Let's talk English Cocker Spaniels
Official name: English Cocker Spaniel
Other names: Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker, Cocker, EC
Origins: England
Drooling tendencies
2 out of 5Grooming needs
5 out of 5Shedding Level
3 out of 5Barking tendencies
3 out of 5Energy level
5 out of 5Compatibility with other pets
4 out of 5Warm weather?
3 out of 5Cold weather?
3 out of 5Suited to apartment living
4 out of 5Can be left alone
2 out of 5Family pet
4 out of 5
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Height | Height |
| 39 - 41 cm | 38 - 39 cm |
| Weight | Weight |
| 13 - 14.5 kg | 13 - 14.5 kg |
| Life Stages | |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Adult |
| 2 to 12 months | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature | Senior |
| 7 to 10 years | From 10 years |
| Baby | |
| Birth to 2 months | |
Get to know the English Cocker Spaniel
All you need to know about the breed
Two facts about English Cocker Spaniels
1. Those silky ears are prone to infection
As with many long-eared breeds, keeping the canals free and clear is a must. Clean them at home and have them thoroughly checked at your veterinarian’s office so your English Cocker Spaniel is well-groomed.
2. Taking its name
The English Cocker Spaniel derives its name from the woodcock bird, which he is known to be expert at catching.
History of the breed
The breed can trace its origins back to Spain, the word “Spaniel” actually meaning “Spanish dog.” English Cocker Spaniels gained tremendous popularity throughout Europe over the ages for their acumen as sporting dogs and with birds before the invention of the rifle. Spaniels are classified as either water Spaniels or land Spaniels, specialized in the intricacies of hunting in either milieu, with the English being the smallest of the land variety. The dogs went on to flourish in England in the 19th Century when showing was in full swing and breed standards started to be established. For both their temperament and personality, the English Cocker Spaniel soon stood out from the pack of various Spaniels.
The breed then diverged on the breeding track from their American cousin as the 20th Century took hold, with both established as official breeds by the American Kennel Club in 1946. The English distinguishes itself with a longer head and nose and shorter-haired coat.
The breed gained tremendous popularity as well with the 1955 Disney movie Lady and the Tramp, with Lady portrayed as an elegant and warm Cocker Spaniel.
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of English Cocker Spaniels
1.Ears
2.Head
3.Body
4.Tail
5.Coat
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your English Cocker Spaniel
Reign in the independent streak
Often described as merry, the English Cocker Spaniel’s admirable traits are numerous. Their willful nature is one of them. Until they get distracted and head off in the opposite direction. Early training will help teach them who the alpha is, and is not.
Sometimes difficult to housetrain
As a breed that’s obstinate and used to sport, issues can arise when it comes to training the English Cocker Spaniel. A crate can be a great aid in reinforcing good behaviour, and discouraging bad behaviour.
Underneath that soft exterior lurks the body of a champion athlete
As domesticated as they are, the breed is also a sporting one. Exercise for the English Cocker Spaniel then, is essential. They enjoy hikes in the great outdoors and will never turn their noses up at playtime in the yard.
Tailored nutrition for English Cocker Spaniels
When choosing food for an English Cocker Spaniel, there are many factors to consider: their age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog. Clean and fresh water should be available at all times to support good urinary health. In hot weather and especially when out exercising, bring water along for your dog’s frequent water breaks. Energy intake may also have to be adapted to the weather conditions. A dog that lives outdoors in winter will have increased energy requirements. The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your dog has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who may recommend an exclusive veterinary diet.
Strong Immune System
Supports the development of the English Cocker Spaniel puppy's healthy immune system with the inclusion of clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C.
Brain Development
Enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is scientifically proven to support the puppy's brain development.
Microbiome Support
Combination of prebiotics and highly digestible proteins to help promote a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria for digestive health.
The main nutritional goals for adult English Cocker Spaniels are:
Healthy Skin & Coat
Coat health is a reflection of the dog's state of health and overall well-being. Cocker Spaniel Adult helps support the skin's role as a barrier with an exclusive complex of nutrients and helps maintain skin and coat health (EPA, DHA and Vitamin A).
Ideal Weight
Excess weight gain can affect the overall health of English Cocker Spaniels. This formula helps maintain an ideal weight for the English Cocker Spaniel.
Healthy Cardiac Function
The Cocker Spaniel Adult formula contains specific nutrients to help support healthy cardiac function: taurine, EPA and DHA.
Exclusive Kibble
The exclusive kibble has been developed to be perfectly adapted to the jaw of the adult English Cocker Spaniel, making it easy to grasp and chew.
After 7 years old, English Cocker Spaniels start facing the first signs of aging. A formula enriched with antioxidants will help maintain their vitality, and specific nutrients, such as chondroitin, and glucosamine, will help maintain healthy bones and joints. Aging is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for older English Cocker Spaniels should have the following characteristics:
Body Condition
Helps maintain ideal weight and muscle mass with optimal levels of protein.
Vitality Support
Supports heart, kidney and brain health in first stage of aging.
Healthy Immune System
Clinically proven antioxidants (vitamins C & E) and prebiotics for a healthy gut and immune system.
Caring for your English Cocker Spaniel
Grooming, training, and exercise tips
English Cocker Spaniels enjoy exercise, including runs and long walks, and should get some in every day. As a hunting breed, they are used to being outdoors. Romps in the yard with the family (the English Cocker Spaniel is kid-friendly!) work as well since the breed enjoys playtime tremendously.
The English Cocker Spaniel’s coat is their most distinguishing attribute. Glossy and fine, the breed’s short, tight, wavy hair has made it the highlight of dog shows for decades, and garnered it the top prize many times over. Brushing and combing once a week will keep it in top form. Groom your Cocker Spaniel with a professional for hard-to-get-right areas around the face and feet, and under the neck, ears, and tail where hair can be longer.
As with many purebred dogs whose traits are intact, training should come early. Highly sensitive dogs, training English Cocker Spaniels with a patient, gentle hand is best. Consistency is key, harshness is not. Their softness extends to the inside as well as the outside.
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All about English Cocker Spaniels
Frequently Asked Questions about English Cocker Spaniels
The breed is one that’s known to bark, especially if left indoors. This is an active dog that benefits from getting outside. Using their voice is a Cocker Spaniel trait and may merely be their asking to be heard. The very sensitive breed craves the company of their family and will thrive most with owners who are present a lot of the time.
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Read more on this topic
Sources
- Veterinary Centres of America https://vcahospitals.com/
- Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
- Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
- Royal Canin BHN Product Book
- American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/
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