breeds generally prefer having space to play.
Are these breeds good for first-time dog owners?
Breeds like the Boykin Spaniel and English Springer are intelligent and trainable but can be high energy, so they suit owners ready to commit to training and exercise.
Is cropping ears a recommended solution to avoid long ears?
Ear cropping is widely discouraged by veterinary and animal welfare organizations and is illegal in many countries. It is better to choose naturally short-eared breeds.
Final Thoughts
If you admire the Cocker Spaniel’s affectionate personality, moderate size, and playful energy but want to avoid the long ears’ grooming challenges and health risks, several breeds offer compelling alternatives. From the curly-coated Portuguese Water Dog to the versatile English Springer Spaniel, these dogs share many positive traits while sporting shorter or differently shaped ears. Consider your lifestyle, grooming preferences, and activity level carefully to find the perfect match that brings joy without the extra ear care hassle.
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