English Cocker Spaniel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the English Cocker Spaniel?

This dog breed comes from a bigger group of hunting dogs that were bred in Britain and beyond to be reliable, loyal field companions.

Their early origins could date as far back as the 16th century. The dogs were particularly prized for their ability to help when hunting waterfowl and game birds.

Any given litter would be able to produce both springer spaniels and cocker spaniels. Springers, as the name indicates, are prized for their ability to jump and "spring" birds from hiding places. Cockers were smaller dogs adept at hunting woodcock birds. To begin with, the only difference between the two dog classifications was the size of the dog.

During the 1890s, though, the Spaniel family was split into two, with recognition for both the Springer and Cocker. Within the Cocker, further differentiation became evident, with the American Cocker Spaniel being termed.

If you’re wondering how an English Cocker Spaniel differs from an American Cocker Spaniel, there are some distinct differences, despite the ancestry being the same. American Cocker Spaniels have a longer coat and fuller eyes, as well as a much rounder skull.

The American Kennel Club once considered the two the same breed, but the English Cocker Spaniel is now thought of as a separate breed.

In the past, Cocker Spaniels would have their tails docked. However, this procedure has been banned today. It can only be carried out if it is required for medical purposes. 

Who are English Cocker Spaniel dogs best for?

There are a number of different benefits that are associated with the English Cocker Spaniel dog breed. English Cocker Spaniels enjoy lots of daily physical exercise, and they love being busy. If you’re looking for this sort of dog, it’s a great choice. English Cocker Spaniels are also very easy to train, so long as they are in the right hands and environment. 

There are some other distinct advantages associated with English Cocker Spaniels. This includes the fact that they are happy in both homes and apartments. They are also ideal if you are searching for the perfect first-time pet, as they have an amenable nature. Loyal and loving, it is not hard to see why so many people all over the world have fallen in love with this breed of dog. 

How much grooming does a English Cocker Spaniel need?

You can end up spending quite a bit of money when it comes to grooming, as they are rather high maintenance on this front. You can expect your English Cocker Spaniel to shed a lot of hair throughout the year, especially during the months of autumn and spring.

Do English Cocker Spaniel bark much?

This dog breed is prone to barking. Although there are a lot of English Cockers that are pretty quiet, some of them can be very vocal, so do keep this in mind when determining whether or not this is the breed for you.

Do English Cocker Spaniel bite?

There was an interesting study that was published by Sun Sentinel two decades ago. It showed that English Cocker Spaniels only made up 59 of 2,234 bites in a test study. To put this into perspective, 301 bites came from German Shepards.

However, to give some perspective, 23.6 per cent of the bites from Cocker Spaniels were considered severe enough to need hospitalisation or stitches. On the other hand, only 13.8 per cent of the German Shepard bites fell into this category.

Therefore, while English Cockers do not tend to bite a lot, you do need to be mindful of the bite of an excitable dog!

You can help maintain the English cocker spaniel temperament by teaching them a degree of self-control so that their impulse to bite is redirected into an outlet that is more appropriate, for example, listening to your instructions or playing with a toy.

What is the temperament & personality of a English Cocker Spaniel?

You can expect this adult dog to be affectionate and merry with an equable disposition. This dog will be friendly toward people, trainable, and playful.

They will let you know if someone is approaching, so they can make good watchdogs. However, a typical Cocker will happily show the burglar where the gold is!

Like most dogs, early socialisation is a necessity for an English Cocker. They need to be exposed to many different experiences, sounds, sights, and people when they are young.

However, English Cocker Spaniels also like the sound of their own voices, which can get a bit irritating! They do not like to be left alone a lot and can suffer from separation anxiety, so if you are away from home regularly, this may not be the right dog breed for you.

What is the weight & size of a English Cocker Spaniel?

Weight: Females 11 - 14 kg and males 11 - 14 kg

Height:  Females 34 - 37 cm and males 37 - 39 cm

How much training does a English Cocker Spaniel need?

You will be pleased to know that the Spaniel is a dog that is very happy and always keen to please its owners and learn, which makes them very easy to train.

When training a cocker spaniel, it is important to practice obedience training as early as possible, and you also need to be consistent in your training.

You should also avoid distractions and use positive affirmations during your training.

What are some of the most common health issues for a English Cocker Spaniel?

As is the case with owning any pet, there are some negatives you need to be aware of as well. English Cocker Spaniels can result in quite a few trips to the vet, as they often suffer from a number of different health issues. It is important to keep this in mind so that you can plan for the vet bills. 

Some of the main health issues that can impact this breed of dog include hearing loss, juvenile-onset renal failure, hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism.

What is the lifespan of a English Cocker Spaniel?

Lifespan: 12 - 15 years 

How much should you feed a English Cocker Spaniel?

You ought to be feeding your English Cocker between one and a half and two and a half cups of food every day, depending on the size of the dog. This should be split between two meals.

It is advisable to avoid giving your dog "people food" or table scraps, as this can cause a tendency for weight gain, cultivate begging habits, or even result in health issues.

What is the price of a English Cocker Spaniel in Australia?

You can expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $1,600 from a reputable breeder for an English Cocker Spaniel. In some cases, puppies can cost as much as $2,500.