Breed Details

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

Affectionate

Apartment Friendly

Cocker Spaniel sitting in a field of flowers

Barking propensity

Cat Friendly

tyke Friendly

Cocker Spaniel standing in a field of flowers

Dog Friendly

Excercise Needs

Grooming

Cocker Spaniel leash training with his owner

Health Issues

Intelligence

Energy Level

Cocker Spaniel getting checked out at the vet

Shedding Level

Social Needs

Stranger Friendly

Cocker Spaniel getting trimmed at the groomer

Territorial

Trainability

Watchdog Instincts

Cocker Spaniel puppies in a field of grass

The Cocker Spaniel will blithely go hunting for razzing or hang around the house . He iseasily condition , aristocratical , and playful , and loves splashing around in water supply . His arse is always wag whether he ’s following a scent or checking to see what ’s under the couch .

Before theGolden RetrieverandLabradorset the modern barroom for the “ great with nipper ” family comrade , no breed was more beloved or popular than the Cocker Spaniel . Beautiful , sweet - natured and fairly sized , the Cocker ’s popularity take a hop happily forrad after World War II with the two - time Westminster Best in Show winnerCh . My Own Brucie . At his better , the Cocker is a gentle , tender and sizeable andiron with cushy , dark eyes .

Weighing less than 30 pound ( albeit with a tendency to win more ) with a soft , wavy coat in many colors and form , long ears and the most expressive eye in dogdom , the Cocker is an excellent family deary — rattling , tender , sweet and trainable . But at his worst , he ’s a nightmare . Popularity has unfeignedly been a execration to the Cocker Spaniel , and he ’s one of the favorite stock of puppy millers , Internet retailers , and pet store , who deal sad - eyed , floppy - eared , adorable puppies that too often arise up to be unstable , noisy , nervous dogs who are difficult to house train and have a tendency to snap and even bite .

Brown Cocker Spaniel being held my little girl

If you ’re lucky enough to find a pup from a good breeder , get him off on the ripe base with gentle and uniform training right from the start . A well - breed Cocker should be soft to put up train , glad to be with you , and eager to receive new things even if it meanswalking on a leash , riding in the auto , or go to puppy classes .

Because Cocker Spaniels are extremely the great unwashed - orient , even the well - bred and socialised weenie be given to be a bit unhappy when give alone . For some , this takes the form of full - blownseparation anxiousness , with the barking , cry , and destructive behavior that usually accompanies it . Accustom your dog from puppyhood to being go away alone from time to clip . However , if you bear long hours left on his own to be part of your dog ’s common function , this is probably not the stock for you .

Cocker Spaniels are typically well-disposed with other dogs and with cat . They are moderate shedder , and their coating require brush several time a hebdomad . They can also be kept clipped , in which case they ’ll demand to be professionally or home - neaten every four to six hebdomad .

Adult Cocker Spaniel laying down inside

While the Cocker Spaniel is on the small side , do n’t bury that he is a Sporting breed . Although he does n’t need the toilsome - core exercise of some of the other sporting breeds , he still need to burn off a lot of steam as he could run all day – after all , he ’s bred to do so . However , a half hour manner of walking or game of fetching the orb once or twice a twenty-four hour period is appropriate , although he ’d sleep with to go on longer walks with you . You could also step in a solid 15 second per 24-hour interval of respect training , which arouse his psyche as well as his trunk . He ’s a busy little guy , sniff all day to follow a scent .

The different people of color within the stock are think freestanding varieties . A Black Cocker include square black as well as black and tan . The acronym ASCOB stands for “ any solid color other than dim , ” which can include buff , brown , silver grey , and so on . The parti - people of colour Cocker is either black and white , browned and white , red and whitened , or tri - color .

Other Quick Facts

TheHistoryof Cocker Spaniels

References to “ Spanyells ” date to the 14th century . dissimilar types of spaniel evolved over the centuries , some working on state and some retrieve from H2O . The Cocker , which flushes biz and retrieve it under command , derives his name from his skill at track down woodcock , a eccentric of jampack dame . He is the smallest wiener in the Sporting Group .

