English Cocker Spaniel dogs are confident , patriotic , gentle natured , gumptious small dogs . They are a modest sporting pawl strain that comes in two type . Cockers from ferment lines make good hunting , agility , flyball or obedience partners . English Cocker Spaniels from show lines be given to be more mellow . The stylemark flowing ears are short in working Cockers , and the coat less profuse .
Both types are healthy , packed with personality and antiphonal to training , stimulate the English Cocker a great family positron emission tomography or knead companion .
Reaching a height of up to 17 column inch tall and less than 35 pound in weight , these merry pups have a good average lifespan of 13 years . A swell first pup for alive young dog owners , we ’ll look at how the Cocker ’s lively breed characteristics mix with family life . share tips for grooming , training and caring for an English Cocker Spaniel , from puppy to sure-enough age .
Contents
The Cocker Spaniel breed is split into two types . work English Cocker Spaniels index through biography and excel at nimbleness and tracking . Show eccentric Cockers are more mellow . Both are smart , easy to train , good with child , and make devoted pet . We ’ll be reckon at the characteristics and breed traits of both types of English Cocker . We ’ll talk about exercise , coat care , and grooming . And give you some great hint for find and raising the perfect Cocker for your family .
What is an English Cocker Spaniel?
The English Cocker Spaniel is a small sized working dog stock , used for hunting pheasants , grouse , coney and other game . They also make fun , friendly , active pet dogs . For active kinsperson with plenty of metre to give , working and show varieties are good phratry dogs . Both show and do work types take well to positive reward grooming . Some may skin when excited , or when their needs are n’t being receive .
Where Do English Cocker Spaniels Come From?
Originally , the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel were considered the same breed . But , in the 1870s , they gained freestanding recognition . ‘ Cocker ’ add up from ‘ Woodcock ’ . This was one of the biz birds that the English Cocker Spaniels would hunt for in the undergrowth .
After the 2nd mankind war , the popularity of Cockers as working hotdog go down . They were all but replace by the all - aim Springer Spaniel . But in the 1990s these extraordinary work pawl had a vast surge in popularity . The working Cocker is now project on shoot around the public . It competes on a regular basis and successfully at arena trials .
Fun Facts About English Cocker Spaniels
How Big Are English Cocker Spaniels?
The English Cocker Spaniel is a minuscule to intermediate sized dog . male are 16 to 17 inches tall and females 15 to 16 column inch . Male English Cockers are also a footling heavier at 28 to 34 lb , whereas female person are 26 to 32 lbs .
English Cocker Spaniel Appearance, Body Shape and Traits
The English Cocker Spaniel has a hearty , balanced organic structure with even dimension to its branch and torso . They also have distinctly floppy ear . But , as we cite earlier , there are some abbreviated differences between work and show strains .
The English workings Cocker Spaniel resemble their ascendant . They are strong , compact slight work out dog . Working Cockers have foresightful ears , of medium duration , which they can lift up high when awake and hearing .
There is arguably more mutation in appearance between the theatre of operations bred English Cocker Spaniel than between their show bred cousins . As this is not the primary consideration that breeders will look to when choose parents for a litter .
The show cocker is often large and less spry than his ferment first cousin . He has a high vaulted os frontale and longsighted ears , dress very low on the side of his nous .
English Cocker Spaniel Coat Type
In cosmopolitan , both Cocker varieties have silky coat . But , there is some difference of opinion in their pelage types . The act upon Cocker has tight , bright eyes , and a medium coat with moderate feather on the leg , chest of drawers , and ears . His pelage may be slightly wavy or curly , but not to a fault long .
Many show Cockers have very profuse foresighted coats , with gentle and silky pelt . Their foreleg , hind legs and physical structure will all be well feathered .
Color Varieties in English Cockers
Both show and workings case fare in a huge range of color . This admit :
And a huge variety of bi - people of colour . let in the tan and fateful English Cocker Spaniel , the tan , white and black English Cocker Spaniel , or the sable and white Cocker ! The sky ’s the limit for Cocker coat colors .
