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Cocker spaniel

The cocker spaniel is a flushing gundog from England, named for the woodcock it was used to put up.

It split into two breeds in the twentieth century: the English cocker described here, and the smaller, domed-headed American cocker developed separately.

It is a compact, sturdy spaniel with a silky coat, heavy feathering and famously long low-set ears. The tail rarely stops. Cockers were bred to work close to the gun and to stay in contact with their handler, which is why they are so attentive to people — and why they take badly to long days alone.

Origin
England
Size
12–15 kg, 38–43 cm at the shoulder
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Silky, flat, with feathering on legs, chest and ears
Temperament
Merry, affectionate, biddable, people-focused
Exercise
An hour daily, with sniffing and retrieving

Related: American water spaniel · Boykin spaniel · Cavalier King Charles spaniel · Clumber spaniel · English cocker spaniel

3 cocker spaniel photos, newest first

Cocker spaniel feed
  • Amber, a cocker spaniel

    Amber

    Amber runs the woodland path, and the ears arrive about a second later.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Muffin, a cocker spaniel

    Muffin

    Muffin was promoted to stern orchestra conductor; unfortunately, a paper fan unfolds across the floor.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Muffin, a cocker spaniel

    Muffin

    This is Muffin at maximum enthusiasm.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a cocker spaniel

The feathering mats if it is left, so brush two or three times a week and expect a trim every couple of months.

Ears are the recurring problem. Long, heavy, hair-lined and hanging over the canal, they trap moisture and cockers get ear infections more than most breeds — check and dry them weekly, especially after swimming.

Progressive retinal atrophy and familial nephropathy both have DNA tests. Solid-colour English cockers have a documented association with sudden temperamental outbursts sometimes called rage syndrome; it is uncommon, but worth knowing the term exists.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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