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 th...

If you own a Cocker Spaniel, you already know their ears are the best thing about them. Long, soft, wavy. Unfortunately, they are also their weak spot: cockers are one of the breeds with the most ear problems. The good news is that most of them can be prevented with a few minutes of care each week. Why do cockers have ear problems? A cocker's ear is long, heavy and completely covers the ear canal. Air barely circulates, so the inside stays warm and damp. That is the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. Add to that: thick hair on the inside of the ear, which traps dirt and moisture; water that gets in during baths or swimming and never dries out; allergies (food or environmental), common in the breed, which often show up first in the ears. The result can be otitis externa , an inflammation of the ear canal. Left untreated, it becomes painful, keeps coming back and, in severe cases, may need surgery. Signs that something is wrong See your vet if you notice an...