The English Cocker Spaniel is an affectionate and happy sporting breed. Their loving temperament makes them a good family pet.
They require plenty of exercise.

Physical Characteristics

• Compact build
• Long ears reach at least to the nose when pulled forward
• Solid but not bulky
• Dark oval eyes
• Medium-length hair
• Nose can be black or brown, depending on coat
• Height: 15-17 inches
• Weight: 26-34 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament

• Hardy, energetic, sweet, affectionate, playful
• Interaction with people: Good with children and strangers. Likes to stay close to human family
• Interaction with animals: Good with household cats
• Training: Obeys orders respectfully. Males tend to be more cooperative
• Bark: Moderately vocal

At Home

• OK for apartments if sufficiently exercised
• Needs average-sized yard
• Needs daily walk and exercise

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Comb and brush coat two to three times a week
• Some coats are prone to matting
• Check ears for grass seeds and signs of infection; clean out excess wax regularly
• Brush hair feet down over the toes and trim level with base of feet
• Trim hair around pads but not between the toes
• Brush out burrs and tangles after dog has been playing in grassy fields or woods

Brief History

• Native to England
• Originally was a smaller member of the working spaniel family and was used for hunting woodcock
• One of the oldest varieties of land spaniels
• English Spaniels were divided into seven breeds:Clumber Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spnaiel, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel
• In early 20th century, the distinction between English cocker and springer spaniel was one of height only

Fido's Facts

• Breed gained the nickname "The Merry Cocker" because of its ever-wagging tail
• One of the most popular breeds because of its happy and devoted nature
• The spaniel family is one of the largest groups of dogs
• Name "cocker' comes from the woodcock, which these dogs were bred to hunt
• Appear in literary references as early as the 12th century. Chaucer and Shakespeare have many Spaniel references