Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information:
The Cocker Spaniel is primarily a beloved companion dog breed, though they remain a capable bird dog at heart. Beautiful to look at–and labor-intensive to groom–the Cocker’s amenable, cheerful disposition also makes them a treat to have in the family. Never more pleased than when they’re pleasing you, they’re as happy to snuggle on the couch with their favorite adults as to romp in the yard with the kids. Apartment or large home with a back yard, the Cocker is a highly trainable and adaptable addition to the family.
Cocker Spaniel Dog Group: Sporting Dogs.
Cocker Spaniel Height: 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder.
Cocker Spaniel Weight: 24 to 28 pounds.
Cocker Spaniel Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
The Cocker Spaniel resembles the English Cocker Spaniel, one of his peers in Sporting Group, and formerly the two breeds were considered one. However, a number of Spaniel fanciers noticed the different strains of Cocker and sought to preserve separate breeds and discourage the interbreeding of the English and American varieties. The American Kennel Club recognized the two breeds as separate in 1946.
Cocker Spaniel History:
The modern Cocker Spaniel is descended from the Spaniel family, a large group that dates to antiquity. The word spaniel means "Spanish dog," and it's generally believed that they indeed originated in Spain. By the 1800s, Spaniels were divided into two groups: toys (primarily companions) and large hunting dogs. Hunting dogs were further divided into land and water spaniels. The Cocker Spaniel was named so for his excellence in the field hunting woodcock. In England, spaniels were a functional category, rather than an individual breed of dog, for several hundred years. The first kennel to gain recognition for the Cocker Spaniel as a distinct breed in England was the Obo Kennel of Mr. James Farrow. In 1892, the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a breed in England.
Cocker Spaniel Size:
Males stand 15 inches tall, females 14 inches tall. Males and females weigh 24 to 28 pounds.
Cocker Spaniel Personality:
The well-bred Cocker Spaniel has a sweet temperament. He is affectionate and cuddly and loves to participate in family activites. He is playful, alert, and active, enjoying any exercise from a brisk walk to hunting in the field. The Cocker is known to be a sensitive dog, mentally and physically.
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Cocker Spaniel Health:
Cockers are generally healthy, but, like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain conditions and diseases:
Eye problems.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).
Hypothyroidism.
Primary seborrhea.
Allergies.
Idiopathic epilepsy.
Canine hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation.
Cocker Spaniel Care:
The Cocker Spaniel is well suited to living in an apartment or condo — though of course he loves to share a house and yard. Although he doesn't need vast space to roam, he does need daily activity. A daily romp in the yard along with a brisk 30-minute walk can keep him happy and trim.
Cocker Spaniel Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Cocker Spaniel Coat Color And Grooming:
There are few breeds as handsome as the well-groomed Cocker Spaniel. His thick, sometimes wavy coat is short on the head and back and long on the ears, chest, belly, and legs. The coat is a solid color (black or light cream to red to brown), or parti-color (two or more colors, one of which is white). The Cocker Spaniel must be introduced to grooming early so he will grow up to accept it as a normal part of his life. Positive, kind lessons on how to act on the grooming table or at the veterinarian's office are needed.
Cocker Spaniel with Children And Other Pets:
One of the reasons the Cocker Spaniel is so popular is that he makes a good family dog. He gets along well with children as long as he is raised with them and the kids are kind and respectful to animals. The Cocker Spaniel also gets along with other family pets, including dogs, cats, and small animals.