English Cocker Spaniel

Coat & Grooming: The English Cocker Spaniel has a lovely double coat that creates a distinct, head-turning silhouette. The English Cocker's most famous feature is their long, floppy ears. Along with the regular brushing and grooming required for this breed, their ears require a small amount of additional maintenance. According to Kay Nickle, President of the American Cocker Spaniel Club of Ontario, an English Cocker Spaniel's ears should be checked weekly for mats, debris and excessive wax, and the hairs on the underside of the floppy ears should be shaved down to help with ventilation and to prevent overheating.

Mats and burs are the main issues dealt with while bathing and brushing your English Cocker Spaniel. Their double coat essentially guarantees that English Cocker Spaniels are weatherproof, waterproof and thorn proof. Their coat is surprisingly self-cleaning, provided that you keep up with your regular grooming and nail-trimming schedule and treat your Cocker with a trip to the doggy spa every few months.

Coat length: Medium

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: The English Cocker Spaniel Club has the spaniel ranked on the higher side of average when it comes to shedding. Their silky and thick double coat almost guarantees that no matter how regularly you brush them, there is still a good chance that you will find fur around your home. Consider investing in a good quality vacuum when you own an English Cocker Spaniel.

Training: English Cocker Spaniels are capable and eager little dogs that adapt well to learning basic commands. Be warned: there is a little stubborn streak in all of them, so patience is a virtue when it comes to training your English Cocker Spaniel. Remember that they were bred to be a companion sporting dog, so with an experienced hand, this dog can be a star obedience or agility competitor.

Barking: Understanding your dog: English Cocker Spaniels are active, loyal and love to be alongside their people. They will bark when something catches their attention and whenever they get wound up during playtime. Although they are not a notoriously noisy breed, barking frequency in English Cockers varies widely with each individual.

Temperament & Behavior: English Cocker Spaniels are lovely dogs with playful temperaments and are known for being loyal and affectionate. English Cockers make wonderful family pets and love to be in the water. Don't be surprised to find your English Cocker Spaniel frequently hurling themselves into the water with wild abandon if you live near a pond or lake. As with any breed, socialization is crucial to assure that your individual English Cocker Spaniel is a well-adjusted companion.

Behavior with kids: Spaniel breeds should be introduced to children cautiously early in life and the English Cocker Spaniel is no exception. If you want to expose your English Cocker Spaniel to be children, take care to closely supervise them. Socialization is key in order for the English Cocker to be less startled by the often loud and fast movements of children.

Protection: English Cocker Spaniels are notoriously poor guard dogs due to their friendly and trusting nature. If you are looking for a four-legged body guard, this is not the breed for you.

Life Span: On average, English Cockers live to be about 12 to 14 years old.

Inherited health issues: A variety of health conditions can occur in English Cocker Spaniels at an increased frequency or through inheritance, as with any breed. Both screening and genetic tests are available for some conditions, and are typically performed by responsible breeders prior to breeding to decrease the incidence of certain health conditions within the breed. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Patent ductus arteriosus, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, Sick sinus syndrome, Malassezia dermatitis, Primary seborrhea, Hypothyroidism, Chronic hepatitis, Oropharyngeal neoplasia, Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, Anal sac adenocarcinoma, Basal cell tumor, Cutaneous histiocytoma, Lymphoma, Cutaneous papillomas, Epilepsy, Congenital vestibular disease, Idiopathic facial paralysis, Intervertebral disc disease, Ceroid lipofuscinosis, Cataracts, Distichiasis, Ectropion, Entropion, Progressive retinal atrophy, Glaucoma, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Imperforate lacrimal punctum, Persistent pupillary membranes, Familial renal disease and Persistent penile frenulum.

Preventive care: Although English Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a variety of health conditions, most cannot be entirely prevented. Instead, routine monitoring through regular wellness exams with a veterinarian once or twice a year, as well as monitor for changes at home are critical to detecting new problems or changes. English Cockers are prone to several eye and skin conditions in particular, so take care to closely check your dog any new lumps or bumps, as well as apparent changes with their eyes or vision.

Nutrition: Since most English Cocker Spaniels today gravitate towards being a household companion rather than a hunting dog, their calorie demands are often less than many pet owners anticipate. As a result, English Cockers can readily become overweight if overfed with insufficient exercise. Avoid table scraps and offering too many treats. Instead, offer portion controlled meals of a high quality diet to keep your English Cocker in peak condition.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult English Cocker is 3/4 - 1 cups

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: English Cocker Spaniels are content to live anywhere if they have regular exercise. The English Cocker will be more than content in a city apartment if they are taken outside for regular daily exercise. Given space and the opportunity, they love to run and stretch their little legs as much as possible. Treat them to a game of fetch or take them for a long walk, and they'll feel right at home.

Climate: The rugged and soft double coat of the English Cocker makes them essentially weather proof and well dressed for all potential weather conditions.

Living space: The size of the dwelling isn't important so long as your English Cocker Spaniel has enough space to run around outside. Provided that you're dedicated to taking your dog outside for regular walks and playtime, smaller apartments can work well.