Spaniels used to be classified by size , and different types of spaniels might be born in the same bedding material . Eventually , the various spaniel types became single breed , and so it was with the Cocker . By 1946 the size and appearance of the Cocker and what is now the English Cocker Spaniel had alter enough that the two were carve up off into separate stock .

The popularity of the Cocker skyrocketed after the release of Disney ’s classic movie “ Lady and the Tramp ” in 1955 . The immense popularity fuel a rise in poor breeding that resulted in some tough temperaments , but Cocker stock breeder have worked hard to correct the situation . It is still important today , however , to find a responsible breeder who maintain the breed ’s trademark sunny inclination rather than continuing to put out the awful and snappy heel that nearly ruined the breed .

Brown Cocker Spaniel at the beach

Until 1990 , the Cocker was the most popular strain file by the American Kennel Club . Today he ranks 25th , but he will always have a place among people who apprize his moderate size , sweet nature and intelligence .

Cocker SpanielTemperamentand Personality

Merry and zippy , the Cocker Spaniel is also intelligent and trusting . Although he still retains a unattackable inherent aptitude to trace , he is most often a house companion . With his family he is affectionate and docile . He can be a bit reserved at first with strangers , but he soon makes booster . cocker can be honest companion for baby : not so big that they bowl them over and not so lowly that they are easily harm by them . When raised together , they can buddy up with other favourite , including bozo , but razz may be an irresistible lure — and not in a skillful way .

The Cocker is extremely trainable , but he has a sensitive soul . Early socialization is critical , and even with it some cocker will urinate deferentially when their hoi polloi occur home or when they play fresh people or dogs or go new place . Approach breeding with positivist reinforcement methods , especially praise andhigh value food reward .

The Cocker can be dear at field visitation and as a gun heel , although for year he was thought of as “ just ” a comrade . A Cocker is versatile and can do so much more than just hanging around the house , but he ’s quite content to do that too because he love being with you .

Red Cocker Spaniel looking up past the camera

Any dog , no matter how nice , can develop obnoxious levels of barking , diggingand other unwanted behaviorsif he is bored , untrained or unsupervised . And any dog can be a trial run to live with during adolescence . In the case of the Cocker , the “ teen ” year set out at six months and continue until the domestic dog is about a year old . His barking can be a problem unless you hold it early .

The perfect Cocker Spaniel does n’t bounce fully formed from the whelping box seat . He ’s a product of his background and genteelness . Cockers have been overbred in the past , sometimes ensue in a fearful , slightly scary wienerwurst that in no way represents a well - cover Cocker . Look for one whose parents have overnice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood .

What You Need to Know About CockerHealth

Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a number of wellness problem that are at least partly genetical . These include many different eye disorder includingcataractsandglaucoma , as well as dreadful defect of the hips and knees . Just like people , all dogs have the electric potential to develop genetic wellness problems . Many problems can be quash by working with a reputable breeder who bid a health guarantee , but even the most responsible breeding practices ca n’t protect Canis familiaris from everything .

The Most Common Health Issues in Cocker Spaniels

magnetic disc disease can make motion painful for the Cocker Spaniel , who is by nature an participating dog who loves to run and play . Heart disease , liver disease , epilepsy – the Cocker is at jeopardy for all of them .

The smorgasbord of eye problem that can smite the Cocker Spaniel ranges from the cosmetic – a condition called “ cerise eye ” that can be corrected by surgery – and the sight - sinister , including cataract and glaucoma . While many Cockers lose their imagination entirely in old age , some can fall back their mass as early as two old age of age due to progressive retinal wasting . Cockers are also prostrate to keratoconjunctivitis sicca , a condition be intimate as ironical eye , a want of tears that can lead to corneal problems .

Make certain to have your Cocker Spaniel ’s eye canvas once a year by a board - certify veterinary ophthalmologist , and try veterinary care immediately at any signs of sight going , overcast , rubor , irritation of the eyes or if the hound is squint or pawing at them .

Brown and white Cocker Spaniel outside in a cty

English cocker spaniel can also have hypothyroidism , which is the underproduction of thyroid endocrine . This can make weight addition , phlegm , hair red ink , shivering and pelt infections . Cockers should have their thyroid gland checked with a dewy-eyed blood psychometric test any meter thyroid gland disease is suspected . Skin problems may also betoken allergic reaction , which are common in the strain , as are skin people , which may be benign or cancerous .

