The English cocker spaniel was developed in England. It is the oldest spaniel, descended from the original group of spaniels that arrived from Spain several centuries ago. Spaniels were characterized as any dog that hunted and flushed out game birds, and they were differentiated by their sizes and by their hunting methods. Seven different spaniel breeds were developed, which included the Clumber spaniel, the Sussex spaniel, the Welsh springer spaniel, the field spaniel, the Irish water spaniel, the English springer spaniel and the English cocker spaniel. The English springer spaniel and the English cocker spaniel were developed together as one breed. The larger dogs were used to spring at birds to flush them out, and the smaller versions were used to hunt woodcock. The two were finally named the English springer spaniel and the English cocker spaniel, respectively, and they were declared as two distinctly separate breeds in 1902. In 1946, the American Kennel Club recognized the English cocker spaniel as a member of the sporting group.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a small, active dog breed. It is small enough to find and flush birds and has large ears and a broad muzzle to carry them. It has a long, silky coat, which is either straight or wavy. It coat needs regular grooming so it doesn’t impede the dog. The medium-sized physique of the English cocker spaniel is compact and sturdy. The English cocker spaniel stands 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 26 to 34 pounds. English cocker spaniels that are bred for showing have longer coats than the medium-length coats of those that are bred for hunting. The feathered coat comes in a diverse range of solid hues and parti colors, which are also called roans. Some solid colored English cocker spaniels include black, red or liver. Roan examples include blue roan, liver roan, orange roan, red roan, brown roan and strawberry roan. English cocker spaniels have long ears that are covered in silky hair and hang downward, and their tails are typically docked.
Personality
The English Cocker Spaniel was bred to be a hunter and it shows in their personality. They love to track and hunt. They need daily exercise in the form of a good run or a long walk. They are happy, friendly and very affectionate, but manipulative at times. It’s an ideal companion for children and is friendly towards other dogs and strangers. English cocker spaniels are loving, devoted and playful family companions that get along with children and other pets. They can be reserved toward strangers. English cocker spaniels need daily exercise to release some of their energy. They excel at agility and other dog sports, and they enjoy a swim in the water. As long as daily physical activity is provided, the breed does well in apartment settings. English cocker spaniels make good watchdogs, and they are intelligent and easily trained.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spaniels |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Cocker Spaniel, Cocker |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
English Cocker Spaniel Build Information
The English Cocker Spaniel is a small, active dog breed. It is small enough to find and flush birds and has large ears and a broad muzzle to carry them. It has a long, silky coat, which is either straight or wavy. It coat needs regular grooming so it doesn’t impede the dog. The medium-sized physique of the English cocker spaniel is compact and sturdy. The English cocker spaniel stands 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 26 to 34 pounds. English cocker spaniels that are bred for showing have longer coats than the medium-length coats of those that are bred for hunting. The feathered coat comes in a diverse range of solid hues and parti colors, which are also called roans. Some solid colored English cocker spaniels include black, red or liver. Roan examples include blue roan, liver roan, orange roan, red roan, brown roan and strawberry roan. English cocker spaniels have long ears that are covered in silky hair and hang downward, and their tails are typically docked.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
The English Cocker Spaniel was bred to be a hunter and it shows in their personality. They love to track and hunt. They need daily exercise in the form of a good run or a long walk. They are happy, friendly and very affectionate, but manipulative at times. It’s an ideal companion for children and is friendly towards other dogs and strangers. English cocker spaniels are loving, devoted and playful family companions that get along with children and other pets. They can be reserved toward strangers. English cocker spaniels need daily exercise to release some of their energy. They excel at agility and other dog sports, and they enjoy a swim in the water. As long as daily physical activity is provided, the breed does well in apartment settings. English cocker spaniels make good watchdogs, and they are intelligent and easily trained.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The English cocker spaniel’s coat should be brushed out two to three times a week to prevent mats and tangles. This will also remove dead hair to prevent shedding in the home. Three times a week, brush the teeth to preserve overall health and prevent periodontal disease. English cocker spaniels are highly prone to bacterial and yeast infection in their ears. Keeping the ears clean and dry is an essential part of the grooming routine.
| Colors: | Black, Liver, Parti-color, Red, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
English Cocker Spaniel Common Health Conditions
The average lifespans for English cocker spaniels range from 12 to 14 years. There are several health conditions that have been noted in the breed, including patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, cardiomyopathy and immune mediated hemolytic anemia. Parti-colored English cocker spaniels have also been found to be prone to deafness.
English Cocker Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Consider the English cocker spaniel if you desire an affectionate family dog that loves to romp and play. The English cocker spaniel was developed in England. The English cocker spaniel is sometimes referred to as a cocker spaniel or a cocker. The English cocker spaniel is an intelligent, devoted and affectionate family member. The English cocker spaniel stands 15 to 17 inches tall and weighs 26 to 34 pounds. English cocker spaniels have a moderate energy level. English cocker spaniels require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for an English cocker spaniel is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
