English Cocker Spaniel

also known as Merry Cocker Woker, Cocker

Pros Summary


The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England. They were originally bred as hunting dogs for small game such as birds. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1892. It is also recognized by other kennel clubs and organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). English Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly, outgoing and affectionate personalities, they make great family pets, but they require regular exercise and consistent training. They are also known for their thick and beautiful coat, which requires regular grooming.

Breed Information


Type

Is English Cocker Spaniel a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were English Cocker Spaniels originally used for?

flushing game birds

Lifespan

How Long Do English Cocker Spaniels Live? What is average life expectancy for an English Cocker Spaniel? How long can English Cocker Spaniels live?

12-14 years

The average English Cocker Spaniel lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

English Cocker Spaniel Height & Weight


How big is a full grown English Cocker Spaniel?

What is the average height of an English Cocker Spaniel? How big is an Purebred English Cocker Spaniel height? English Cocker Spaniel dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 16-17 inches (40.6 - 43.2 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm)
Female 15-16 inches (38.1 - 40.6 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
What is the average weight of an English Cocker Spaniel? How much should English Cocker Spaniels weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-34 pounds (13 - 15 kg) 14.5 pounds (7 kg) 27.0 pounds (12 kg) 31.0 pounds (14 kg)
Female 26-32 pounds (12 - 15 kg) 13.5 pounds (6 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 29.0 pounds (13 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do English Cocker Spaniels get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the English Cocker Spaniel.

Hypoallergenic

Are English Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the English Cocker Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an English Cocker Spaniel personality? What are English Cocker Spaniel dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Friendly
Playful
Trainable
Faithful
Intelligent
Quiet

Shedding Level

Are English Cocker Spaniels heavy shedders? How Much Does an English Cocker Spaniel Shed?

English Cocker Spaniel dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your English Cocker Spaniel. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an English Cocker Spaniel dog?

English Cocker Spaniels are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the English Cocker Spaniel is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do English Cocker Spaniels come from?

England

Ancestry

What are English Cocker Spaniels descended from?

land spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the English Cocker Spaniel breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were English Cocker Spaniels first bred? How old is the English Cocker Spaniel breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an English Cocker Spaniel?

Sporting (AKC:1945)
Gun Dog (UKC)

English Cocker Spaniel Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are English Cocker Spaniel eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can English Cocker Spaniel nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can English Cocker Spaniel coat be naturally?

Sable
Black
Pied
Gray
Silver
Red
Brown

Coat Length

How long is an English Cocker Spaniels coat?

The coat of an English Cocker Spaniel is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The English Cocker Spaniel Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an English Cocker Spaniel?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can an English Cocker Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can an English Cocker Spaniel have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

An English Cocker Spaniel can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

English Cocker Spaniels are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

English Cocker Spaniel Health Issues


Health Issues

Do English Cocker Spaniels have a lot of health problems?

The English Cocker Spaniel is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

English Cocker Spaniel Needs and Activities


Energy

Do English Cocker Spaniels have a lot of energy?

English Cocker Spaniels are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do English Cocker Spaniels need socialization? How social are English Cocker Spaniels?

English Cocker Spaniel have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should English Cocker Spaniels get?

The English Cocker Spaniel dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an English Cocker Spaniel have? Do English Cocker Spaniels sleep a lot?

English Cocker Spaniels are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an English Cocker Spaniel drool a lot?

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

English Cocker Spaniels tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do English Cocker Spaniels exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

English Cocker Spaniel dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are English Cocker Spaniels mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an English Cocker Spaniel running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do English Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do English Cocker Spaniels enjoy doing? How do I keep my English Cocker Spaniel busy?

Outside, Walking, Petting, Treats, Hugs, Running, Fetch, Sniffing, Smelling, Flower sniffs, Walk, Pets, Snuggling, Tug-of-war, Play, Playdate

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an English Cocker Spaniel? How much energy does an English Cocker Spaniel have?

Medium

English Cocker Spaniels are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an English Cocker Spaniel walk each week? How many miles should an English Cocker Spaniel walk every week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For English Cocker Spaniel, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an English Cocker Spaniel should exercise a day? How much activity does an English Cocker Spaniel need?

60 minutes

In general most English Cocker Spaniels usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an English Cocker Spaniel?

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an English Cocker Spaniel?

Weekly

English Cocker Spaniel should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for English Cocker Spaniels?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an English Cocker Spaniel eat?

2.8 cups

For an average 28-34 pound (13 - 15 kg) English Cocker Spaniel feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an English Cocker Spaniel Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an English Cocker Spaniel is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an English Cocker Spaniel Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an English Cocker Spaniel is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

English Cocker Spaniel Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an English Cocker Spaniel?

The English Cocker Spaniel breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an English Cocker Spaniel dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are English Cocker Spaniel dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do English Cocker Spaniel do well in apartments? Are English Cocker Spaniels good indoor dogs?

English Cocker Spaniels are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are English Cocker Spaniels good with kids? Are English Cocker Spaniels good around children?

A English Cocker Spaniels typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are English Cocker Spaniels good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are English Cocker Spaniels good with cats? How friendly English Cocker Spaniels are toward cats?

English Cocker Spaniels are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do English Cocker Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs? Are English Cocker Spaniels OK with other dogs?

English Cocker Spaniels are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do English Cocker Spaniel dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are English Cocker Spaniels friendly with strangers?

English Cocker Spaniels are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do English Cocker Spaniels like to play? Are English Cocker Spaniels playful?

The English Cocker Spaniel is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your English Cocker Spaniel is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are English Cocker Spaniel easily trained?

English Cocker Spaniel dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    English Cocker Spaniel are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate dogs.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Apartment dwellers should consider a English Cocker Spaniel dog.
  • Cat Friendly
    English Cocker Spaniels and cats tend to be a suitable pairing.
  • Family-friendly
    English Cocker Spaniel are good with children and make great family pets.
  • Boat Dog
    The English Cocker Spaniel breed typically enjoys being on boats.
  • Energy
    English Cocker Spaniel have a moderate energy level and can adapt to different lifestyles.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    English Cocker Spaniels are at a high risk of becoming overweight.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    English Cocker Spaniels are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid English Cocker Spaniels, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Odor
    The English Cocker Spaniel has a substantial risk of having bad smell.
  • Grooming
    English Cocker Spaniel require regular grooming, including trimming and clipping.