Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of colours, but white is not allowed at a showing standard unless it appears on the chest. Brown appears most commonly as a pigmentation, ie only in markings, while all other colours can commonly make up the main body of the dog.

Origin of the Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel falls into two separate breeds – the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. It is commonly assumed that their origins are in Spain, hence Spaniels. However, the true origin of the Cocker Spaniel is unknown, as it is one of the oldest breeds of dog that still exists in the modern day.

Sizes of Typical Male and Female Cocker Spaniels

The height of male and female Cocker Spaniels very much depends on whether you buy an American Cocker Spaniel (ACS) or an English Cocker Spaniel (ECS). A male ACS will measure between 37 and 39cm, while the male ECS is slightly larger at 39-41cm. The female ACS will measure between 34 and 37cm, and again the ECS is the taller breed, with the female standing between 38 and 39cm tall. The ACS, regardless of sex, should weigh between 7 and 14kg, and the ECS should weigh between 13 and 14,5kg.

Cocker Spaniel Temperament

Like all spaniels, the Cocker Spaniel is very people-orientated and loves spending time with its owner. They are playful and love games such as fetch where they get to run and then return to the owner for praise. Owners must also be able to accept that, while the Cocker Spaniel is very enthusiastic to learn, the levels of obedience achieved with breeds like the Border Collie is not likely with this breed, especially when on the scent of something interesting and selective deafness kicks in!

Cocker Spaniel Coats

The Cocker Spaniel is high maintenance in terms of coat care, as they adore sniffing around under bushes and playing in undergrowth. Therefore, frequent and thorough grooming is required to remove tangles, mud, and often vegetation from the coat. Trimming is also necessary every 8 weeks to ensure minimal shedding, although as a medium length coated breed some shedding will occur. Muddy paws must also be cleaned to prevent infections to any cuts on the pads of their paws.

Exercise Your Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels love to walk, play, and exercise mentally and physically. They are very adaptable, however, and instead of a single long walk per day will be more than satisfied with a couple of shorter ones. Extreme care must be taken with weight gain, as Cocker Spaniels tend to be quite greedy and eat more than they should, especially when they have been neutered. Therefore, finding the balance between food and exercise is essential.

What Health Problems can Cocker Spaniels Suffer From

As with all spaniels, this breed is susceptible to ear infections and early deafness, due to their floppy ears. Progressive Retinal Atrophy can cause blindness, and is seen more commonly in particolours. Hip Dysplasia can be a problem too, so purchasing a puppy from a breeder who has eye-tested and hip-scored their dogs is always a good idea.

The Life expectancy of a Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels, both English and American, can live anywhere between 12 and 15 years with a healthy lifestyle and regular vet checks as they grow older.

The cost of a Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels tend to cost around £500-£600, although buying from a show bred line can often cost significantly more.

Cocker Spaniel Puppies

Puppies enjoy almost constant companionship, so it is important to bond with your puppy during the first few weeks it is in your home. Obedience training from an early age is also an advantage, as it increases the likelihood of your puppy being obedient both on and off the leash. Socialisation with other dogs (after puppy’s injections) is also very useful for later life.

Dog Groups Related to Cocker Spaniels

Gundog Group

Similar dog breed(s) to the Cocker Spaniel

Springer Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel