Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
English Cocker Spaniel lovers often describe their breed as ‘merry‘. They believe these dogs are cheerful outdoors and calm indoors. This small, fluffy bird dog is adored for its friendly personality and adorable appearance.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a petite dog, typically standing between 15 to 17 inches tall. It has a gentle, rounded head and large, dark eyes that convey intelligence and dignity.
Its ears are fluffy and rest close to its head. The coat is medium-length, smooth, and silky to the touch, coming in various colors and patterns.
When discussing this breed, the terms temperament, construction, and movement are significant. They signify that English Cocker Spaniels have good behavior, a well-proportioned body, and move gracefully.
They’re not just attractive; they also excel at assisting hunters in locating and retrieving gamebirds. Additionally, they make delightful and affectionate companions at home.
English Cocker Spaniel History
Centuries ago, there were dogs called spaniels. Some were big, some were small. People like Chaucer and Shakespeare mentioned them in their writings. These spaniels had two main jobs: some hunted on land, and some hunted in water.
English Cocker Spaniels were the land hunters, named because they were good at catching woodcocks, which are birds.
When it comes to English Cocker Spaniel size, breeders have historically considered factors like the puppies dimensions, strength, intelligence, and energy levels to assess their suitability.
They did this to determine the strengths of English Cocker Spaniel puppies. In the late 1800s, breeders in Britain began specializing in various types of spaniels, including English Springer, Welsh Springer, Cocker, Field, Sussex, Clumber, and Irish Water Spaniels.
If a spaniel weighed less than 25 pounds, it was called a Cocker Spaniel. But some people argued about how much a Cocker Spaniel should weigh. Eventually, they decided it was more important how a dog looked than how much it weighed.
In 1885, people who liked spaniels made a club in England. They wanted to decide what each type of spaniel should look like. But in America, breeders liked different things. They wanted spaniels that were smaller, with round heads, short noses, and thick fur.
By 1935, American and English Cocker Spaniels were very different. In 1936, a club for English Cocker Spaniels was made in America. Then, in 1946, the American Kennel Club said American and English Cocker Spaniels were separate breeds.
People in the U.S. really liked American Cocker Spaniels. But in the UK, English Cocker Spaniels were still loved. Because they weren’t as popular in the U.S., English Cockers stayed healthier and kept their skills as hunting dogs and good friends. Right now, they’re the 74th most popular kind of dog registered with the AKC.
Nutrition
To keep your English Cocker Spaniel healthy, it’s important to give them good quality dog food that’s right for their age and how active they are. Some English Cockers can easily put on too much weight, leading to obesity.
So, keep an eye on how much food they eat and their weight. Treats can be helpful when training, but giving too many can contribute to obesity. It’s best to give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding things like cooked bones or fatty foods.
Make sure you know which human foods are safe for dogs and which aren’t. If you’re concerned about your English Cocker Spaniel weight, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet for advice.
Health
English Cocker Spaniels usually enjoy good health, but they may be prone to certain health problems. Here are some common issues seen in this breed:
Hip dysplasia: This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, causing pain and difficulty in movement. While genetics play a significant role, factors like diet and exercise can also contribute.
Renal failure: Older English Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible to kidney problems, which can result from genetics, infections, or exposure to toxins.
Eye conditions: English Cocker Spaniels can develop various eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, glaucoma, and other abnormalities. If you notice any signs like redness or excessive eye rubbing, it’s essential to see a vet promptly.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: This heart condition, characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, is more common in solid-colored English Cocker Spaniels and can lead to heart failure.
Congenital sensorineural deafness: Some English Cocker Spaniels are born deaf, especially those with parti-colored coats.
Health Test
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) – DNA Test
Prospective owners should be aware of potential English Cocker Spaniel health issues to ensure they can provide appropriate care and attention, although not all English Cocker Spaniels will develop these conditions.
Grooming
Exploring the palette of English Cocker Spaniel colors reveals a captivating range, from sleek blacks to warm goldens, rich liver tones, and eye-catching tricolor blends.
It’s important to note that English Cocker Spaniel shedding varies moderately throughout the year. Ensuring their coat remains as magnificent as their hues requires regular grooming. Brush and comb them weekly to maintain their appearance and prevent tangles.
Additionally, monthly trims around their feet, face, neck, ears, and tail using scissors, thinning shears, or a stripping tool will keep them looking tidy. Don’t forget to inspect their ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup and trim their nails monthly for their overall well-being.
Exercise
The English Cocker Spaniel is a lively dog that loves to stay active. He needs exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy, both in body and mind. He enjoys things like going for long walks with his owner or playing fetch in the yard.
Because he still has strong instincts from his hunting days, it’s important to keep him on a leash during walks and have a fenced yard for him to play safely. This breed is cheerful and loves being around people, making them great companions for families.
They’re also smart and easy to teach new tricks. Whether they’re out in the fields working or relaxing at home, you’ll often see their tail wagging happily.
Training
The English Cocker Spaniel, often referred to as EC, is a cheerful and devoted dog. Among spaniel breeds, they were bred to listen carefully while out in the fields, and they continue to derive joy from pleasing their owners.
They’re easy to teach new things, especially if you use positive methods. But they don’t respond well to harsh or mean training. They need to feel loved and respected by their owner, not scared.
It’s a good idea to introduce them to lots of different people and situations when they’re young, so they grow up to be friendly and comfortable in any situation.
This helps them become a well-adjusted companion, meaning they’re happy and behave well in different situations.
Key Facts
- Origin: England, bred for hunting.
- English Cocker Spaniel Height: Males 15-17 inches, females 14-16 inches.
- Weight: Males 26-34 pounds, females 24-32 pounds.
- English Cocker Spaniel Lifespan: 12-14 years.
- English Cocker Spaniel Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, playful, affectionate.
- Training: Generally easy but can be stubborn.
- Common Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, eye problems.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate, regular care for coat health.
- Exercise Requirements: High levels of exercise needed.
- Celebrity Preferences: Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s English Cocker Spaniel, along with Elizabeth Taylor and Kate Middleton, are well-known figures.
- Literary Recognition: Virginia Woolf’s Flush: A Biography.
- English Cocker Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel: Larger, more robust, energetic, stronger prey drive.
Conclusion
English Cocker Spaniel is a small, nimble hunting dog. Recognizable by its alert eyes, neat ears, and gentle head shape, it’s loved for its grace, agility, and versatility, particularly in hunting activities.
Frequently Asked Question
Are English Cocker Spaniels Commonly Found in Black Coloration?
Yes, English Cocker Spaniels can indeed be found in black coloration, among other coat english cocker spaniel colors such as golden, liver, or tricolor.
Are Working Cocker Spaniels Good Pets?
Originally developed as hunting companions, Cocker Spaniels exhibit natural intelligence, loyalty, and a desire to please. They are known for their lively, adaptable, and friendly nature, making them suitable for a wide range of households.
With their kind and gentle demeanor, Cocker Spaniels are excellent choices for first-time owners, offering companionship and joy.
How Can one Adopt an English Cocker Spaniel?
When looking to welcome an English Cocker Spaniel into your home, consider adoption through an English Cocker Spaniel rescue organization.
These dedicated groups focus on rescuing and rehoming English Cocker Spaniels in need, providing a compassionate alternative to purchasing from breeders.
Sources
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