Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Author Profile Photo
Written by Petco Editorial Team

About Cocker Spaniel

Choose a Cocker Spaniel and you’ll join countless others who are enamored with this idyllic small dog. Sweet, sensitive, playful, intelligent and compact, Cocker Spaniels are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States because of these attributes. Unfortunately, popularity has worked against the breed in recent decades, as over-breeding has introduced a number of undesirable health and temperamental traits. In general, Cockers have a friendly temperament and get along well with strangers, children, and other pets. They are easily trained and require only a moderate amount of exercise. The Cocker Spaniel’s lush, silky coat is a dream to touch but a nightmare to maintain. It requires daily brushing and seasonal clipping to stay in good condition.

 

Origin: UnitedStates   Other Names: American Cocker Spaniel, Cocker

Sporting Group

Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions.

Dog breeds in the Sporting group are usually remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, and many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.

Petco Pet Education Center

General appearance

The Cocker Spaniel is a small, stocky sporting dog easily recognized by its long hanging ears, beguiling gaze, and silky, feathery coat. The American Cocker Spaniel has a pronounced dome skull with round, forward-facing eyes. Their necks are a little long, which allows them to easily sniff the ground, and their backs slope slightly toward the hindquarters. Overall, they appear relaxed yet merry and capable of a good day’s work.

 

The silky outer coat can be flat or wavy and lays overtop of a dense undercoat. Normally the coat is groomed to a medium length with ears kept long and feathering along the chest, belly, and legs. Cocker Spaniels can be one solid color or a mix of black, white, brown, shades of tan, red, blue, and golden with different coat patterns. If the coat is a mix of colors, they often have white markings on the throat and chest.

 

There is another, distinct variety of the Cocker Spaniel called the English Cocker Spaniel. This variety is slightly larger and leggier. They have a longer muzzle and oval-shaped eyes that are set further apart. English Cocker Spaniels are still recognized for their fieldwork, while American Cocker Spaniels are now primarily acknowledged as a companion breed.

Colors

This breed can be found in a variety of colors. You can check them out below.

Black

Size & Weight

The Cocker is the smallest breed in the Sporting group, standing 14-15” tall at the shoulder and weighing between 24 to 28 lbs.

Full Grown
Female 14 in. / 24 lbs.
Male 15 in. / 28 lbs.

Height is measured up to the shoulders.

Female Size Chart
Height Figure
Male Size Chart
6 ft. 4 ft. 2 ft.

Cost of Owning

On average, owning a middle-aged Cocker Spaniel costs around $1050 per year
$300
Vet Care
$350
Grooming & Boarding
$150
Others
$250
Food & Treats

Characteristics

Size

The Cocker is the smallest breed in the Sporting group, standing 14-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

Tiny
Jumbo

Weight

The Cocker is a compact breed, weighing between 24 to 28 pounds.

Light
Heavy

Living space

Cockers are compact dogs that don’t require a lot of space or extensive exercise. They’re perfect for small houses and apartments.

City apartment
Ranch

Exercise

Most Cockers have a markedly reduced working drive and don’t need to be vigorously exercised. Daily, brisk walks and fun games will keep them in shape.

Couch potato
Bring it on!

Personality

Well-bred Cockers are merry and sociable. They tend to be friendly without being overzealous and are known for getting along with all people and other pets.

Antisocial
Outgoing

Protection

Cocker Spaniels are not watchdogs. Some may be willing to raise the alarm in the case of unfamiliar sights and sounds but don’t count on it.

None
Bodyguard

Behavior with kids

Generally, Cockers are considered to be great dogs with kids. They can be sensitive to being touched, so be sure they’re not being grabbed or pulled by overzealous little ones. As with any dog, be sure that you are supervising your Cocker Spaniel around kids and unfamiliar adults.

Always monitor
Babysitter

Training

Cocker Spaniels are bright pupils that respond well to training. They can be busybodies, so it’s good to learn how to work with their tendencies early on.

Headstrong
Obedient

Shedding

Cockers are notorious shedders and will blow their lush double coat twice per year. Grooming requirements, like regular combing and clipping, are the primary tasks for maintenance.

Minimal
Abundant

Climate

Cocker Spaniels have a thick coat that keeps them well insulated in cool climates. A haircut in the summer and in warmer climates, will keep them from getting too hot.

Warm
Cold

Barking

Cocker Spaniels aren’t known for being particularly noisy. They are highly prone to loneliness and could develop barking habits if left alone for too long.

Mute
Loud

Cross Breeds

Select a Breed to Cross

Choose a breed from the dropdown to see potential crosses.

Toy Poodle
Dropdown Icon

Temperament & Behavior

Cocker Spaniels are generally merry and social companions. They enjoy being around the activity of family life, including playing with children and other pets. And when it’s time to relax, they enjoy few things better than a good cuddle on the couch. Cockers tend to be sensitive both mentally and physically. They can react defensively to harsh treatment or physical impositions, like grabbing.

 

Due to their popularity, the breed has been over bred, which affects both temperament and health in some lines. If choosing a purebred dog, stable lineage is crucial, as well as early training and socialization to ensure any behavioral quirks are understood and manageable. Whenever possible, look for a reputable and responsible breeder and meet the parents of your puppy to assess their temperaments.

Barking: Understanding your dog

Cockers aren’t known for being big barkers. They may occasionally sound the alarm, but should be expected to follow commands and stop raising a ruckus when it’s enough. Cockers put their weight into their woof, producing a loud, throaty bark that sounds unlikely for a small dog. When excited, they produce a higher-pitched yap, and they can bark continuously when frustrated or lonely.