Some Cocker Spaniels seem to be prone to congenital deafness , associated with blanched hair and blue center . At the historic period of three or four weeks , in some of these dogs the blood line supply to the inner auricle devolve . It can happen in one or both ears and is permanent .

Cockers have more autoimmune diseases than many other breeds , for reasons that are n’t clear . Many Cocker Spaniels are prostrate to autoimmune hemolyticanemia(AIHA ) , in which the bounder ’s resistant system attacks his own ruddy blood cells to the point that the frankfurter becomes anemic . While there is discourse , the deathrate rate is gamy .

Show-quality Cocker Spaniel standing on a table

What You Can Do to Prevent Health Issues

Choosing a healthy dog set out with choosing a responsible for breeder . There are a number of genetics tests and screenings available to serve breeder weed out health issues in their stock . If a breeder tells you she does n’t need to do those tests because she ’s never had problem in her line of reasoning and her pawl have been “ vet checked , ” then you should go find out a breeder who is more rigorous about examination .

Before individual English cocker spaniel can be included in theCanine Health Information Center(CHIC ) database , the ASC need them to have a clearance from theCanine Eye Registry Foundationor a panel - certified veterinary oculist ( to check for cataract , glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy ) ; rosehip evaluations from theOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsorPennHIP ; a thyroid visibility ; and a profile for stemma factor X and von Willebrand ’s disease . you’re able to research the OFA and CHIC websites yourself to see if a pup ’s parents are listed .

Your breeder has to agree to have all trial results , positively charged or disconfirming , published in the CHIC database . Dogs do n’t want to garner good or even passing scores on the evaluations to obtain a smartness number , so swank enrolment alone is not trial impression of soundness or absence of disease , but all test results are posted on the CHIC site and can be access by anyone who wants to check the health of a puppy ’s parent .

Cocker Spaniel playing tug-of-war in the snow with his owner

Beyond preventative examination , remember that you also have the great power to protect your Cocker Spaniel from one of the most common health issues : obesity . If you ’re looking for the easiest path to extend your Cocker ’s life , keep him at a healthy weightiness through proper dieting and utilization .

The Basics of CockerGrooming

The beautiful , silky Cocker pelage that you see on dog in the show hoop does n’t just happen . It takes a lot of work to keep it burnished and tangle - free . For good reasonableness , most people keep their pets in a short cut all over , known as a puppy cut . Even that requires a fair bit of maintenance . Dogs with puppy cuts should be bathed , brush and shave about every two calendar week .

If you need the menstruate long coat , more upkeep and time must be demand , and typically the bathing , brushing and passementerie occur once a hebdomad . Most people choose to take their Cocker to a professional groomer , but you canlearn to do it yourself . The price of the equipment is equivalent to only a few grooming academic session , you wo n’t have to schedule appointment and you will happen that you increase your bond with your Cocker . However , grooming is n’t for everyone , so if you do n’t want to do it , find a groomer you like because it ’s an absolute requirement for a Cocker .

Because Cocker capitulum are prone to infection , check them every week to make trusted the inside is a healthy , vivacious pink and does n’t have a wicked odor . If not , get to the vet quickly before the ear infection becomes a major issue . Be in particular heedful to check the ear of a puppy as there is a significant wax buildup while the ear epithelial duct develops . Clean the ears usinga veteran - approved cleanup answer .

Cocker Spaniel puppy sleeping under the covers

The rest period is canonic care . cut back the toenail every few week . They should never get long enough that you pick up them clacking on the floor . Long nails can make it uncomfortable for the Cocker to take the air , and they can get caught on thing and rupture off . That ’s really painful , and it will bleed a flock . Brush the teeth oft for good dental wellness and novel breathing space .

Choosing a Breederfor Your Cocker Spaniel

So , you ’ve made the choice to lend home a Cocker Spaniel — awesome ! There are many first-class Cocker Spaniel breeder to choose from , and just as manynot - so - excellent ones , too . Choosing a reputable stock breeder is primal to finding the right pup . Knowing how to recognize a adept one is one-half of the battle .

