MyCockerCocker Spaniel: The Complete Breed Guide – Temperament, Grooming, Health and Feeding
Thinking about getting a Cocker Spaniel, or already sharing your sofa with one? This guide is for you. It's written from a cocker owner's point of view, not copied from an encyclopedia: what kind of dog the cocker really is, how much exercise it needs, how to care for its coat and ears, what to feed it and which health issues to watch for.
Cocker Spaniel at a glance
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: about 38–41 cm (15–16 in) at the withers
- Weight: around 13–15 kg (29–33 lb)
- Life expectancy: usually 12–15 years
- Coat: silky, medium length, wavy on the ears, chest and legs
- Colours: solid (black, red/golden, chocolate), parti-colour and roan (blue, orange)
- Temperament: happy, affectionate, sociable, with a gundog's energy
- Best for: families, including those with children, and active people who spend time at home
Where the Cocker Spaniel comes from
Spaniels are an old family of hunting dogs, and the name "cocker" comes from the woodcock, the bird these small, agile dogs flushed out of the undergrowth for hunters. In 19th-century Britain, spaniels were split into breeds by size and working style, and the English Cocker Spaniel was recognised as a separate breed towards the end of that century.
There is also the American Cocker Spaniel, developed later in the USA. It's smaller, with a rounder head, a shorter muzzle and a fuller coat. This article focuses on the English Cocker Spaniel.
Personality and temperament
That tail that never stops wagging tells you almost everything: the cocker is a cheerful, friendly dog that bonds closely with its family. It wants to be wherever you are, follows you from room to room and doesn't cope well with being left alone for long hours.
- With children: usually great, especially if raised with them. Still supervise play with young kids.
- With other dogs and pets: sociable, but with a hunting instinct – birds and the neighbour's cat can be tempting.
- Intelligence and training: learns fast and is very food- and praise-motivated. Responds brilliantly to rewards, badly to harshness.
- Sensitivity: an emotional dog. A raised voice affects it more than you might think.
Many owners talk about two "types" of cocker: working lines, very energetic and always nose-down, and show lines, a bit calmer with a fuller coat. Both need daily exercise.
How much exercise does a cocker need?
Plan for at least one hour of activity a day, split into two walks. Besides walking, a cocker needs to use its nose: treat-search games, fetch, walks in new places. A bored cocker quickly becomes a cocker that barks, chews or "reorganises" the bin.
It adapts well to apartment life as long as it gets out enough. Cockers love water, so check their ears after a swim – trapped moisture is a common cause of ear infections.
Coat care and grooming
The coat is the cocker's most beautiful feature, and also the one that needs the most attention.
- Brush 2–3 times a week with a slicker brush and a metal comb, focusing on the ears, armpits and legs, where mats form.
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. The head, neck and underside of the ears are usually trimmed, and the hair between the paw pads is cleaned up.
- Bath as needed, roughly once a month, with dog shampoo. Dry the coat thoroughly, especially the ears.
- Nails every 3–4 weeks, unless they wear down naturally on pavement.
Ears: the breed's weak spot
Long, hairy ears that hang over the ear canal trap heat and moisture. That's why ear infections (otitis) are one of the most common problems in Cocker Spaniels. Check the ears weekly: a bad smell, redness, dark discharge or frequent head shaking mean it's time to see the vet.
There's a separate step-by-step guide on this: Cocker Spaniel Ears: How to Clean Them and Prevent Ear Infections.
Practical tip: use a tall, narrow bowl for food and water so the ears stay out of the bowl.
Cocker Spaniel health
The cocker is generally a robust breed, but it has a few predispositions worth knowing:
- Ear infections – caused by the shape of the ears, as mentioned above.
- Eye problems – progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, glaucoma or eyelid irritation. Watery or cloudy eyes deserve a check-up.
- Hip dysplasia – especially in dogs from untested lines.
- Familial nephropathy – an inherited kidney disease, for which there is a DNA test.
- Weight gain – cockers are food lovers and put on weight easily.
- Skin conditions and allergies – itching, excessive paw licking.
If you're getting a puppy, ask the breeder for the parents' genetic test results (PRA, familial nephropathy) and hip scores. A good breeder will show them without hesitation.
Basic prevention is the same for every cocker: up-to-date vaccines and regular deworming. Both are explained here:
- Cocker Spaniel Vaccination Schedule: From Puppy to Adult
- Deworming a Cocker Spaniel: How Often and What You Need to Know
Feeding: how much and what a cocker eats
A cocker will eat anything, anytime, with the same enthusiasm – which is exactly why portions need controlling. A few simple rules:
- Quality food suited to the dog's age (puppy, adult, senior), with animal protein first in the ingredient list.
- Weigh the portion based on the dog's ideal weight, not on how pleadingly it looks at you.
- Two meals a day for adults, three to four for puppies.
- Treats count towards the daily total. Set aside part of the portion and use it for training.
- Never chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol or cooked bones.
A quick test: you should be able to feel the ribs easily with your palm without seeing them. If you can't feel them, it's time to cut back and talk to your vet.
Is a Cocker Spaniel right for you?
Yes, if: you want an affectionate, playful dog, have time for daily walks, don't mind brushing and grooming appointments, and spend a good amount of time at home.
Think twice if: you're away many hours a day, want a low-maintenance coat, or don't have a budget for regular grooming and vet visits.
How to keep track of care without forgetting anything
Between ear cleaning, brushing, grooming, vaccines, deworming and vet visits, it's easy to lose track. I built MyCocker for exactly that, for my own cocker: an iPhone app made only for Cocker Spaniels, with a health calendar, reminders and daily habits you tick off with a single tap.
Download MyCocker on the App Store
Cocker Spaniel FAQ
How long do Cocker Spaniels live?
On average 12–15 years. Keeping their weight in check, regular vet visits and good ear and dental care all help them live longer.
How big does a Cocker Spaniel get?
An adult English Cocker Spaniel stands about 38–41 cm (15–16 in) at the withers and weighs around 13–15 kg (29–33 lb). Females are slightly smaller than males.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed?
Yes, moderately, all year round. Regular brushing greatly reduces hair around the house. They are not a hypoallergenic breed.
How often should a cocker be groomed?
Every 6–8 weeks by a groomer. In between, brush 2–3 times a week and trim the hair between the paw pads.
Can a Cocker Spaniel live in an apartment?
Yes, as long as it gets at least an hour of exercise a day and mental stimulation. It doesn't like being left alone for long hours.
What's the difference between English and American Cocker Spaniels?
The English cocker is slightly larger, with a longer muzzle and a more athletic body. The American cocker is smaller, with a rounder head and a fuller coat.
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a veterinarian.
