Dog class - Sporting
Average height - 13 to 15 inches
Average weight - 26 to 30 pounds
Size - Medium
Average life span - 11 to 14 years

Bred in England for the purpose of hunting, especially the woodcock, as part of the name implies. The breed specialized in hunting out and flushing game birds from their hiding places.

They are social dogs, thriving on the attention of their human families, but usually can amuse themselves when left alone as long as they have a few doggy toys to play with and a fresh supply of water.

It is wise to take your Cocker to training classes. Both you and the dog will learn a lot, and your Cocker will be a more enjoyable pet because of it. If you wish to participate in more formal and competitive activities in show, field, or obedience; check with multiple breeders to see what accomplishments their dogs have achieved.

The Cocker is popular both at dog shows and as a loving family pet. He is fine for a novice owner, and good with children.

The Cocker does fine in the city if exercised regularly and if accustomed to people and noises at an early age, for some can be a bit timid. They get along well with strangers and other animals. The Cocker is a willing dog, very responsive to persuasive obedience training -- never hit this sensitive breed, or they can become snappy and defensive.

The Cocker is susceptible to PRA, cataracts, glaucoma, eyelid and eyelash and retinal abnormalities, skin conditions, haemophilia, ear infections, heart disease, and epilepsy. Buy only from CERF-registered parents.

The most common problems afflicting Cockers are poor temperament, hereditary eye problems, some degree of hip problems, and poor quality type not meeting the breed standard.

A well-bred Cocker is lively, cheerful, gentle, and playful. A poorly bred one can be nasty, and have bizarre physical and behavioral problems. The great popularity of the breed has resulted in puppy-mill production, producing large numbers of animals with a general degradation in quality and some bizarre temperamental changes and behavioral problems. If you buy a Cocker from a poor breeder, you will probably end up with a flat-headed, skinny-muzzled, short-eared, sparse-coated Cocker with serious health and behavioral problems. Potential behavioral problems include excessive whining and barking; dominance problems; submissive urinating; aggressive guarding of objects, people, and places; house soiling; self-abusive hair chewing; hyperactivity; shy-sharpness; hyperphagia; pica; polydipsia; hyper sexuality and roaming. The well-bred Cocker may exhibit excessive barking, stealing food, and perhaps house soiling. Don't choose a timid or wildly excitable Cocker puppy.

The Cocker's exercise needs are moderate, but his coat needs frequent brushing, and his eyes and ears should be checked regularly. The long, thick silky coat is longer on the chest, stomach, legs, and tail. It needs brushing and combing twice a week, and professional grooming every six weeks to three months.

If you don't have a fenced-in yard, you need to walk your Cocker every day.

Further Cocker Spaniel Dog Resources