What are Signs of a Reputable Breeder?

A good breeder will play off you with the right puppy , and will without question have done all the wellness corroboration necessary to test out wellness problems as much as is possible . He or she is more concerned in place puppy in the right homes than in making big buck . Good breeders will :

What are Signs of a Bad Breeder?

Unfortunately , there are pile of Cocker Spaniel stock breeder who are just out to make a immediate sawbuck and do not care about the health and welfare of the dogs they breed . Disreputable breeder may :

Is an Adult Cocker Spaniel Right for You?

Many people plunk headlong into puppy parentage before understand the work and commitment involved . An adult Cocker , who is likely more civilise , less active and less destructive than a puppy , may better accommodate your life style . With an grownup , you know more about what you ’re getting in terms of personality and wellness and you may receive adults through breeders or shelters . If you are concerned in adopt an previous hotdog through breeders , ask them about purchasing a strike out show wiener or if they know of an grownup dog who require a raw home . If you desire to adopt a dog , read the advice below on how to do that .

Adopting a Cocker SpanielFrom a Rescue or Shelter

Adopting a Cocker Spaniel can be a great agency to give a deserving frank a young , loving home . From fauna protection , to cover delivery and more , there are several great choice for finding an adoptable Cocker Spaniel to bring home .

Head Online . entanglement website likePetfinder.comandAdopt-a-Pet.comhave helped G of preferent owners discover the arrant adoptable dog . you could utilise these site to filter Cocker Spaniels by specific geographic part , and by sure attributes like housetraining status . Also , AnimalShelteris another neat website that can help you find beast delivery groups in your country . You may be storm by what you find !

Talk to the Pet Pros . veterinary , dog walkers , and groomers in your sphere are often more in - the - know about adoptable dogs than the average somebody . They are commonly the first internet someone reaches out to when they make the problematical decision to give up a hound . Also , these professionals may have connections with rescue radical and adoption agency you were n’t aware of .

Puppy Cocker Spaniel playing with flowers outside

Talk to Breed Rescue . Networking can help you find a frump that may be the utter companion for your mob . you’re able to also search online for other Cocker deliver in your area .   Breed social club have rescue establishment devoted to taking care of homeless dogs . TheAmerican Spaniel Club’srescue web can help you come up a dog that may be the perfect associate for your family . These types of rescue chemical group tend to be transparent about any health weather condition the dogs have , making them a valuable resourcefulness for advice and support . Even more , they often offer fostering chance for dogs in motivation of a dwelling house , which is a great option for multitude look to see what the experience of dog ownership is like before amply commiting .

Whether you bring home a puppy from a breeder , an adult from a saving , or anything in between , take your Cocker to your veterinarian as soon as you’re able to . Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems , and will act with you to set up a preventive regime that will help you avoid many wellness issues .

Cocker SpanielFAQs

Do Cocker Spaniels shed?

When it come to shedding , Cocker Spaniels most often shed very little or not at all . However , the amount of pilus they exuviate off depends on both the distance of fuzz your Cocker Spaniel has as well as how often you get him train . cocker who shed are more likely to do so around the leaping and decrease as they transition into or out of their seasonal coat .

Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?

Despite some anecdotical grounds suggest otherwise , Cocker Spaniels are not hypoallergenic . Though Cockers be given to throw away very little , this does not preclude allergic reaction diseased person from being affected as the allergens live in a detent ’s dander , not his hair .

How long do Cocker Spaniels live?

The average lifespan for a Cocker Spaniel is between 12 and 15 years

How big do Cocker Spaniels get?

Adult Cocker Spaniels commonly grow to be 14 to 15 in at the shoulder , and weigh between 20 and 30 pound .

Are Cocker Spaniels smart?

Yes , Cocker Spaniels are known to be implausibly fresh dogs that are highly trainable . This intelligence is due in part to its lineage as a working breed . Cocker Spaniels respond well to positive reinforcement breeding methods , and love to be put to work .

Cocker SpanielPictures

Black and white Cocker Spaniel looking at the camera

One puppy and one adult Cocker Spaniel outside