Cocker Spaniels: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Cocker Spaniel breed

The Cocker Spaniel!

The Cocker Spaniel is a small and solidly-built dog breed that is known for its long ears and its beautiful dark eyes. They are relatively easy to train, extremely affectionate, and get along with other pets very well. Because of these features, they are still one of the most popular breeds of dog. The head of the Cocker Spaniel is refined and has a wide muzzle and its body is proportionate and balanced with its overall size. Its medium-length coat can either be wavy or straight with colors ranging from black, brown, tan, and other solid colors. The tail is docked.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12 -14 years

Energy Level:
Average

Living Conditions:
Flexible but needs plenty of outdoor exercise.

Barking:
Average

Exercise Needs:
Long daily walks and yard play.

Breed Group:
Sporting

Size:
Medium-Small

Height:
13 – 16 inches

Weight:
27– 34 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Black, black and tan, brown and tan, solid colors other than black

National breed club:
The American Spaniel Club

Cocker Spaniel Skills

The Cocker Spaniel can be certainly traced to its origin in Spain in the 14th century. The Spanish Spaniel is the forerunner of all the other Spaniel breeds (Clumber, English, American) and was first developed by crossing spaniels and setters. In the 17th century they were first classified into two groups, the land spaniel and the water spaniel, and was officially recognized as a breed in the UK by 1892. It was brought to the US around the 1870s and was bred along a different line. Today, it is registered as a separate breed from the English Cocker Spaniel. Their skills as small-game hunters have lasted them until the present day and they are still one of the most popular breeds for pet dogs.

Cocker Spaniel Personality

The Cocker Spaniel is an affectionate, lively, and faithful dog to its family. It is a great dog around children and other family members if they have been socialized well as puppies; otherwise, it can be too shy and retiring. They are very easy to train and will get along with other pets and animals.

Exercise Needs

The Cocker Spaniel is not a high-energy breed but it is still energetic with a healthy dose of stamina. Owners need to take it on daily walks or exercise it in the yard or garden to keep the Cocker Spaniel fit. Since it was originally bred to work, make sure to go on long walks as well to give it some backyard tasks.

Living Conditions

The Cocker Spaniel will adapt to a city life so long as it gets enough exercise and activity. An apartment will suffice for the dog if there is a yard for it to play and exercise in. Indoors, they are relatively inactive.

Grooming Requirements

Grooming for the Cocker Spaniel can be a bit of a job. Its eyes will need cleaning from time to time and its coat will require occasional trimming. When brushing its coat, be gentle so as not to entangle the comb or brush with its hairs.

Health Issues

The Cocker Spaniel as a breed is known to have eye issues (glaucoma, cataracts, etc.). Other health problems that owners must watch out for include hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

If you liked this dog…

...try the Golden Retriever or other similar breeds to the Cocker Spaniel such as the Clumber Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. The Golden Retriever is a hardy, faithful breed ;the Clumber Spaniel is an affectionate and intelligent breed; the English Cocker Spaniel is a faithful and merry companion dog.