Larger than the American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniels are known for their outgoing and outdoorsy personalities. They are intelligent, infectiously upbeat, energetic, playful and always eager to please. Give them your love and you’re guaranteed to have a friend for life.
Size:
26-36 lbs.
Exercise Requirements:
A jaunt around the block won’t do for this breed. Longish daily runs or walks before and after work are ideal for English Cocker Spaniels. They’ll shower you with gratitude if you take them to an open space to throw around a tennis ball as often as you can.
Mess Factor:
English Cocker Spaniels shed…a lot. That being said, they rarely slobber so clean up should be limited to a lint brush and the vacuum cleaner.
Barking and Volume:
Less high-strung than most dogs, English Cocker Spaniels rarely bark unless they’re excited or caught off guard.
Training Requirements:
English Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please. This means that they tend to learn quickly if positively reinforced. Basic training classes should be sufficient.
Ongoing Costs:
Health Factors:As a purebred dog, English Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a number of problems including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, canine dilated cardiomyopathy and heart murmurs. They can also suffer from congestive heart failure and rage syndrome (where a dog, unprovoked, can snap at their owner or small children). This is most common in solid, dark-coated English Cocker Spaniels (though scientists aren’t sure why). *A reputable breeder can help minimize the risk of genetic disorders.
Grooming:Professional grooming every two months.
Training: Basic training is adequate.
Grooming Requirements:
This breed will benefit from daily brushing to keep their coats slick and tangle free. You’ll need to take your dog in for professional grooming or hair trims every two months.
Kid Compatibility:
Most English Cocker Spaniels love to be around people and enjoy interacting with both adults and children. Some members of this breed can suffer from “rage syndrome,” a genetic disorder that causes them to snap at people for no particular reason. Though the condition is relatively rare, it’s best to watch children around any English Cocker Spaniel.
Longevity:
10-12 years.
Friendliness: Towards Animals
English Cocker Spaniels do well with other dogs and animals providing that they have been properly socialized.
Friendliness: Towards People
English Cocker Spaniels love to love and love to be loved (that’s a lot of love!), so they will be quick to warm up to most people. Expect affection in spades.
BE PREPARED FOR: A dog who needs of a lot of activity, but will repay you with love and slobbery kisses.
