Cocker Spaniel

Origin and History

The Cocker Spaniel is a gun dog developed in England for hunting woodcock, the bird that gave it its name. Thanks to its cheerful personality and charming looks, it is one of the most popular family dogs today. There are English and American types.

Appearance and Coat

It has a medium-sized, well-balanced and athletic body, long silky ears and a gentle expression. Its silky, medium-long, slightly wavy coat forms abundant "feathering" on the ears, chest and legs; it comes in many colors and needs regular grooming.

Temperament and Personality

The Cocker Spaniel is friendly, affectionate and extremely sociable. It is deeply devoted to people and has a merry temperament, its tail always wagging. It gets along well with children and other animals; it is soft and sensitive. It loves to please but does not like being left alone.

Care, Exercise and Training

Its silky coat needs regular brushing and periodic clipping. Its long, drooping ears are prone to infection and should be cleaned regularly. It needs moderate to high exercise. Its sensitive nature calls for gentle, reward-based training.

Health

Ear infections (due to drooping ears) are common in the Cocker Spaniel. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA — a DNA test is available), hip dysplasia, eye problems and familial nephropathy (FN — a DNA test is available) may also occur. Regular ear and eye care is important. The Cocker Spaniel is ideal for families looking for a friendly, affectionate and trainable family dog.