The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful dog that has the characteristic of a perfect family pet. The Cocker Spaniel puppy is mild-mannered and easy to get along with. These playful and energetic puppies will bring a smile to anyone's face. The Cocker Spaniel dog breed is obedient and devoted by nature, which makes it very easy to train. These beautiful puppies are great family-friendly companions and fantastic working dogs. They are affectionate, being particularly good with children.
Considering owning a Cocker Spaniel? Discover the pros and cons of owning this breed in our dedicated blog post: 10 Pros and Cons of Owning a Cocker Spaniel
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Average
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Sweet, Loyal, Joyful, Outgoing
ADULT WEIGHT
26-32 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
14-15 in
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs
Characteristics
- The Cocker Spaniel puppy is outgoing, friendly, and easy to get along with
- As a mild-mannered and loving dog, the cute Cocker Spaniel is very easy to train
- The average lifespan of a Cocker Spaniel is somewhere between 12 to 15 years, but they can live longer
- Cocker Spaniels are an adorable, moderately sized dog breed with males standing at 15 inches tall and females at 14 inches
- The Cocker Spaniel coat won’t shed much and is very easy to brush
- Thriving on human companionship the Cocker Spaniel dog breed does very well with children. They get along well with other animals too, including cats
- The Cocker Spaniel's average size is medium and it is known for its loving personality and its ability to be both a family pet and a good companion for an active lifestyle
- They were bred as gun dogs to flush and retrieve game so they love to play around in the water
- Cocker Spaniel puppies come in many colors including black, light cream, red, white, and brown
Appearance
Cocker Spaniels are moderately sized and beautiful dogs with thick and wavy coats. A male Cocker Spaniel is 15 inches tall and a female Cocker Spaniel grows to be 14 inches tall. Males should not weigh more than 30 pounds and females should not weigh more than 25 pounds. Cocker Spaniel puppies come in many colors including black, light cream, red, white, and brown. Their big dreamy eyes are usually what first capture people's attention. They have long, lush ears that people can't resist petting.
The English Cocker Spaniels are a breed that has a very different look than the American Cocker Spaniels. The English Cocker Spaniel, being taller than it is long, looks very different from the American Cocker Spaniel, which is longer than it is tall. The English Cocker Spaniel also has a pointed muzzle, whereas the American Cocker Spaniel's muzzle is rounder.
Temperament
The Cocker Spaniel's temperament is a playful, friendly, and affectionate one. They are cute, smart, and trusting of their owners. However, they sometimes have a hunting instinct. In order to keep them happy, they need to be treated with care. Cocker Spaniel puppies are the happiest companions at home and will do anything for their human family. Of course, this doesn't mean that they do not enjoy the occasional snuggle or run around in the yard. They are up for what the owners want to do with them and they are always up for new friends. They love meeting new people and can be reserved at first, but they quickly break out of their shells and become fast friends.
Cocker Spaniels get along well with other animals too, including cats. But if you have a bird for a pet, it's not typically an option for them to live in the same house. These dogs are great at hunting, meaning they are not a good fit for households with any other birds.
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Care
Grooming
Just like with any other dog, the Cocker Spaniel grooming requires some attention on your part. The Cocker Spaniel is known for its long and silky fur, which can grow to floor length. But grooming your dog isn’t just about keeping him looking good. It is essential for your pet’s health.
An adult Cocker Spaniel should be groomed at least every three days to maintain his appearance, but if you like to walk him in the countryside, he may need more frequent brushing. He is likely to pick up grass seeds, burrs, and other wastes while out exercising in the wild.
Cocker Spaniels are moderate shedders. Although they look different, American and English Cocker Spaniels are the same when it comes to shedding levels. They shed most in spring and fall, which is the change in daylight hours and temperature. In order to maintain their coat, you should groom your cute Cocker Spaniel every day during these seasons.
It’s always a good idea to bathe your Cocker Spaniel once a month. Bathing your dog will help remove dirt and dust that may be building up on his coat. Monthly bathing can also help with the odor, which may begin to come out after a while.
For more guidance on grooming your Cocker Spaniel and understanding how often you should bathe them, delve into our detailed guide.
Exercise Needs
The Cocker Spaniel is a moderately active dog that fancies long walks and indoor games with the family. Although they are not the sportiest breed, Cocker spaniels do enjoy an occasional hike or game of fetch. The ideal routine for these lovely dogs should include at least one or two daily walks and some mentally stimulating games indoors.
