COCKER SPANIEL
Breed Group: Gun Dog
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club (English Cocker Spaniel)
Average height: 34 - 40 cms (13 - 16 in)
Average Weight:Â 9 -Â 13.5 kgs (19 - 29 lbs)
Coat Length: Medium
Life Span:Â 12 - 14 years
Colours: A tremendous variety of colours are acceptable under Kennel Club breed standards
HISTORY
Spaniels were bred to flush out game birds, including woodcock which led to the name by which we now know them. According to the UK Kennel Club, the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed in 1893. The breed has been popular both as a working dog and as a family pet since the early 20th century.
There are two distinct types of Cocker Spaniel: the Working Cocker and the Show Cocker. As the names imply, they have been bred for different purposes. It's the Show Cocker you're likely to see in the show ring at Crufts and other dog shows whereas the Working Cocker, although now a popular pet, is bred to work as a Gun Dog. The two types look different: the Show Cocker is likely to have a heavier coat with more feathering and a more compact body.
Breeders of the Working Cocker will be more interested in their dogs' abilities in the field than their looks. They tend to have finer coats and a rangier, narrower body than the Show Cocker.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR COCKER SPANIEL
They're a great size – not too large and not too small! Affectionate dogs, they're sociable, quick and eager learners, active outside but able to relax inside. Sometimes known as the 'merry cocker' they're funny and up for anything.
They're really versatile dogs, so whether your interests lean toward land or water sports, hunting, obedience, scent work or just long walks and fun games, they'll be happy to join in.
The key is plenty of exercise and then you can enjoy some quality downtime. No exercise and it's a whole other story.
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
They can be very high energy. There's also the potential to be super social and over-friendly leading to potential difficulties with recall as they enjoy playing with their mates in the park.
They can be orally-fixated, loving to 'steal' and carry around rogue clothing items.
They are busy, biddable, intelligent dogs with huge drive and a requirement to satisfy their hunting instinct. They love to retrieve and hunt and will chase and self-entertain if not engaged daily.
Resource guarding can be an issue with this breed.
Working Cocker Spaniels, having been bred for generations to work long days, can be more high maintenance than Show Cocker Spaniels. However, the Show Cockers are still likely to have a high drive and the need for something to keep them occupied.
YOUR COCKER SPANIEL PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Your puppy is likely to want to be super connected and ready to learn about anything you introduce them to.
They're also likely to want to pick up anything and everything and take off with it – so, management is key, ensuring they can't access what you don't want them to have.
Be very conscious not to create a resource-guarding problem by accident.
If your puppy does 'steal' something, be sure not to chase, but instead teach your pup to come to you and trade stolen goodies for something better.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Their desire to hunt and chase
- Resource guarding
- Pulling on lead â they were born to quarter (zigzag left and right looking for birds) so they have a tendency to do the same on a lead
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
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Fulfill their inherent craving for partnership and adventure though games, sports and outings.
Create fun experiences and provide exercise outdoors so you can enjoy being indoors afterwards!
Offer plenty of learning opportunities to stimulate a mind that's wired to learn and connect with you.
Recognise your part in creating a harmonious relationship with an incredibly cooperative and adaptable companion.
UPBRINGING
Super connected and ready to learn whatever you put in their way. Also will pick up anything, put it in their mouth and take off with it.
Management is key, ensuring that youâre not giving attention to the mischief. Being very conscious not to create a resource-guarding problem by accident. If your puppy does âstealâ something, be sure not to chase, but instead teach them to come to you and trade stolen goodies for something better.
LIFESTYLE
The key for Cocker Spaniels is plenty of exercise and then you can enjoy some quality downtime. No exercise and it's a whole other story!
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Running, playing, retrieving, sniffing. They need lots of time outdoors. Theyâre so versatile, so it could be for fun or competition - as long as the body, mind and nose are engaged!
EDUCATION
Fast learners in picking up new cues, tricks or tasks you present. They're also great at picking up patterns of daily life and fitting in â as long as they've had some physical and mental stimulation.
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