English Cocker Spaniel

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Progressive retinal atrophy · Ear infections

The English Cocker Spaniel is the original of the two cocker breeds, and it is a genuinely different dog from the American Cocker: taller, with a longer muzzle, less extreme coat and considerably more working drive. It is a cheerful, affectionate, people-focused gundog whose tail is famously always moving, and it fits a family well as long as the family understands it was bred to hunt all day. That means real exercise, not a walk around the block. An English Cocker needs an hour or more of daily activity and, just as importantly, work for its nose: scent games, retrieving and training tire it far more effectively than distance alone. Under-exercised cockers become noisy, destructive and prone to obsessive behaviour. They are soft-natured and sensitive, so reward-based training works and harsh handling does not. The silky coat needs brushing two or three times a week and trimming every couple of months, and the long drop ears must be checked and dried after every swim or muddy walk, since ear infections are the most common complaint in the breed. Buy from a breeder who hip-scores and DNA-tests for progressive retinal atrophy and familial nephropathy, and ask about the line's history of hypothyroidism. Keep the dog lean, keep the ears clean, and expect twelve to fifteen years of company.

• How much exercise does a English Cocker Spaniel need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a English Cocker Spaniel need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a English Cocker Spaniel suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Is a English Cocker Spaniel a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do English Cocker Spaniel live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the English Cocker Spaniel?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Ear infections. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!