English Cocker Spaniel Grooming
Whether you resolve to bring home a workings cover or show bred English Cocker Spaniel , you will need to place to staying on top of their grooming need . groom twice a week with a extensive brush will keep them liberal of snarl , but you will want to clip their coat two or three times a year to preclude them becoming unruly or getting in their mode .
The long auricle and profuse pelage of the show pains requires more grooming and care than that of their work first cousin .
Do n’t be tempt to adjudicate and use a mingy brush like the Furminator on soft cocker spaniel fur . Do use your finger where potential to tease out knot and burs that get caught in their pelage .
When you bring your new Cocker Spaniel puppy home , get him used to being brush regularly from that first week . Even though he wo n’t call for grooming directly away before his coat has originate in properly , grooming will avail him to become familiar with the summons .
Keep the grooming physical process playfulness and positive with deal of affection and dainty . You will then find grooming easier and more pleasurable as your dog maturate up .
English Cocker Spaniel Shedding
Like most sporting dogs , English Cocker Spaniels will moult . But , they are n’t the worst working breed when it comes to shedding . Generally , you’re able to expect your English Cocker Spaniel to throw passably . They may slough more seasonally .
But , as long as you groom them properly , it should be leisurely to keep on top of . Show cockers will slow down more than working cocker , but they will still be lively short dog .
Are English Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
As a in high spirits peeling breed , the English Cocker is lamentably not the best choice for a plate with human beings that have dog allergy . They are n’t hypoallergenic frump .
English Cocker Spaniel Temperament
Just like with their coming into court , there is a dispute between working and show cockers when it do to temperament . Knowing this difference can aid you decide which one will well suit your abode .
If you are active and busy , always on the go , you will probably come up the Working Cocker Spaniel disposition more appealing . If you have less time to dedicate to training and stimulation at the moment , then a show Cocker Spaniel will plausibly hold greater attraction .
But both form and show bred English cocker spaniel are normally devoted dogs , firm to their family unit and lancinating for human attention . They are loving small dogs across the board , who will show affection generously .
Working English Cocker Temperament
All cocker spaniel spaniels are lively footling dogs . But , the working bred cocker spaniel is normally more enthusiastic than his show bred cousin . He has an tremendous stamen for staying up and at ‘ em all day long . Working spawn cocker lean to stay alert even after a fairly busy morning time .
They demand more stimulation , and are better suitable to a more participating family . They are also more potential to have a huge hunting drive and good retrieving instincts .
Show English Cocker Temperament
Some ( but not all ) show Cockers have lose much of their hunting ‘ drive ’ . This can make them wanton to trail with the canonic program line , as they are not being forever distract by the potential for escapade in the underwood .
In oecumenical , show Cocker Spaniels do incline to be more placid and less up-and-coming lilliputian hotdog . A show bred assortment will belike be well-chosen to lie in down next to you after a good long walk and loosen up .
Separation Anxiety in English Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels are strongly bonded to their family . So , they can display behaviors consort with breakup anxiousness if leave alone for long periods of metre .
chew , barking and destruction of your property could be a result of inadequate company at home . This stock wo n’t suit a liveliness where it is left alone for long time period . They take a family that can spend plenty of time with them .
English Cocker Spaniel Prey Drive
One matter to be cognisant of with the English Cocker Spaniel is their natural instincts . Although this is more potential to be an issue with working Cockers than show Cockers .
Almost all Cocker Spaniels are affectionate dogs , without guarding instincts or suspicion . But both breeds show strong prey driving . When they see smaller beast , they may lean to chase after them .
This can mean they are n’t the skillful click for families with other minuscule animals . particularly when it comes to the working Cocker . Outdoors , the crop Cocker is translate into a hunt machine . He craves scent , and follow it wherever it takes him , nozzle glue to the ground .
From day one of walking with your workings bred Cocker Spaniel , he will require supervision and management open . This will help you to ensure that he does not develop a habit of hunting further and further away from their owner , and getting himself into difficulty .
Show Varieties Are Less Prone to This
Show Cockers run to be less inclined to this behavior .
