Cocker Spaniel

This gorgeous companion breed is sweet, affectionate, and loyal. The Cocker Spaniel came to the United States in the 1870s from Spain, and the word spaniel means, “Spanish dog.” The Cocker Spaniel consists of two different breeds, one is the American Cocker Spaniel and the other is the English Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel is taller with a wider, flatter head, while the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller with a rounder face. The Cocker Spaniel breed is very adaptable and can live in apartments, condos, and small houses. They are excellent for new dog owners, but are very sensitive and do not do well being alone. This playful, snuggly, and tender breed does great with children, other dogs, and even strangers. The Cocker Spaniel is easy to train but early training and socialization is suggested. Due to the breed being so energetic, they do require lots of exercise and playtime. The Cocker Spaniel was bred to be a hunter and subsequently does have a high prey drive so it is suggested that they are on a leash if not in an enclosed fenced area. The Cocker Spaniel is in the Sporting Dog Breed Group, and is the smallest breed in that group. They are usually 14-15 inches high, typically weigh 24-28 pounds, and generally have a lifespan of 12-15 years. The Cocker Spaniel is usually light cream, red, brown, or black. They sometimes can be a blend of two or more colors, where one is usually white. This breed does require a professional groomer, so it would be prudent to be aware of that expense and budget accordingly. Their coat does need to be brushed daily, and some owners keep their dog’s coat short with a professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. The breed is not hypoallergenic, and does shed moderately. Due to the type of coat, it is necessary for them to have an additional coat in the winter, but also to keep them out of the heat in the summer. It is vital to trim your dog’s nails once a month, and to check its ears every week for any debris, dirt, or infections. This is crucial due to the breed’s long ears and it is essential to wipe their ears often. Some dog owners will purchase narrow bowls to avoid the Cocker Spaniel’s ears from getting into the bowl. Overall, the Cocker Spaniel is a healthy breed and with routine veterinary care and love your pup should live a long and happy life.

Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.