English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

11-14 kg

Height

37-39 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the English Cocker Spaniel

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

If you are looking for information on the English Cocker Spaniel dog breed, you have certainly come to the right place. This breed is also known by names such as Merry Cocker and simply Cocker. It is a kind-natured, affectionate, and energetic dog that has become very popular in Australia and across the world.

Of all sporting spaniel breeds, English Cocker Spaniels are the smallest. They were bred originally as gundogs. They have a sweet personality, which makes them ideal for families and those looking for a companion to enjoy some dog sports.

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.

What is an English Cocker Spaniel Breed?

The English Cocker is a medium-sized breed of dog with a happy disposition and long ears. The name “Cocker” comes from the dog’s days of hunting woodcock in England, although this breed of dog has been used for hunting a lot of other kinds of birds as well.

Joining the English Cocker Spaniel Club is ideal if you are looking for a companion dog, yet you can give your pet the exercise they require as well. Even if you live in an apartment, you will love this adaptable and affectionate pup. Below, we will go into more detail about what to expect from this hunting dog so you can determine whether or not it is the right breed for you.

Learn more about: Cocker Spaniel Colours

Who is an English Cocker Spaniel 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.

English Cocker Spaniel Grooming & Shedding

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.

Learn more about: Cocker Spaniel Grooming Tips & Styles

Do English Cocker Spaniels bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of an English Cocker Spaniel dog?

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized breed with both males and females typically weighing between 11 and 14 kg. In terms of height, females stand around 34 to 37 cm tall, while males are slightly taller at 37 to 39 cm.

Learn more about: Cocker Spaniel Size & Weight Chart

Are English Cocker Spaniels easy to train?

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.

Learn more about: Cocker Spaniel Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do English Cocker Spaniels behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Learn more about: Cocker Spaniel Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the English Cocker Spaniel have any common health issues?

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.

Learn more about: Common Cocker Spaniel Health Issues

What is the lifespan of an English Cocker Spaniel?

The lifespan of an English Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.

How much does an English Cocker Spaniel need to be fed?

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.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Cocker Spaniel? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for an 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.

Learn more about: Cocker Spaniel Prices In Australia

English Cocker Spaniel FAQs

Are English Cocker Spaniels cuddly?

Yes, well-bred English Cocker Spaniels have a sweet temperament. They are cuddly, and affectionate, and enjoy participating in family activities. The Cocker is known to b a sensitive dog, from both a physical and mental perspective.

Is it better to get a male or female English Cocker Spaniel?

This is one of the dog breeds whereby there are a few negligible differences between female and male English Cockers when it comes to character and personality.

You may be surprised to learn that the male cocker is likely to be more loving than the female would be, and they will bond with every member of your family, rather than just one. This is why they are known to be great family dogs.

Do English Cocker Spaniels make good pets for seniors?

Adult English cockers are adaptable and sociable, so they can be placed in any family. However, it is important to note that they can be boisterous, and they do have a high level of energy, which may mean that other dogs are more suitable for seniors.

What should I look for when buying an English Cocker Spaniel puppy?

If you want a dog from the spaniel family, make sure you ask the breeder if the dog has had any health tests performed to make sure that you understand whether there are any underlying health problems.

You should also find out more about the puppy’s parents and make sure you can pick up the puppy directly from the breeder.