English Cocker Spaniel

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: England

Group: Sporting dog

Height: males 15-17 in., females 14-15 in.

Weight: males 28-34 lbs., females 26-32 lbs.

Life span: 12-15 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes

Good with other pets: with the family cat

What is the origin of the English Cocker Spaniel?

Spaniel type dogs are an old breed, known at least 500 years ago. In the mid 1800s division of Spaniels was based on weight. Spaniels under 25 lbs. were classified Cockers. Larger Spaniels were classified as Springers. These days differences between the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel are much greater than weight. The Cocker Spaniel’s name comes from the woodcock, a bird the dog would flush out.

What does the English Cocker Spaniel look like?

The English Cocker is a sturdy, medium sized dog. Males are 15-17 inches tall, females 14-15 inches tall. Weight for males is 28-34 lbs., females, 26-32 lbs. Ears are pendant, long with wavy hair. Eues are dark. The tail is docked where this practice is still legal. The coat is short on the head and back,medium long on the body. The ears, chest and legs are feathered. The coat comes in many colors and combination with solids allowed white only on the chest. Brush the coat regularly. Check the ears often.

What is the temperament of the English Cocker Spaniel?

Although sometimes stubborn the English Cocker is intelligent and responds easily to training with a gentle hand. They usually bond with one family member and are very loyal. They are very good with children and the family cats. With enough socialization, reserved individuals can become more outgoing. These lively dogs need daily leashed walks. With enough exercise they can live comfortably in apartments.

What is the English Cocker Spaniel used for?

They have been used for flushing out and retrieving game. They are good hunters and trackers. The English Cocker also competes in agility and obedience trials. They are good watchdogs as well as good family companions.

Possible Health Issues

Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, deafness.