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Smart, sociable and plenty of fun, here’s everything you need to know on a Cocker Spaniel’s personality, health traits and more.
- Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, sociable and family-friendly
- Their history as a gundog means they need plenty of exercise
- They love attention and being around people – especially during playtime
Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniel personality
The Cocker Spaniel personality is certainly a boisterous one. A member of the gundog family, there are two prominent types of Cocker Spaniel being bred in England.
these excitable dogs are full of life and eager to please.
In general, Cocker Spaniels can be a little boisterous but are very loyal and intelligent too. Originally bred as retrievers, a Cocker’s natural instincts to hunt means they have tons of energy, though they are devoted to their family and eager to please, making them ideal to train for sports or shows.
Show Cocker Spaniels
The first type, and the most common, the Show Cocker Spaniel has a gentle temperament, they’re easy-going and perfect for families. That said, with such a sensitive temperament, they can sometimes snap or growl when afraid – so be mindful of how you train your dog.
Working Cocker Spaniels
Working Cocker Spaniels are less common in the UK, but these dogs have even more energy than their show counterparts so they'd suit a life in the countryside. Potential owners need to have a very active lifestyle, a garden for them to run around in and daily walks to burn off their limitless energy.
Smaller than other breeds of hunting dogs, they're not only used for flushing game, but often found working in the armed services, the police force and search and rescue.
What are the physical differences between them?
- Show standard Cocker Spaniels always have a full tail and a longer, thicker coat of fur.
- Show-bred are usually shorter and smaller overall, with a rounder head, long ears and sometimes loose facial wrinkles
- Working Cocker spaniels may have a docked tail, although this was banned in the UK for non-working dogs in 2007. Occasionally this is still practise as it's supposed help prevent injury when they're working. Ensure it's been docked legally by an authorised person if you do need.
- Working Cockers have a shorter coat, flatter head and shorter ears.
Both Show and Working Cocker Spaniels have a strong sense of smell and their natural instinct to hunt is a trait they share, which is most evident when they're being walked in the countryside and around woodland areas.
Most Spaniels are good with children and other pets, but can get a little nervous around strangers and larger dogs – be sure to fit plenty of socialising into your pup’s life to get them used to being around those they don’t know.
A well-treated Cocker Spaniel is a pleasure to own, with a cheerful, loving temperament.
Did you know?
"Cocker" comes from the bird woodcock, which these dogs used to flush out for hunters.
Cocker Spaniel colours
Cocker Spaniel come in a four main different coats, though there are some rarer shades and sometimes even a mix of colours and patterns.
The most popular coat is the golden Cocker Spaniel, and their coats can range in shade from a light golden shade to a dark rusty bronze - when their coats are this darker shade they're often referred to as red Cocker Spaniels.
Some other Cocker Spaniel colours that you might see are:
- Black Cocker Spaniels
- Brown Cocker Spaniels (also referred to as "liver", "chocolate" or "tan")
- White or Lemon Cocker Spaniels
- Blue or Grey Cocker Spaniels
You can also find some Cocker Spaniels with "Sable" coats, where their hairs almost look dip dyed black - for example, the base of the hair could be brown or golden, and the tips of the strands will be black. These coats are stunning and can seem to change colours depending on the lighting.
Cocker Spaniel puppy
Cocker Spaniel health facts
- Size: Medium
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Coat: Medium, with a daily groom and a regular trip to the groomers
- Exercise: Up to an hour a day for adults
Common Cocker Spaniel health problems and ailments
Cocker Spaniels can be prone to some common health ailments. It’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms and regularly check your dog’s overall health.
These are few of the more common ailments a Cocker Spaniel may suffer from:
- Eye problems
Like many breeds, Cockers can be affected by several common eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. These can all lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Ear conditions
With large ears, Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible to ear problems than most. Swollen ears can mean blockages, haematomas or inner-ear infections. Contact your vet if you notice a difference with your dog’s ears.
- Slipped discs
Being an active breed, Cockers can suffer from slipped discs caused by injury or age. A slipped disc can lead to spinal problems or further back injuries. Treatment may include physiotherapy, medication or surgery.
- Hip dysplasia
A common problem caused by an abnormality in the joint, hip dysplasia can sometimes lead to arthritis in later life.
Cocker Spaniel diet
A nutritious, balanced diet rich in essential proteins, vitamins and fibre is the best way to keep your Cocker happy and healthy.
High-quality dog food that contains both meats and vegetables will help keep your dog fit, as well as keeping that lovely coat smooth and shiny.
Cocker Spaniels can be prone to weight gain if their diet contains too much fat. Be sure to regulate what your pup is eating and keep portion size under control. Follow the recommendations on the packet if you aren’t sure how much food to feed your dog.
Of course, how much food a dog needs will differ with age. Younger dogs and puppies require slightly more to help them grow, while older, less active dogs need less to keep them healthy into their old age.
Cocker Spaniel pet insurance
Pet insurance can give you peace of mind when it comes to your pup’s health. Knowing that the costs of any potential treatments or medication is covered can provide a welcome relief if you’re rushing to the vets.
A Cocker Spaniel’s pet insurance can vary in cost, depending on factors including the age of your dog and where you live.
Most providers will also offer a variety of cover-types, ranging from 12-month spells to lifetime pet insurance cover. There is also third-party liability cover to consider, which protects you if your dog causes damage to someone else, or their property and you're found legally responsible.
For more information on insuring your family’s new addition, check out dog insurance from LV=.