- Weight: 20-35 pounds (9.07-15.88 kg)
- Height: 12-16 inches (30.48-40.64 cm)
The Look of a Cocker Spaniel
Noted for their silky coats and long ears, Cocker Spaniels have small, sturdy, well-balanced frames. Their clean-cut heads have wide muzzles, square jaws and upper lips that hang over their lower jaws. Their ears are long and feathered, their eyes are dark and almond-shaped and their noses are either black or brown depending on the coat. They have long necks, deep chests, short backs and (usually) docked tails that are carried in line with the back.
Their coats are silky, wavy and easy to comb. They come in black, black with tan spots, light cream, dark red and other combinations. Overall, Cocker Spaniels have a balanced, alert stance.
Photography by Kayla Bertagnolli, as captured at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Traits
- Happy and endearing
- Eager to please
- Hard workers
- Excitable
- Intelligent
Ideal Human Companion
- Singles
- Seniors
- Families
- Apartment dwellers
- Active, sporty types
What They Are Like to Live With
Though largely bred to be a live-in companion, Cocker Spaniels still retain the genes of their hunting ancestors, making them equally sporty and cuddly. With a Cocker Spaniel in the house, you have a dog that has the toughness and ingenuity of a hunting dog and the sensitivity and kindness of a household pet.
An active dog, they will keep busy in the house, playing with toys and objects and family members. They love being around people, crave attention, but also have a working dog’s self-sufficiency. Cocker Spaniels are quick to learn, obey easily, and have a sweet and trusting nature. They are generally good with strangers, but make excellent watchdogs when they feel that the home is threatened.
Cocker Spaniels are amazingly adaptable. If you’re an active hiker, these dogs will keep pace with you all the livelong day. If you’re a couch potato, your Cocker Spaniel will gladly join you on the sofa. They’ll be perfectly happy in an apartment or house, as long as they get a decent amount of exercise and attention.
Things You Should Know
Because they have been popular pets for several decades, Cocker Spaniels have suffered from overbreeding, which has caused a number of health and personality issues like aggressiveness, shyness and roaming that are not typical of the breed. Take care to socialize and train your Cocker Spaniel puppy to make it comfortable with children and other animals.
Cocker Spaniels need daily grooming — washing and brushing — to keep their lovely coats in shape. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infection.
A healthy Cocker Spaniel can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include glaucoma, cataracts, spinal problems, and skin problems.
Cocker Spaniel History
The smallest of the “sporting group” of Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to hunt in the English countryside. They were especially good at hunting woodcocks, hence the name “cocker.”
During the mid-19th century, American breeders developed a smaller Cocker Spaniel that became a popular pet across the country. American Cocker Spaniels differ so much from the English variety that they are now considered a separate breed.
Read more about the Cocker Spaniel on Dogster.com:
