Cocker Spaniel Character, care and feeding

The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and delights with its charming appearance, cheerful nature and intelligence. Originally bred as a hunting dog, it has developed over time into an ideal family dog. With its long drooping ears, gentle eyes and silky coat, the Cocker Spaniel attracts everyone's attention. In this detailed guide, you will find out everything you need to know about this fascinating breed - from its origins and appearance to the right way to care for and keep it.

01 | ORIGIN & HISTORY

Where does the Cocker Spaniel originally come from?

The Cocker Spaniel originally comes from Great Britain and has a long history as a hunting dog. Its roots go back to the 14th century, where it was mainly used to hunt woodcock - hence the name ‘Cocker’, derived from the English word ‘woodcock’. The breed developed from various Spanish bird dogs and was bred over time specifically for the needs of hunters. In the 19th century, spaniels began to be categorised into different types, with the cocker spaniel forming a class of its own due to its size and abilities. Its excellent nose and tireless zeal made it the ideal hunting companion.

02 | BREED CHARACTERISTICS & APPERANCE

What does a Cocker Spaniel look like?

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a compact and harmonious build. It is characterised by its long, low-set drooping ears, which are often covered with silky fur. The large, expressive eyes give him a gentle and intelligent look. Its coat is of medium length, silky and can be smooth or slightly wavy. It has plenty of feathering on the ears, chest, belly and legs, which gives it an elegant appearance.

How big does a Cocker Spaniel get?

Males reach a shoulder height of 39 to 41 centimetres, while females are somewhat smaller and grow to between 38 and 39 centimetres. Despite its compact size, the Cocker Spaniel radiates strength and endurance, which can be attributed to its original use as a hunting dog.

Colors of the Cocker Spaniel

The coat colours of the Cocker Spaniel are extremely varied. There are solid-coloured dogs in black, red, golden and liver-brown. Multicoloured varieties include combinations such as black and white, red and white and tricolour. Mould colours such as blue or orange are also known. This variety makes each Cocker Spaniel unique and contributes to its popularity.

What eye colors do Cocker Spaniels have?

The Cocker Spaniel's eyes are usually dark brown to hazel in colour and should be clear and lively. In dogs with lighter-coloured coats, the eyes can also have a slightly lighter tone. The expressive eyes reflect the friendly and attentive character of the breed.

What is the physique of a Cocker Spaniels?

The Cocker Spaniel's build is compact and well proportioned. It has a strong back and a deep chest, which gives it good lung capacity for endurance activities. The legs are muscular and allow him to move quickly and manoeuvrable. Its tail is traditionally docked, but in countries where docking is banned it is left natural and shows the dog's cheerful nature.

How old does a Cocker Spaniel get?

The life expectancy of a Cocker Spaniel is 12 to 15 years. With good care, a balanced diet and regular visits to the vet, they can lead a long and healthy life. As with all dog breeds, individual differences can occur depending on genetic factors and living conditions.

When is a  Cocker Spaniel fully grown?

A Cocker Spaniel usually reaches physical maturity at the age of 12 to 18 months. Mentally, however, it can still be considered ‘juvenile’ until the age of two. During this time, consistent training is particularly important to avoid undesirable behaviour.

03 | CHARACTER TRAITS

What are the characteristics of a Cocker Spaniel?

The Cocker Spaniel is known for its friendly, even-tempered and affectionate nature. It is extremely people-orientated and loves spending time with its family. His intelligence and willingness to learn make him a pleasant companion who loves to learn new commands and tricks. At the same time, he has a strong hunting instinct and an excellent sense of smell, reflecting his origins as a hunting dog. He is lively, playful and always ready for adventure.

Is the Cocker Spaniel a family dog?

Yes, the Cocker Spaniel is an excellent family dog. It generally gets on well with children and other pets and enjoys the attention and care it receives in a family. Its patient and loving nature makes it an ideal playmate for children. However, it is important to teach children to treat the dog with respect in order to ensure a harmonious co-existence.

Ist the Cocker Spaniel a beginner dog?

Due to its pleasant character and adaptability, the Cocker Spaniel is considered suitable for beginner dogs. Its eagerness to learn and eagerness to please its owners make training easier. Nevertheless, you should be aware that it needs consistent leadership and sufficient activity due to its hunting instinct and need for exercise.

04 | HEALTH, CARE & DISEASES

How much grooming does a Cocker Spaniel need?

The Cocker Spaniel's coat requires regular attention. Its long, silky coat is prone to matting, especially on the ears, legs and belly. Daily brushing is recommended to keep the coat in good condition and prevent skin problems. A professional haircut or trim should be carried out every few months. The long hanging ears should be checked and cleaned regularly as they are prone to ear infections. Dental care should also not be neglected to prevent tartar and gum disease.

What is the best diet for a Cocker Spaniel?

A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of your Cocker Spaniel. High-quality dog food that is rich in protein and tailored to the needs of medium-sized, active dogs is best. As Cocker Spaniels can tend to be overweight, the amount of food should be adapted to their activity level. If necessary, the diet can be supported by special supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, which promote coat and skin health.

Foggi's food recommendations for Cocker Spaniels

As Cocker Spaniels tend to become overweight, special attention should be paid to portion controlled feeding and lean protein.

Chicken provides an excellent foundation for a Cocker Spaniel's diet:

• Ground Chicken: Easily digestible and ideal for sensitive stomachs.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean protein for active dogs.
• Chicken Necks, stomachs, hearts: Valuable nutrients and a welcome variety.

Beef is also a valuable source of protein, but should be fed in moderation due to its higher fat content:

• 100% Ground Beef Muscle Meat: Protein-rich base for BARF feeding.
• Beef Mix: Combination of muscle meat and cartilage for additional nutrients.
• Beef Mix with Fruits & Vegetables: A balanced, ready-made meal for uncomplicated nutrition.
• Beef Heart & Tripe: Ideal for more variety in the diet.

Does your Cocker Spaniel suffer from intolerances or a sensitive stomach? Then hypoallergenic meats such as rabbit or horse can be a good alternative:

• Rabbit Prey: A natural and species-appropriate diet.
• Rabbit Fillet: Particularly tender and easily digestible.
• Horse Prey: Hypoallergenic and rich in nutrients.
• Ground Horse Meat: Ideal for daily feeding.

Healthy treats for happy Cocker Spaniels

When it comes to treats, quality and naturalness should also be considered. Particularly suitable for Cocker Spaniels are:

• Dried Meat Snacks: Beef strips, beef jerky, and beef sticks are not only tasty but also provide valuable protein.
• Natural Chewies: Round veal tendons or long veal tendons and veal gristle chew offer your dog a meaningful activity and promote dental health.
• Organic Treats: Organic poultry minis and organic poultry snacks are a healthy and tasty reward in between meals.
• Fish Snacks: Sprats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a welcome variety in the diet.

Avoid treats with artificial additives, sugar, or grain. Pay attention to a moderate administration of treats to avoid overweight

Breed-typical diseases in Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are generally robust dogs, but are prone to certain hereditary diseases:

• Hip dysplasia (HD): A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to pain and restricted movement.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): An eye disease that leads to progressive loss of vision and blindness.
• Cataracts: Clouding of the lens of the eye, known as cataracts.
• Ear infections: Due to the long hanging ears, ventilation of the ear canal is restricted, which favours inflammation.
• Familial nephropathy: A hereditary kidney disease that mainly affects young dogs.

Regular visits to the vet and check-ups are important in order to recognise and treat these diseases at an early stage. When choosing a puppy, you should make sure that the breeder can provide health information of the parent animals.

05 | TRAINING & KEEPING

How much exercise does a Cocker Spaniel need?

The Cocker Spaniel is an active dog that needs sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. Long walks, games and training sessions should be firmly integrated into the daily routine. Dog sports such as agility, obedience or mantrailing are ideal for satisfying their need for exercise and developing their intelligence.

How much training does a Cocker Spaniel need?

The Cocker Spaniel is eager to learn and responds well to positive reinforcement. Consistent but loving training is important to channel its hunting instinct and sometimes stubborn nature into the right channels. Early socialisation and basic obedience are essential in order to obtain a well-behaved dog. Regular training promotes the bond between you and your dog and provides mental exercise.

Can you keep a Cocker Spaniel in an apartment?

Yes, the Cocker Spaniel can be kept indoors as long as it gets enough exercise and outdoor activity. It adapts well to different living situations as long as its needs are met. A garden is an advantage, but not essential. It is important that he is not left alone all day and that he has sufficient social interaction.

Can a Cocker Spaniel be left alone?

Cocker Spaniels are very people oriented and do not like to be alone for long periods of time. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are not used to it. It is important to gradually train the dog to be left alone and to provide sufficient activity to avoid boredom and unwanted behaviour. Longer absences should be avoided or bridged by a dog sitter.

06 | CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PURCHASING

Is a Cocker Spaniel right for me?

A Cocker Spaniel will suit you if you are active and willing to spend a lot of time with your dog. If you enjoy exercise, love being outdoors and are willing to invest in training and grooming, the Cocker Spaniel is an excellent choice. He needs an owner who can provide him with both physical and mental exercise and is aware of his affectionate (and sometimes clingy) nature.

Where can I buy a Cocker Spaniel?

It is best to contact reputable breeders who are members of a recognised breeding association. They pay attention to the health and well-being of their dogs and can provide health certificates for the parent animals. A visit to the breeder allows you to see the breeding conditions and gain a first impression of the puppy. Alternatively, you can search animal shelters or animal welfare organisations for a Cocker Spaniel looking for a new home.

How much does a Cocker Spaniel cost?

The purchase costs for a Cocker Spaniel are between 1,000 and 1,500 euros, depending on the breeder and pedigree. There are also ongoing costs for food, care, visits to the vet, insurance and possibly dog school. It is important to consider these costs in advance in order to be able to offer your dog a species-appropriate life.

07 | INTERESTING FACTS, TRIVIA & EXTRAS

Popular mixes

• Cockapoo: A mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, known for its friendly nature and curly, often hypoallergenic coat.
• Sprocker Spaniel: A cross between Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, prized for its energy and willingness to work.
• Cocker Retriever: A mix of Cocker Spaniel and Golden Retriever, combining the best qualities of both breeds in terms of friendliness and intelligence.

Similar dog breeds

• English Springer Spaniel: Slightly larger than the Cocker Spaniel, also an active hunting dog with a similar temperament.
• Field Spaniel: Similar to the Cocker Spaniel, but larger and with a longer coat.
• American Cocker Spaniel: The American variant, slightly smaller with a shorter back and more luxuriant coat.

Did you know?

• Famous Cocker Spaniels: Lady from Disney's "Lady and the Tramp2 is a Cocker Spaniel and has contributed significantly to the popularity of the breed.
• Royal favourite: King George V of England owned several Cocker Spaniels and contributed to the spread of the breed.
• Excellent sense of smell: Cocker Spaniels are also used as sniffer dogs due to their excellent sense of smell, for example when searching for truffles.