All About Cockers

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Cocker Spaniel Dogs

Picture of a Cocker Spaniel dog

Cocker Spaniel Dynamics Based on 6,188 Dogster profiles

Energy
sleepy energetic
Intelligence
silly genius
Friendliness
aggressive affectionate
Playfulness
not playful very playful
Disposition
anxious calm

Possible Health Concerns:
  • Glaucoma
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  • Patellar luxation
  • Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
  • Ectropion
  • Allergies
  • Seborrhea
Less Common Health Concerns:
  • Otitis externa
  • Liver disease
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency
  • Cherry eye
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Gastric torsion
  • Epilepsy

Weight:

 20 - 35 pounds (9.07 - 15.88 kg)

Height:

 12 - 16 inches (30.48 - 40.64 cm)

Trademark Traits

:
  • Happy and endearing
  • Eager to please
  • Hard workers
  • Excitable
  • Intelligent

Some Ideal Human Companions

:
  • Singles
  • Seniors
  • Families
  • Apartment dwellers
  • Active, sporty types

What They’re Like to Live With

: Though largely bred to be a live-in companion, Cocker Spaniels still retain the genes of their hunting ancestors, making them equally sporty and cuddly. With a Cocker Spaniel in the house, you have a dog that’s got the toughness and ingenuity of a hunting dog and the sensitivity and kindness of a household pet.

An active dog, they will keep busy in the house, playing with toys and objects and family members. They love being around people, crave attention, but also have a working dog’s self-sufficiency. Cocker Spaniels are quick-to-learn, obey easily and have a sweet and trusting nature. They are generally good with strangers, but make an excellent watchdog when they feel that the home is threatened.

Cocker Spaniels are amazingly adaptable. If you’re an active hiker, these dogs will keep pace with you all the livelong day. If you also just like to enjoy your time in sun, grab your umbrella and your cocker spaniel will be just as happy as you are enjoying the sun or shade. If you’re a couch potato, your Cocker Spaniel will gladly join you on the sofa. They’ll be perfectly happy in an apartment or house, as long as they get a decent amount of exercise and attention.

Things You Should Know

: Being a popular pet for several decades, Cocker Spaniels have suffered from over-breeding, which has caused a number of health and personality issues—e.g. aggressiveness, shyness and roaming—that are not typical of the breed. Take care to socialize and train your Cocker Spaniel puppy to make them comfortable with children and other animals.

Cocker Spaniels need daily grooming—washing and brushing—to keep their lovely coats in shape. Also, clean their ears regularly to prevent infection.

A healthy Cocker Spaniel can live as long as 15 years. Common health problems include eye issues (glaucoma, cataracts), spinal problems and skin problems.

Cocker Spaniel History

: The smallest of the “sporting group” of Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to hunt in the English countryside. They were especially good at hunting woodcocks, hence the name “cocker.” During the mid-19th century, American breeders developed a smaller Cocker Spaniel that became a popular pet across the country. American Cocker Spaniels differ so much from the English variety that they are now considered a separate breed.

The Look of the Cocker Spaniel

: Noted for their silky coats and long ears, Cocker Spaniels have small, sturdy, well-balanced frames. Their clean-cut heads have wide muzzles, square jaws and upper lips that hang over their lower jaws. Their ears are long and feathered, their eyes are dark and almond-shaped and their noses are either black or brown depending on the coat. They have long necks, deep chests, short backs and (usually) docked tails that are carried in line with the back. Their coats are silky, wavy and easy to comb. They come in black, black with tan spots, light cream, dark red and other combinations. Overall, Cocker Spaniels have a balanced, alert stance

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