Cocker Spaniel
- Breed Index
- :
- A
- |
- B
- |
- C
- |
- D
- |
- E
- |
- F
- |
- G
- |
- H
- |
- I
- |
- J
- |
- K
- |
- L
- |
- M
- |
- N
- |
- O
- |
- P
- |
- Q
- |
- R
- |
- S
- |
- T
- |
- U
- |
- V
- |
- W
- |
- X-Y-Z
- |
- Full List
- By Size (?)
- :
- Small Dogs
- |
- Small-Medium Dogs
- |
- Medium Dogs
- |
- Medium-Large Dogs
- |
- Large Dogs
- By Group (?)
- :
- Herding
- |
- Working
- |
- Sporting/Gundogs
- |
- Terriers, Pinschers & Schnauzers
- |
- Hounds
- |
- Toy & Companion
- More
- :
- Cross Breeds
- |
- Drooling Dogs
- |
- Easy to Train
- |
- Guard Dogs
- |
- High Stamina
- |
- Intelligent
- |
Appearance
| English Cocker Spaniel Quick Summary | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | |
| Origin | Spain |
| Size | Small-medium |
| Height (at withers) | 13–16in (33-41cm) |
| Weight | 27–34lbs (12-15kg) |
| Hair Colour(s) | Black, chocolate |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Litter size | 3-8 |
| Shedding | Medium |
| Grooming | High |
| Barking Tendency | Medium |
| Exercise requirements | Medium |
| Ease of training | High |
| Suitability for kids | High |
| Animal compatability | Medium |
| Aggression levels | Low |
| Distress if left | High |
The English Cocker Spaniel is a small but sturdy dog. The body is proportionate and balanced, and the head is refined with a wide muzzle, long hanging ears and dark beautiful eyes. The tail is usually docked and the medium-length coat is silky with a shorter undercoat, and can be wavy or straight. The colouring is normally black or chocolate, sometimes with tan trims.
Temperament
English Cocker Spaniels are charming, lively and gentle mannered dogs that are both affectionate and faithful. They make devoted companions and family pets, although they can sometimes become a little clingy and demanding, and so are not not ideal for owners that cannot dedicate enough time to them. Highly intelligent and responsive, they are easy to train and excell at obedience training, although they can be difficult to housebreak and barking can often be a problem. They are suitable for both novice and experienced dog owners, and when socialised early they will get along very well children, other family members, other pets and animals and even strangers. Cocker Spaniels love to play but also retain a calm and dignified manner.
History & Skills
English Cocker Spaniels can be traced back to the 1300s and originate from Spain, as the Spannish Spaniel is the source of all other Spaniel breeds. All types of spaniels were initially categorised together, with the smaller ones used to flush out woodcock and the larger ones for springing game, hence the names Cocker and Springer. First developed by crossing Spaniels and Setters, Cocker Spaniels were recognised as a breed in England in the late 1800s, and were introduced to America around the same time. These were then bred along a different line and are now recognised as a different breed known as the American Cocker Spaniel. These days they are popular as pets but still retain their skills as small game hunters.
Breed Specific Ailments
English Cocker Spaniels 12-14 years and have a number of health related problems, and these include PRS, hip dysplasia, cataracts, autoimmune problems, skin conditions, and epilepsy.
Grooming
English Cocker Spaniels are medium shedders and require considerable grooming, and so are not ideal for allergy sufferers. The coat should be brushed every couple of days in order to keep it in good condition, and it may need clipping every other month. The ear canals should be checked regularly and kept clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
Exercise & Environment
English Cocker Spaniels may not be high energy dogs, especially when indoors, but they are still energetic and have great stamina. They need daily walks and access to a yard or garden to play in.