Training

Cocker Spaniels are fast learners who respond well to training. They rank 20th in Stanley Coren’s Intelligence of Dogs ranking, indicating that the breed possesses excellent working intelligence. In their sporting past, they were required to follow commands and display a substantial amount of self-restraint. For example, the Cocker needed to wait on the handlers command or stop in its tracks while flushing birds.

 

As a sensitive breed, it’s important that training is based on positive rewards. Keep training sessions short, intense, and exciting for them. Cockers have a tendency toward excitable or submissive urination more than other breeds, and especially during puppyhood. Be sure to keep them on a regular potty schedule to help minimize this problem. Another priority for Cocker owners should be leash training. These strong, small dogs love to explore and can be a struggle to control on walks unless they are taught not to pull.

Habits and Exercise

Although today’s Cocker has enjoyed a companion lifestyle for many generations, the roots of the breed originated in sporting. Some of these more active traits can still be recognized in the breed. Cockers tend to be ‘mouthy’, more than willing to pick up and carry things around, and retrieve. When untrained, this tendency can become problematic—destructive chewing, compulsive eating, and snapping or guarding.

 

Regardless of recent heritage, Cocker Spaniels don’t know that they are primarily breed for ‘show’. A few lines have retained high, field-intensity energy levels and most have a penchant for wandering. In general, Cockers don’t need hard workouts. They typically have a medium energy level and are often ready to play, but tucker out pretty quickly. They are quick to pick up on new games and usually love dog sports like obedience trials, flyball, agility, hunting and tracking, and therapy service.

Energy Level

Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Energy Level

Nutrition

Cocker Spaniels relatively prone to developing obesity, so feeding your four-legged friend a carefully measured meal is important. Choose a well-balanced diet and avoid offering treats or table scraps in excess – these quickly pack on the pounds!

Daily Consumption

Average daily consumption for an adult Cocker is 0.5 - 1 cups

Daily Consumption

Preventive care

It is very important to schedule an appointment with your vet shortly after bringing your new Cocker Spaniel puppy home. During this first wellness visit, the veterinarian will examine your puppy to determine if any congenital defects are present and discuss the importance of vaccinations, deworming treatments, heartworm preventatives, and flea and tick preventatives.

 

Since Cocker Spaniels are prone to developing a variety of eye and skin conditions, be sure to closely monitor your dog for new lumps and bumps or changes in their eyes. If you notice any changes, take your Cocker to the vet sooner rather than later for evaluation. Skin can easily be monitored during routine bathing and brushing.

Inherited health issues

As with any breed, many health conditions have been acknowledged in Cocker Spaniels that are either inherited or occurring at an increased frequency in this breed. Before adopting a puppy, be sure to discuss any known health problems in the bloodline with your breeder. As a result of over-breeding, some Cocker Spaniels have developed less desirable traits in their temperament, so ask to meet your puppy’s parents whenever possible. This list may include: Patent ductus arteriosus, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, Sick sinus syndrome, Cryptococcosis, Malassezia dermatitis, Primary seborrhea, Hypothyroidism, Chronic hepatitis, Oropharyngeal neoplasia, Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, Basal cell tumor, Cutaneous histiocytoma, Lymphoma, Cutaneous papillomas, Epilepsy, Idiopathic facial paralysis, Intervertebral disc disease, Ceroid lipofuscinosis, Cataracts, Corneal dystrophy, Distichiasis, Ectropion, Entropion, Progressive retinal atrophy, Glaucoma, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Imperforate lacrimal punctum, Persistent pupillary membranes, Third eyelid gland prolapse, Retinal dysplasia, Familial renal disease and Persistent penile frenulum.

Life Span

On average, Cocker Spaniels live to be about 13-15 years old.

Life Span

Did you know?

  • Cocker Spaniels are the smallest breed in the AKC’s Sporting category
  • Cocker Spaniels are consistently popular. In the 1930-40’s it was the USA’s most popular breed for 17 years in a row.
  • The traction on the soles of Sperry boat shoes were inspired by the paws of Paul Sperry’s Cocker Spaniel, Prince.
  • Steven Spielberg cast his own Cocker Spaniel in four of his films, ‘The Sugarland Express,’‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’‘1941’ and also in ‘Jaws’.

Coat and Grooming

Cockers have thick, beautiful coats that require a considerable amount of maintenance. Daily brushing and combing is on the agenda, along with seasonal trips to the groomer or home grooming, to keep the coat clipped into shape. They also love to play in the outdoors, and will bring remnants inside with them—burrs in their feathers, water in their ears, and mud in their paws. As with other breeds, Cocker Spaniels require regular nail trimming, daily tooth brushing and regular ear cleaning.

Coat length

Long

Coat length

Grooming

Frequent

Grooming

Shedding

Even with the rigorous coat upkeep, Cocker Spaniels are still notorious shedders. They blow their undercoat twice per year with the changing temperatures and are regularly losing hairs in the off-peak seasons as well. Shedding and coat maintenance are part and parcel of the lovable Cocker Spaniel.

History

In general, spaniels originated in 14th century Spain and were brought to England in the mid-16th century. In England, Spaniels developed into the sporting companions we know today. The first Cocker Spaniels were simply smaller dogs in Springer Spaniel litters. When their low-to-the-ground composition was found useful for flushing different kinds of game, including their namesake, ‘Woodcock’, and rabbits, they were eventually separated into a distinct breed. In the 1800’s, Cocker Spaniels began exhibition in the United States and were accepted into the AKC in 1878. Since that time, they have remained one of the most popular American breeds.

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Are pet and human cancers similar? What are the main differences?
Curious about animal vs. human cancers? A certified vet explains key differences in cancer types and treatments, even though the disease process is the same.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025