Health
Cocker Spaniel puppies are adorable and loving pets, but their tendencies to certain illnesses require careful observation. They're vulnerable to many of the affections that other dogs can suffer from, such as rabies, distemper, and parvo. Cocker Spaniels can also be prone to obesity. It is a serious disease that can lead to joint problems, metabolic disorders, back pain, and heart disease.
It's important to protect your pets' teeth. 80% of dogs suffer from dental disease by 2 years old. Unfortunately for pups like Cocker Spaniels, it's easy for them to fall victim to tooth decay. There are some skin diseases and infections that could affect your pet.
To keep your Cocker Spaniel puppy healthy and happy watch his diet, exercise him plenty and brush his teeth and coat. Regular vet check-ups are ideal with this breed. Keeping your dog happy and healthy will not only help him maintain a healthy and happy state of mind, but it will also help in the prevention and treatment of many common health issues.
Lifespan
In general, the average lifespan of a Cocker Spaniel is about 12-15 years. But many factors can influence the lifespan of a Cocker Spaniel, from major health issues to minor ones. In Sherman Oaks, Calif, Uno is the oldest living Cocker Spaniel dog at the age of 22 on New Year's Day. That's 110 human years.
Training
Are Cocker Spaniel puppies easy to train? Yes, these lovable and eager-to-please pups, are very receptive to training. Teaching your Cocker Spaniel puppy obedience will give him control, and good manners, and ultimately lead to a well-behaved companion. Once learned, obedience commands must be practiced many times each day, in different situations and environments, to help reinforce his training.
One of the first commands your pet will learn is to sit and stay. For this, you will use a technique called "luring," which is tempting your dog to do a specific action via the motion of the treat. For a sit request, you will give your baby Cocker Spaniel its chosen treat and simply bring it to the crown of its head, then move it back towards the tail in a straight line.
Training your cute Cocker Spaniel is an incredible opportunity to bond with your pet. Your dog will grow to trust you even more, and once you and your dog start going over basic skills, the two of you will learn to work together. With this trust, you can do all sorts of things, including agility or any other activity you like. It's all up to you and your best friend.
For deeper insights on training dogs effectively, especially breeds like the Cocker Spaniel, explore our blog Easiest Dogs to Train - Top 5 Pups for Effortless Training
History
It's no accident that the movie's model of an affectionate and pampered pet was a Cocker Spaniel Cartoon in the movie Lady and the Tramp. The Cocker Spaniel is and has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the world for the last few decades. Cocker Spaniels are a top breed in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Italy, and the United States.
The Cocker Spaniel is the best hunting dog. It is descended from a family that dates back to ancient times. Historically, Spaniels were divided into two groups: toys and large hunting dogs. By the 1800s, Spaniels became classified as land and water Spaniels. The Cocker Spaniel was named so for his excellence in the field of hunting woodcock.
The first time the Cocker Spaniel dog breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in England was in 1892. At first, it was not a breed, but rather a category of dogs that served different purposes. In England, Spaniels were used for several hundred years before Mr. James Farrow's Obo Kennel gained recognition for the Cocker Spaniel as a separate and distinct breed.
A lot of people don't know that the working Cocker Spaniel was first imported to the United States in the late 1870s. This breed of dog was known for its impressive hunting skills. The American Kennel Club also recognized this breed as a result of a liver and white working Cocker Spaniel named Captain. The second volume of the National American Kennel Club's studbook, printed in 1885, registers a black Cocker Spaniel named Brush II.
In 1936, a group of Cocker Spaniel enthusiasts met and founded The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America. This club was officially recognized by the AKC in 1938; as a result, they agreed to not breed American Cocker Spaniels with English Cocker Spaniels. As well, they forbade American Cocker Spaniels from being shown in English classes.
The 1939 Westminster Dog Show is one that no one will forget. The Best American Bred in Show was CH My Own Brucie, a black Cocker Spaniel, who showed America his sweet nature when he won the hearts of the public on a second occasion in 1940. He won the hearts of the American public by wagging his tail proudly as he entered the ring and walking beside his owner, without his leash. When Brucie died, The New York Times published his obituary.
In 1946, the American Kennel Club recognized the American Cocker Spaniels and the English Cocker Spaniels as two distinct breeds. And Brucie is to thank for that. The success of his show dog led to the popularization of the breed in the United States. It also motivated American Cocker Spaniel breeders to focus more on breeding for the show ring instead of fieldwork. The popularity of the Cocker Spaniel puppies also skyrocketed after the release of Disney’s classic movie “Lady and the Tramp” in 1955.
The Cocker spaniel is also a parent breed for various designer dogs. The most popular Cocker spaniel mix is the Cockapoo - a Cocker spaniel and Poodle mix.