The English Cocker Spaniel comes in a variety of colours, including solid black, red or liver. But they can also be mainly white with black, red or liver markings. All the colours are accepted by reputable breeders, but on solid coloured coats, only a white marking on the chest is acceptable.
Red and White English Cocker Spaniel
Origin of the English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel, also known as just ‘Cocker Spaniel’, is one of the oldest known spaniel breeds. The term ‘cocker’ comes from woodcock, which is a type of game bird that the dogs would flush out of hiding places to enable a hunter to shoot or capture the bird.
The breed was originally know as the spaniel-type dog and imported into England hundreds of years ago. When the dogs arrived, they were split into seven different breeds: Cocker Spaniel, Clumber, English Springer, Field, Irish Water, Sussex and Welsh Springer.
The Cocker Spaniel and English Springer were classed as one breed, right up until 1892 when the Kennel Club separated the breeds as their sizes were differentiating.
The English Cocker Spaniel has won the Best in Show at Crufts seven times, which is the most a breed has won in the show’s history. English Cocker Spaniels won Crufts in 1930, 1931, 1938, 1939, 1948, 1950 and 1996.
Sizes of Typical Male and Female English Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels are a medium sized breed. Males are typically around 38-43cm (15-17 inches) tall, whilst females are slightly shorter at 36-41cm (14-16 inches). Males weigh approximately 13-16 kg (28-34 pounds), while females weigh between 12-15 kg (26-32 pounds).
English Cocker Spaniel Temperament
English Cocker Spaniels are an intelligent yet stubborn breed. They are easy to train, given the right discipline, and make great family pets. There are very affectionate and loyal breed and usually develop a strong bond with an individual in the family.
English Cocker Spaniels have an array of talents including: agility, hunting, obedience, retrieving, tracking and as a watchdog.
English Cocker Spaniel Coats
English Cocker Spaniel coats are medium in length on the body, but have shorter hair around the head. They are a typical shedder. The breed does require quite a bit of grooming as the coat can become matted if not brushed regularly. The ears need to be regularly checked as they hang low and can collect unwanted visitors, such as grass seeds and small insects. The hair around the dog’s feed should be trimmed, but do not trim between the toes.
Exercise Your English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels have a lot of energy and so they do require a long daily walk. Regular play and training is also advisable as the breed will become bored if they do not burn excess energy off.
What Health Problems can English Cocker Spaniels Suffer From?
English Cocker Spaniels are prone to ear infections as their ears hang quite close to the ground. If an infection is not treated it could lead to deafness in the dog.
The Life expectancy of a English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels live, on average, between 12 and 15 years.
The cost of a English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel puppies cost between £500 and £600.
English Cocker Spaniel Puppies
Clear training from puppyhood is advisable to ensure the dog develops the best temperament. If the dog is given a daily walk, structure, calm but stern training and taught to heel by their owner’s side, then they should develop into a loving loyal companion who will respond well to commands and discipline.
Solid Red with White Chest English Cocker Spaniel Puppy
Dog Group Related to English Cocker Spaniels
Gundog
Similar dog breeds to the English Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Clumber, English Springer, Irish Water, Sussex, Welsh Springer
