English Cocker Spaniel
Other names
English Cocker Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel
Origin & history
The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful and energetic hunting dog that originated in England. The breed was originally bred as a gun dog, specializing in tracking and flushing woodcocks , from which its name derives.
Its ancestors are among the oldest British spaniels, whose history dates back to the 14th century. In the 19th century, the various spaniel types were further refined and divided into working and show lines. The English Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized as an independent breed in 1892.
Today he is loved worldwide — not only as a hunting dog, but also as a lively, sociable family dog with an infectious zest for life.
Appearance & body shape
The English Cocker Spaniel is a compact, well-muscled, and elegant dog with a harmonious build. Its expressive eyes and long, silky ears give it a characteristically soft appearance.
The coat is medium-length, dense, and glossy, slightly wavy but never curly. The hair on the ears, chest, legs, and belly is longer and forms beautiful feathering. The colors vary widely—from solid red, black, or gold to piebald, blue roan, liver roan, or tricolor.
Its tail is often carried gaily and wags almost constantly, perfectly reflecting its cheerful nature.
Format
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Males: 39–41 cm height at the withers
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Bitches: 38–39 cm height at the withers
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Weight: 12–15 kg
Character & temperament
The English Cocker Spaniel is known for being cheerful, sensitive, and affectionate. It's energetic, eager to learn, and always up for adventure.
His intelligence makes him easily trainable, but he also has a mind of his own. With gentle, consistent training, he learns quickly and enjoys working with his owner.
The Cocker Spaniel is friendly toward everyone—people, children, and animals—and enjoys company. He prefers to be near his family at all times and has a deep affection for human contact. He struggles with being left alone; this is a true companion dog that thrives on attention and activity.
Good with children and other pets
The English Cocker Spaniel is excellent with children. He's playful, patient, and enjoys interaction, making him a perfect fit for a family with young children. His gentle nature makes him trustworthy and loving, provided he's treated with respect.
He generally gets along well with other dogs, and thanks to his sociable nature he can also live well with cats and other pets, especially if he has been well socialized from an early age.
In short: the English Cocker Spaniel is a real family dog — friendly, tolerant and always cheerful in his interactions with others.
Movement & care
The Cocker Spaniel is an active and athletic dog that needs plenty of daily exercise. Long walks, games of fetch, swimming, or tracking will keep him happy and healthy. He loves the outdoors and has a strong prey drive, so off-leash walks are only permitted in safe areas.
The silky coat requires regular grooming. Weekly brushing prevents tangles, especially behind the ears and on the legs. It's also important to keep the ears clean, as the breed can be prone to ear infections.
A trim every few months keeps the coat in optimal condition.
Health
The English Cocker Spaniel is generally a healthy and vital breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Important points to note:
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Ear infections due to long, hanging ears
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Hip dysplasia (HD)
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Hereditary eye problems such as cataract or PRA
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Allergies or skin irritations
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and good coat and ear care contribute to a long, happy life.
Difference with similar breeds
The English Cocker Spaniel is often compared to the American Cocker Spaniel, but the English variety is slightly larger, more athletic, and more functionally built. While the American Cocker Spaniel was primarily developed as a show and companion dog, the English Cocker Spaniel has retained its working ability and hunting instinct.
Compared to other spaniels, such as the Springer Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel is smaller, more compact and slightly more sensitive in nature.
Summary
The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, intelligent, and loving dog that will win the heart of any family. He's energetic outdoors, cuddly indoors, and always eager for companionship.
For active families or individuals who enjoy exercise, warmth and loyalty, the Cocker Spaniel is an ideal companion — a ray of sunshine with a wagging tail.