English Cocker Spaniel
Also known as Cocker or Cocker Spaniel, and Cocker Anglais or Cocker Spaniel anglais in French
- Height at the withers
- 38 to 41 cm
- Weight
- 13 to 15 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A compact, cheerful hunting spaniel with a well-chiseled head, long feathered ears and a silky, flat, glossy coat. Very popular in France, the English Cocker Spaniel is known for its ever-wagging tail, its keen nose and its affectionate temperament.
History and origins
Descended from the old British spaniels, the Cocker owes its name to the woodcock, which it flushed for hunters. Long told apart from the Springer by size alone, it was recognized as a separate breed by the British Kennel Club in 1892; a dog named Obo, born in 1879, is considered the father of the modern breed. Dogs exported to America later gave rise to the American Cocker Spaniel.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Familial nephropathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Idiopathic aggression (“rage syndrome”), mainly in solid-colored dogs
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, silky coat. Moderate shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
English Cocker Spaniel FAQ
How big does the English Cocker Spaniel get?
The English Cocker Spaniel stands 38 to 41 cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 15 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the English Cocker Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs a lot of care. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the English Cocker Spaniel live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the English Cocker Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the English Cocker Spaniel good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the English Cocker Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and progressive retinal atrophy.
