English Cocker Spaniel: Training, Temperament, Exercise, Health
Group: KCGB Gundog, AKC Sporting
Also Known As: English Cocker
Ranking: 2 in KCGB
About
English Cocker Spaniel
Origin
of the Breed
English Cocker Spaniels
descended from the original spaniels of Spain.
The various spaniels (Springers and Cockers)
were all one large group of dogs until the
1600s when they began to be bred to be specific
for different purposes and different appearances
and sizes. There are two types of English Cocker Spaniels - the field (working) cocker and the show cocker.
The name ‘cocker’
comes from the fact that it helped with the
hunting of woodcocks. They also aided in the
hunting of other birds. They are excellent
retrievers with a soft mouth and are able
to hunt and retrieve in difficult terrain. |
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They are also good at tracking.
They are good watchdogs. They excel in competitive
obedience and agility.
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A General Appearance of
the Dog
The English Cocker Spaniel is
a medium-sized yet compactly built dog with long
ears. English Cockers have short, thick legs ending
in round paws. Their eyes are questioning yet intelligent.
Most English Cocker Spaniels have a docked tail.
Their chest is deep for their size. Their medium
length hair is wavy and nearly the same length over
the entire body including the legs, with long fur
on the chest.
The English Cocker Spaniel has
a larger, more elongated head than the American
Cocker Spaniel. It also has a longer muzzle.
Coat Color
A wide variety of coat colors
are found on English Cocker Spaniels. They can be
solid colors of black, liver (red-brown), red, blue
(gray) or shades of fawn (tan). The only acceptable
white on a solid colored dog is on his chest. However,
many English Cockers are parti-colored which means
they are combinations of the colors. They can also
be blue merle. Parti-colors are either clearly marked
(patches of colors), ticked or roaned. Parti-colored
Cockers can have white markings anywhere.
Coat Type
The field type English Cocker
Spaniel has a shorter coat than the show type English
Cocker Spaniel.
Height
Males: 16-17 inches
Females: 15-16 inches
Weight
Males: 28 – 34 lbs
Females: 26 – 32 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The English Cocker Spaniel is
often described as merry because it is so energetic,
playful, and loving. Its sweet disposition endears
it to people of all ages. It loves children but
will not tolerate teasing. They are quite intelligent,
but that can lead to independence and ‘thinking’
about things to do.
The English Cocker is obedient
and should be obedience trained early so that it
knows what is expected of it. They are somewhat
sensitive and get their feelings hurt if disciplined
harshly; however, the owner does have to establish
his place in the pack. If well socialized, it is
fairly outgoing. However, it is reserved with strangers
and will bark to warn its master of strangers or
strange situations.
Temperament can vary, so meet
the parents before getting a puppy. Field lines
are often too active to make a good family pet.
Females of this breed tend to be more dominant than
males.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
This breed loves to be outdoors
to run and romp and play. However, they want to
live inside with the family. They can tolerate an
apartment if given sufficient walks and play times
at a dog park.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
The English Cocker Spaniel is
an active breed that thrives in a family environment.
It is good with children, affectionate to its family,
is friendly to strangers once a family member has
approved.
Activity
Level
How active is the Breed?
The English Cocker enjoys as much exercise as
you can give it throughout its life.
Exercise Need
English Cocker Spaniels need quite
a bit of exercise and do best with a medium-sized
fenced yard. Daily brisk walks are greatly enjoyed.
Grooming
The English Cocker Spaniel’s
coat needs at least weekly brushing. Baths need
to be given regularly, and the ears need to be checked
frequently for burrs and signs of infection, and
cleaned on a regular basis.
The hair on the breed’s
feet needs to be brushed down over the toes and
trimmed around the pads and level with the base
of the feet. The English Cocker Spaniel is an average
shedder.
Coat types vary - some
are fairly silky and do not mat easily while others
are much softer and mat very easily.
Health
and Care
Watch for ear infections and deafness.
Due to its ears being so long and hanging down,
it is prone to getting all types of things in its
ears. Keep the fur free of burs and ticks and check
the inside frequently.
Kidney disease and anal sac tumors
are seen in English Cockers.
Life Span: English
Cockers live 12-15 years.
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National Breed Clubs
British: Cocker Spaniel Club – www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk
US – The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America
– www.ecsca.org
Other Recognition: CKC,
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI,
ACR
Rescue Link: www.ecsca.org/rescuehome.html
Fact
The Cocker Spaniel is actually
two breeds of dog, the English Cocker Spaniel and
the American
Cocker Spaniel. Both breeds are commonly known
as Cocker Spaniel in their respective countries
of origin. The only other common name for this breed
is ‘the cocker;’ it does not distinguish
between the animal’s English or American origins.
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