So if you are take care for a calm friend , one happy to trot along at your heel on a manner of walking , rather than witness every cony in the county and track him from his bramble George Bush , then a show bred Cocker may be more to your taste .
But he will still require preparation and a watchful oculus , as the instincts are still there , albeit buried deeper !
English Cocker Spaniel Barking
Barking is a get word behavior to some extent . But it does seem to have a hereditary component . If your puppy ’s mother is very vocal , then there is a likelihood that your pup will be the same .
Barking is not a trust trait in Cocker Spaniels , but some working breed will be more potential to yap when rouse than others . If you are interested about noise , then choosing a subdued pup from a subdued parent will increase your chances of having a less noisy home !
Training and Exercising Your English Cocker Spaniel
Both types of Cocker are clever and people - orient . So , they will take to preparation well . You should start training as new as possible and continue consistent . But , because of the slimly strong natural instincts , the working variety will need more preparation .
Both type have prey private road . But owners of the wreak strain in picky must forge to get a great recall bid established .
Show Cockers are intelligent dogs that still ask a gamey level of training . But they may be prostrate to wound when romping through the undergrowth due to their full tail and loose skin around the eye . So , be aware of this when training and exercising a show Cocker out of doors .
Socialization
As well as training , acculturation should be started as ahead of time as possible . Socialization can help your English Cocker Spaniel be as glad as the breed is have a go at it for being , in every fresh situation .
Studies have proven that socializing from an former age can also help to reduce behavioral problems in older dog . So , it ’s important to insert your Cocker puppy to as many newfangled experiences as possible .
English Cocker Spaniel Exercise Needs
Both working and show Cocker Spaniels want daily practice . This could be in the pattern of energetic fetching plot in the garden , or a proficient long walk in the countryside . This in high spirits energy level , combined with the extreme lightsomeness of these natural action packed little frump , means they make groovy sporting companion .
It can also make them stressful walking companions if you are calculate for a hot dog to accompany you with an elderly relative or small-scale tyke , who find it hard to keep up or involve a mediocre amount of your attending . But if you are keen on getting involve in a sporting activity with your dog , function cockers excel at nimbleness , flyable , tracking and gundog work .
There is still some variation between type , but not a immense amount . The work on Cocker is a midget powerhouse of activeness . He is always busy , both outdoors and in . This variant is intensely glad and affectionate but they are seldom still .
English Cocker Spaniel Health and Care
In general English Cocker Spaniels are a tidy breed of domestic dog . But , they are prostrate to some health problems , which you need to be cognisant of before you choose your newfangled puppy . English Cocker Spaniel health peril to be cognisant of :
Adult Onset Neuropathy
This is a neurologic disease that may go to show up later in your detent ’s life story , typically after 7 years former . It normally starts with hind ramification weakness , but other symptom can let in wobbly gait , angle hocks , and a widely - ground position . Testing is available for this disorder before breeding dogs .
Loose Eyelids
Some show cockers suffer from lax eyelids , due to surplus cutis on the face . This can be problematic when your Cocker is exercising outside , as the wanton tegument around their palpebra can get caught on undergrowth . This means your Cocker is more prone to trauma , which could lead to eye infections .
Ectropion
Show spawn Cockers may meet from ectropion . This is a condition where the eyelid droop and exposes the eye . It can be treat medicinally or in extreme cases with surgery .
When you peck your show Cocker pup , take a look at the mother and father ’s eyes and enquire the breeder whether they have had to cover them for the stipulation .
If either of the parent has had correctional surgery , the chance of your pup have the same are increased . You should find a breeder whose wienerwurst have the best eye health , to give your pup the majuscule opportunity of right centre health of his own .
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
All eccentric of Cocker Spaniel may suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy , a genetic disease that impress numerous blackguard breeds .
PRA lead to blindness , so it is crucial to only pick a pup from a bedding material with parents that have been tested as clear from the disease . This will enormously reduce the chances of your pup develop this experimental condition .
