English Cocker Spaniel
Other names: Cocker Spaniel
Origin
The English Cocker is no doubt one of the oldest types of land spaniel. Their origins can be traced back to 14th century Spain. Prior to the 1600's all types of spaniels were categorised together; the larger ones being used to spring game and the smaller ones to flush out woodcock. Hence the names Springer and Cocker were derived. In 1892, the Kennel Club of Great Britain differentiated the two breeds separately. In the 1930's, the Cocker was the most popular breed of dog in Britain and there he stayed for almost 20 years! On the other side of the Atlantic, Americans were using the same breeding stock to develop a slightly different Cocker. In 1940, the Kennel Club then split these Spaniels into American and English.
Description
Active dogs with much substance and bone, English Cocker Spaniels are well-balanced, compact little dogs. Their coats are flat and silky with plenty of feathering on the front legs. They cover the ground well, their great drive coming from their muscular back legs.
| Size | Medium |
| Colour | Cockers come in a multitude of different colours including: solid colours of black, red, orange and brown, combinations of black with white, liver with white, red and white, blue roan, orange roans, black roans, particolours and tricolours. |
| Coat Length | Short Medium |
| Weight/Height Range | Bitches measure between 38 to 39cms at the withers, dogs between 39 to 41cms. Both sexes weigh between 12.75 to 14.5kgs. |
| Ailments | Whilst the breed has a relatively long lifespan, they are prone to many eye problems and indeed, blindness can set in from the age of 10. The long drop ears predispose the breed to many infections and, therefore, regular checking and cleaning is a must. |
| Breed Classification |
English Cocker Spaniels belong to the gundog group and are today used in field and agility trials, obedience competitions, as companions and seen in the show-ring. |
Feeding & Ownership
As adults, this breed can very greedy so care must be taken to avoid obesity.
| Food Cost | $10 to $15 |
| Other Expenses | Grooming cost must be taken into consideration as a professional groomer might have to be employed to strip them 3 or 4 times a year. |
Personality
These are busy, friendly little dogs who thrive on human companionship, wanting nothing more than to please their owners. They are ideal pets where there are children about and get on well with other household animals. Cockers can be very manipulative - who can resist their soft, pleading eyes? The sad eyes, however, are a misconception, Cockers are a very happy breed, constantly wagging their tails and bringing 'presents' to one and all.
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent dogs who are very easily trained, Cockers like to please and are eager to learn. |
| Energy | Medium |
| Suitability for Children | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | These dogs adapt effortlessly to the family situation but do remember they are gundogs and, as such, should be given a reasonable amount of exercise. They love to swim so take care when water is in the vicinity to ensure their safety. Allow them time off the lead to play and run off their energies. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Low |
| Ease of Transportation | High |
| Level of Aggression | Low |
| Other Animal Compatibility | High |
Grooming
Their coats must be brushed regularly. The excess hair around the ear passages and beneath the ears must be removed to ensure the ears are adequately ventilated and that no infections set in. The hair around their feet and that between their pads also needs regular attention. They should be stripped out 3 or 4 times a year by a professional groomer. It is possible, however, to learn how to do this yourself.
| Grooming Requirements | Once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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