Cocker Spaniel Dog
Characteristics and Care

Cocker Spaniel dogs were developed in America and are directly derived from the English Cocker Spaniel which was introduced to the United States around 1880.

Having the same name has caused some confusion between the English and American varieties, even though the breeding goals were along different lines. Ultimately they were recognized as separated breeds during the 1940s to clear this up.

Cockers are the smallest of the sporting group of dogs, and were originally bred to hunt small game, particularly Woodcock which was influential in naming the breed. Though they still can be trained to flush and retrieve, they are rarely involved in hunting events today.

This popular breed is now mainly enjoyed as a family companion and is often seen as a participant in dog shows.

The Cocker has a dome-shaped head that is framed with long well feathered ears. The eyes are large and the expression is sweet and endearing. His quite muscular body is covered with a luxurious abundant coat that is long and silky. The tail is customarily docked.

Former President Nixon and popular TV host Oprah Winfrey are among the celebrity owners of Cocker Spaniel dogs.

Many who have visited Walt Disney World may have noticed that the Cocker Spaniel is a featured dog character in many of the rides. This breed also gained much fame in the cartoon, Lady and The Tramp.

For almost twenty years - up to the 1950's - the AKC received more registrations for this breed that any other.  Even though his popularity declined a bit for a while, today he maintains a pretty high rank.

Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Characteristics

Cocker Spaniel dogs are cheerful, intelligent, loving, and very sensitive. They can be rather mischievous, yet at the same time they are eager to please.

However, Cockers are a little independent and do like to test owners for dominance. This makes it really important to obedience train them from the get go, with firm, but never harsh methods. They can be nippers so bear that in mind.

This will establish you as the alpha presence in the pecking order. Early socialization with other dogs and people in a variety of venues, is also very important and definitely worthwhile.

The Cocker Spaniel enjoyed a long spate in popularity as we previously mentioned, but fame has a price and some rather loose breeding followed during which this breed got a bad rap as being a bit aggressive.

Nowadays that seems to have been taken care of by proper attention to selective breeding. The advice to prospective owners is to seek out a professional and ethical breeder who takes pains to breed for the best temperament.

Today's Cocker Spaniels are charming free spirits and make enjoyable family pets. They love people and are affectionate and playful.

Appearance and Grooming

This lovely breed is easily recognizable by it handsome flowing coat with ears to match, though the coat shouldn't be kept too long if he participates in field work.

Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 24-28 lbs
Color variations: Solid black including black with tan points, or any solid color or a combination of two or more colors with tan points, or parti-colored.

Grooming is not for the feint of heart if the stunning long-coated appearance is wanted.

The silky and abundant coat needs considerable grooming to maintain it in the best condition. Coat care should start from an early age to accustom the Cocker to a process that will be needed for a life time.

You can pretty easily take care of the basics, but if the classic dog show appearance is the goal, use the services of a professional groomer every couple of months.  Brushing at home should be done daily if possible to avoid mats using a high quality brush.

Long ears don't get as much air circulation and are perfect hideaways for parasites, so don't forget to inspect them often, cleaning as necessary and keeping the hair trimmed. Have your vet  show you how to safely clean the ears or go to this page. Always make sure they stay dry inside to help prevent infections.

Your Cocker's teeth need to be brushed regularly - at least three times a week - and nails trimmed about once a month or whenever you hear them clicking across the floor.  Bathing frequency will depend on the length of the coat or how dirty he gets.

Some pet parents opt for a shorter hair cut that's easier to maintain if not planning to enter their dog into conformance dog shows.

Health of the Cocker Spaniel

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - An inherited disorder resulting in vision loss and eventually blindness with no cure. However, genetic screening testing is available to use before breeding.
• Other eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma
• Hip or elbow Dysplasia - Degenerative conditions involving the hip or elbow joints that result in pain, muscle loss and lameness. 
• Patella Luxation (dislocated kneecap)
• Entropian - a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and fur to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation and potential corneal damage. It is often hereditary
• Allergies
• Ear infections
  

Testing is available for most of these conditions and breeders should be able to provide evidence that a puppy's parents were tested before breeding and show you the results of course.

The National Breed Club Recommends these Health Tests:

• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

With the benefit of sufficient exercise, good nutrition and care, plus regular veterinary check-ups, pet parents can be expect to enjoy their Cocker Spaniel for between 10 to 14 years without a lot of health problems.

Nutrition

Cocker Spaniel dogs should be fed a high-quality dog food, either from a commercial source or from carefully balanced homemade meals. Naturally, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian about diet after having done your own research. 

Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior).

Always have frequently refreshed water available.

Exercise and Activity Level

These little dogs are known to have hearty appetites and a tendency to easily gain weight without sufficient exercise. 

The Cocker Spaniel has a lot of endurance despite his small size. Brisk walks are an important part of his daily needs for health as well as mental stimulation. Exercise can be varied to include dog sports also such as agility training or games of fetch.

Pet parents should also keep an eye on their Cocker's food intake, including treats, to maintain their ideal weight.

Space Needs

While the Cocker Spaniel can can adapt to an apartment if daily walks are taken, they are much better off in a home with an outside area for romping, training and potty breaks.

Otherwise, this affectionate breed likes to be inside most of the time with his humans.

The Cocker Spaniel With Children?

Children, who are older and considerate with pets, will enjoy the lively and cheerful nature of the Cocker Spaniel.  This small breed is delicate and sensitive and would not be the best choice for small active toddlers that tend to stumble about.

Children and dogs can be unpredictable so make sure your Cocker Spaniel is well-socialized and always make sure to play it safe and have adult supervision whenever they are interacting.

Senior or Less Active Families?

Cocker Spaniel dogs make sweet and loving companions for seniors or the less active families.

They are quite adaptable and being inside most of the time is not a problem as long as someone is available to provide regular walks for them and take them to the dog park for social interaction occasionally.

Where to Buy or Adopt A Cocker Spaniel

The best way to find a healthy puppy is to contact a reputable breeder that has carried out the recommended health tests to ensure the health of their litters. Expect to pay around $700 to $2,000, though this can vary widely based on appearance and other factors such as health testing, pedigree, breed type, reputation of the breeder and your location.  

For rescues, check with local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home.

The following websites are good sources to check for availability and more information :

• AKC Marketplace  (AKC registered puppies)
• American Spaniel Club
• Cocker Spaniel Rescue

When you visit with a breeder be sure to meet the parents of the puppies and take note of the environment in which they are being cared for. Make a list of questions to ask and find out what the parents are like, how the puppies are being socialized and if the breeder will be available for ongoing support. 

It is recommended to avoid casual (or backyard) breeders, since these breeders may not prioritize the health of the puppies or perform proper health testing on the parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Recommendation

A book for new and current owners of Cocker Spaniel dogs. Comprehensive coverage, packed with information everything Cocker Spaniel including nutrition, allergies, training, grooming and keeping your pet healthy, breed traits and how to enjoy your dog through training and activities.

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