The Cocker Spaniel gets its name from ‘Woodcock’ – a game bird these dogs were known for flushing. These dogs are excellent at flushing and retrieving.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: England
Used for: Hunting, tracking, guarding, protecting
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Black, tan, merle or solid colors
Coat: Silky and long, can be flat or wavy
Average Height: 14-15 inches
Average Weight: 15-30 pounds
Group: Gun dog
History and Domestication
This breed dates back to the 14th century when original English Cocker spaniels were brought to the United States. These Spaniels were bred down in size and renamed American Cocker Spaniel or simply ‘Cocker Spaniel’ by the AKC.
Overtime, the American variety of cocker Spaniel became more popular than their British cousins.
The hunting gun dog can work in difficult terrain and is excellent at retrieving and flushing. Their other talents include hunting, retrieving, tracking, watchdog and agility.
Standard Physical Characteristics
This is medium-sized, sturdy dog. Cocker Spaniels have a rounded head with a broad muzzle and pronounced stop. The square jaw is deep and even. Eyeballs are generally dark and round in shape. However, merle colored dogs can have blue eyes. Ears are long, well-set and feathered. Feathering is present on certain parts of the body like ears, abdomen, chest and legs.
Care, Grooming and Health
This breed tends to tear a lot hence they need to be wiped under the eyes very often. Their long coat requires daily brushing and combing and needs to be shampooed frequently. It can also be trimmed to medium length to be more functional. Either way, regular trimming is essential. The breed sheds moderately. This breed has a lot of stamina and needs plenty of exercise. Long daily walks are a must for Cocker Spaniels. Also, avoid brushing thickets as it may entangle his coat. They are prone to glaucoma, cataracts, hip dyslexia, ectropion, PRA allergies, liver diseases and cherry eye. Occasionally gastric torsion can also be observed.
Living Conditions
Cocker spaniels will do fine in an apartment if plenty of exercise is provided to the dog. As they are fairly active indoors, a small yard will suffice. This breed does not prefer living in a kennel, away from its pack.
Temperament
The Cocker spaniel makes an excellent house dog as well as a gun dog owing to its keen ability to work. This is a cheerful breed and is gentle and sweet. They have average intelligence levels but respect their master’s authority. Their ever-wagging tail gives them a charming quality. These dogs are amusing, trustworthy, active and devoted. However, they must be socialized well from an early stage to avoid any shyness later. These dogs are easy to train and need firm and loving leadership. This breed is difficult to housebreak. They are also affectionate and loving with children. Also make sure you provide them with enough of mental and physical exercises or else the dog may develop behavioral issues. Do not let them develop small dog syndrome.
Adoption Groups
Breed Organizations