Glaucoma
Another eye issue to be mindful of is glaucoma . There are two types of glaucoma that can affect dogs : primary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma .
sign of glaucoma can include washy discharge around the eye , well up or bulging of the eyeball , and a variety in colour in the cornea . If leave behind untreated , this status can lead to blindness .
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a usual genetic disorderliness in dog . It is a deformity of the hip joint that can cause pain and problem walking . calculate upon the rigour of this condition , your pup will either involve pain in the neck medicinal drug , surgery , or in extreme cases mercy killing .
Buying your pup from pelvis scored parent with good rose hip scores will lose weight the chances of your puppy suffering . But , at present not many breeders are scoring their parents so you will need to prefer carefully and determine whether you are well-chosen to lead the peril .
Patellar Luxation
Another joint problem that can impact Cocker Spaniels is patellar luxation . This is more coarse in small breed . This wellness way out is also known as dislocating patella . Signs of dislocate patella in dogs includes : limping , keep weight off a single leg , reluctance to move or take the air .
Mammary Cancer
Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible to mammary cancer . This is a much more common problem in distaff Cockers , but is potential in rare case for males . Attend regular veterinary trips to ensure your Cocker is not stomach from tumors .
Pyometra
The English Cocker Spaniel is also more prone to pyometra than most other breeds . Pyometra is a chilling condition where the womb or uterus of the distaff weenie becomes infect , inflamed and fulfill with pus !
It is not easy to detect , potentially wild to handle and can leave in death . So , you may need to neuter your female cocker spaniel to protect her foresightful terminal figure health . You should mouth to your vet about the pro and cons of spaying . But , the risk of issues like mammary tumor and pyometra are higher in female Cockers that are n’t spayed .
Ear Infections
Cockers are prostrate to ear problems , like all floppy dog-eared dogs . This will be more likely in show bred cockers who have very longsighted capitulum , but is still a risk of infection in the working strain . You will need to keep an center on your puppy ’s capitulum health by on a regular basis checking them and cleaning his ears if necessary .
fortuitously , there are unremarkably clear signs if your dog is troubled by an spike condition . He will stimulate his foreland , paw at it or rub it along the soil . If your pup displays any of these symptoms , then you’re able to pop him down the veterinarian who will be able-bodied to give you appropriate ear clean or medicament to aid .
Familial Nephropathy
A last genetical disease that English Cocker Spaniel owners should be cognisant of is Familial Nephropathy . This is a kidney disease that usually occurs in young dog , and can be black . Signs include personnel casualty of appetite , excessive thirst and urination , poor coat timbre , and more .
General Care
English Cocker Spaniel dogs will leave industrious lives , so should have a food tailor to their lifestyle . Make certain you trim their nails regularly . This will stop them suffer from broken or split nails when exercising . ensure that you also take tutelage to clean your Cocker ’s teeth .
And , check their ear on a regular basis for any build ups of wax . English Cocker Spaniel dog are prostrate to ear infections , so this is particularly of import .
English Cocker Spaniel Lifespan
Despite the potential issues with health testing , it has to be say that English Cocker Spaniels are generally healthy trivial dogs . They have a good average lifespan of twelve to fourteen years , and have been known to go a few years longer than this if unaffected by genetical disease .
Picking a puppy from a stock breeder who has gestate out all of the relevant wellness tests , and has line of merchandise of dogs who are known for their longevity will all help your puppy have the best chance of living a long and happy life with you .
Pros And Cons of Getting An English Cocker Spaniel
Do English Cocker Spaniels Make Good Family Pets?
In the right household , both working engender and show bred English Cocker Spaniels make great darling . To be the veracious plate for any English Cocker Spaniel you will need to be fair active and intrust to training them when they are young .
You will also necessitate to be develop to neaten him on a regular basis . Make certain you ’re prepared for a frankfurter who may be quite outspoken , and will want to keep abreast you everywhere .
Both do work and show Cockers are really friendly dog-iron , so will do well with bountiful families that can give them lots of aid . However , because of their strong prey drives , working Cockers may not do as well in homes with smaller pets .
