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English Cocker Spaniel
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.
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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
Medical Conditions
- Acquired cardiac disease (including cardiomyopathy)
- Cancer (including anal sac gland carcinoma)
- Deafness
- Familial Nephropathy (kidney disease)
- Hip dysplasia
- Ophthalmic disorders (including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts)
- Patellar luxation
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
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
Other 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
Breed 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
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit ECSCA Rescue
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