English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel’s temperament is delightful—this little pup is eager to learn and please. With a playful personality and loads of smarts, an English Cocker pup gets along well with other dogs in the home and can even mix with cats.

Sweet English Cocker Spaniels are great with kids and are not huge barkers, so they’re easy to have in small homes and apartments. Your neighbor won’t bang on the wall to complain. Instead, she’ll ask to come over and pet your pretty pooch!

Still, as with all dogs, early socialization is a must. If you start early, you’ll get your pup used to their new environment, which means they’ll react in a friendly way in unfamiliar situations, with strangers and other canines. The English Cocker Spaniel puppy is typically easy to train since they’re motivated to please and intelligent.

A member of the Sporting group of dogs, the English Cocker Spaniel worked alongside bird hunters to flush game from dense underbrush. So, playing fetch in the backyard is a walk in the park for this energetic animal. First-time pet parents won’t struggle much to teach and train their English Cocker Spaniel puppy—their can-do attitude makes learning a pleasure.

The English Cocker Spaniel breed is one high-maintenance pooch, and they’re worth it. Their coat will lead you down the brush and comb aisle at the pet store in order to maintain their luscious locks. And they also need a lot of exercise. But this gives you ample time to bond with your loving and adorable pup.

English Cocker Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but as with any breed, they’re prone to some health issues. Some are genetic, and responsible breeders will perform genetic screening testing when possible.

• Ear Infections: Because the English Cocker’s ears are so long and floppy, they may drag and collect dirt and debris, which could lead to an infection. Check the ears weekly and note any signs of pain, such as whining, head shaking, odor, or crustiness. Your vet may prescribe a special ear cleanser and/or topical or oral medication to treat the infection.
• Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition is a malformation of the hip joint that occurs when the hip ball doesn’t sit well in the socket. Lameness and pain may be apparent; treatment can range from medications to surgery.
• Patellar Luxation: A kneecap that slips or “floats” rather than sits snugly in the joint is called patellar luxation, and it may cause your pup to limp or hold the leg up when walking. A vet may prescribe medication, but some dogs may need surgery.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This eye condition may develop in English Cocker Spaniels, leading the retina to degrade, causing blindness. While there’s currently no cure, many dogs adjust well to sight loss. A genetic screening test is available, so be sure to ask your breeder.
• Kidney Failure: Also known as familial nephropathy, this congenital malformation prevents the kidneys from excreting waste, causing your dog to exhibit increased thirst, weight loss, poor appetite and vomiting. While no cure is available, genetic screening testing is available.
• Adult Onset Neuropathy: AON, a hereditary disorder, is a type of progressive weakness and may lead your pup to have trouble walking. This condition has no cure, but genetic screening testing is available.  

As some of the oldest dogs in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting group, spaniels, along with setters, pointers, and retrievers, were bred to assist bird hunters, primarily those hunting grouse and woodcock. The English Cocker Spaniel’s history originated in England and was developed hundreds of years ago from dogs with Spanish roots—hence the name “spaniel,” which comes from the word “Spanish.”

Each of the various spaniel types had their own role to perform during the bird hunt, including water and land spaniels, springer spaniels, and field spaniels. English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally the same dog. Springers were the larger pups of the litter and were used to spring (flush) birds from the brush. The English Cocker Spaniels were the smaller pups of the litter, and their mission was to flush out woodcock, a quail-like bird, from its hiding place in dense thickets.

In the early 20th century, American breeders decided to create their own Cocker Spaniel, albeit a smaller one with a rounded, shorter head and a more lavish coat. In 1946, the AKC recognized the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker as separate breeds.

Today’s English Cocker has left birding behind and lives the good life as a popular family pet. The AKC lists breeder information if you’d like to purchase an English Cocker Spaniel breed. English Cocker Spaniel puppy prices typically run between $1,200 and $1,500. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. You can also contact the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America for information on rescuing a pup, watch for the breed at your local shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

Living with an English Cocker Spaniel can be a rewarding experience. These affectionate, friendly and playful dogs make great family pets for both new and experienced pet parents.