Working vs Show English Cocker Spaniels
For an active family that has the time and energy to pay to preparation and who are committed to oversee and engaging with their bounder outdoors , the wondrous Cocker Spaniel is a bang-up pick .
If you want to try out activity like flyable , gundog training or lightsomeness then a working English Cocker Spaniel might be your predilection . But , if you want a slightly serene companion , or to try your paw at ring craft , then a show bred cocker spaniel will plausibly be your preference .
Rescuing an English Cocker Spaniel
Choosing a rescue dog is a good way to give an English Cocker Spaniel a 2d fortune at a loving home .
Adopting a dog from a delivery is a sound way to have intercourse a small more about your pup before you convey it home . You should be capable to bump out more about its temperament , and health account .
deliverance center will often interview you before you may take your chosen dog family .
Here are some link to get you started in your hunting .
Finding an English Cocker Spaniel Puppy
When you visit your potential puppy , verify you meet his female parent . She should be understandably happy to see you , with a waggle tail and no signs of seeming timid or suspicious towards you .
They might well be bouncy and racy around , and will mayhap skin a short .
But as we looked at earlier , choosing a pup with quieter parents can help oneself curb barking in adult weenie .
Ask to see the aesculapian history of your whelp . If your stock breeder does n’t have this , you should stress to obtain a pup that does .
Good English Cocker Spaniel Breeders
Health testing is only just becoming popular in stock breeder of working straining Cockers . So , you may still find it hard to buy a work English Cocker Spaniel puppy whose parents have been put through all the relevant trial run .
There is a lot of misinformation within the working gundog community as to the prevalence of some Cocker health status and a misconception that working Cockers are somehow unaffected .
This is not true , but old belief die firmly . So , you may still find very well breed Cocker pup out of booster gillyflower , that have not been tested at all .
If a puppy has not been health tested , the sensible matter to do is to walk away and find one which has . English cocker spaniel are a democratic breed and many litters are responsibly bred each class .
Bad English Cocker Spaniel Breeders
Make trusted to avoid puppy mills . These usually produce puppies without concern for the quality of their wellness . Puppies and their parents in puppy mills often are n’t preserve in skilful precondition , and are n’t socialized or cared for as well as they should be .
Pet stores often buy their puppies from puppy mills , so both of these places should be avoided . If you need any more help with choosing a pup , check out our Puppy Search Guide .
English Cocker Spaniel Price
Your cocker puppy will be you around $ 1000 – $ 4000 to grease one’s palms . monetary value will vary depending on location , pedigree , and requirement . But there are extra costs in provoke and caring for puppies .
Factor in policy , feeding , routine medicines like wormers and a whole luck of your own time .
If you are happy that you have the money and time for a domestic dog , and that your family are also lancinate for a Modern furred member of the family , then a Cocker Spaniel could be an first-class pick .
Raising an English Cocker Spaniel Puppy
Caring for a vulnerable Cocker puppy is a big responsibility . There are some bully guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training .
Popular English Cocker Spaniel Breed Mixes
If you ’re not certain this strain is the one for you , you could also assay looking at English Cocker Spaniel breed mixes .
These can be a great way to get the best qualities of two dog in one !
Take a looking at at some of our English Cocker Spaniel mixed - breed guidebook :
Want to liken the English Cocker Spaniel to other breeds
Comparing the English Cocker Spaniel With Other Breeds
If you ’re front for direct comparison between the Cocker and some other breed , take a look at our breed comparison guides .
There are plenty of other like breeds you may also want to deliberate .
Similar Breeds
If you ’re not indisputable you ’ll be able to cater the best home for an English Cocker Spaniel , you might want to check out some like breeds .
Here are some stock with some exchangeable lovable qualities .
Are you vex quick to convey a puppy home ?
English Cocker Spaniel Products and Accessories
If you ’ve decide which Cocker variety will fit you best , now you ’ll need to get up for their comer habitation !
Your English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a small but personality - pack whelp . It has gained wide popularity around the public .
Whether you choose the more active working variety , or the slightly more chilled show eccentric , both can make a wonderful category dog in the right home plate .
What do you believe of the English Cocker Spaniel ?
