Cocker Spaniels 101

Sporting group

English Cockers are generally friendly to all but may be a little reserved around people they don't know. They are, however, a superb family dog that's not too large, and they love children – any children, but especially their own. They love doing things with their people and do well in canine sports such as agility and nose work. They are intelligent, easy to train and eager to please.

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Slightly different look than their American relatives, but no less loving

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
15 to 17 inches tall
Group Size Medium
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
020
Weight
26 to 34 lbs
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Mature adult Cocker Spaniel

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Ear infection

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Seizures

Senior Cocker Spaniel

8+ years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

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Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

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Cushings disease

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Cataracts

Cocker Spaniel puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Foreign body ingestion

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Toxicity

Young adult Cocker Spaniel

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

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Ear infection

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Conjunctivitis

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Skin allergies

Mature adult Cocker Spaniel

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

risk-level-bar

Seizures

Senior Cocker Spaniel

8+ years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

risk-level-bar

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

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Cushings disease

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Cataracts

Cocker Spaniel puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Foreign body ingestion

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Toxicity

Young adult Cocker Spaniel

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

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Ear infection

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Conjunctivitis

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Skin allergies

2-English cocker spaniel laying down GettyImages-120661137

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1-Hero image-English cocker spaniel GettyImages-1151194815

English and American Cocker Spaniels were once the same breed. English have a longer muzzle, a more streamlined look and less fur on the lower half of their bodies. They are also recognized in more color patterns, especially red roan and blue roan.

English Cocker Spaniel coat care and colors

The long double coat of the English Cocker Spaniel requires regular combing and brushing to remove the debris this active dog picks up. Some are kept clipped short for convenience.

Should I cut my English Cocker Spaniel’s hair?

Most English Cocker Spaniels kept as pets see professional groomers to have excessive coat trimmed as well as ears and feet neatened.

How often should I bathe my English Cocker Spaniel?

English Cocker Spaniels can be bathed monthly, weekly or as needed (if they roll in mud, for example!). Use a pet-specific shampoo and conditioner or an all-in-one product. If your dog’s coat or skin isn’t looking healthy, check with your veterinary healthcare team to see what might be causing the problem.

How often should I groom my English Cocker Spaniel?

Weekly combing and brushing down to the skin and baths as needed will keep your English Cocker Spaniel's coat free of mats and debris. Many English Cocker Spaniels see a professional groomer and are kept clipped short for ease of care. Trim or grind nails regularly to keep them short.

Cocker Spaniel exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The English Cocker wants to do what the family is doing. While not as high-energy as some other hunting breeds, Cockers will do best with lots of brisk walks, fetch and play.

Class star

Trainability

Spaniels tend to be people-pleasers, and the English Cocker is no exception. Praise is their best motivator, but tiny treats are appreciated, too. Acclimate early to nail trims to avoid future conflict.

Cocker Spaniel fun facts

Top girl names for Cocker Spaniels

100%

of Cocker Spaniels are female

0%

of Cocker Spaniels are male

Top boy names for Cocker Spaniels

Nationwide loves English Cocker Spaniels of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Cocker Spaniels

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