English Cocker Spaniels

Appearance:

Body: Compact, balanced, and squarely built with a short, well-muscled back, broad chest, and well-sprung ribs.

Coat: Dense and feathered, flat, silky, and slightly wavy.

Color: Solid, parti-colored, roan, and merle.

Ears: Wide and narrow, set low, held close to the head and loosely hung.

Eyes: Medium sized, dark brown or hazel colored, and almond-shaped, set wide apart, and with tight lower rims.

Feet: Round, thick, and cat-like with arched toes and hard pads.

Head: Long and narrow with a well-developed skull, well-defined stop, somewhat prominent occiput, square and powerful muzzle, and wide nose.

Legs: Forelegs are well-boned, straight, and sturdy. Hind legs are muscular, well-rounded and strong with long, well let down hocks.

Neck: Long and graceful tapering from the nape to the body, well-muscled, and well-arched.

Size:
Weight: 26 - 34 pounds
Height: 15 - 17 inches

Tail: Docked, set slightly below the level of the back, carried outward, and usually wagging!

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Can be difficult to housetrain
Requires lots of exercise

The English Cocker Spaniel is a happy, affectionate and even-tempered dog well known for his tail-wagging and friendly disposition. He is alert, outgoing, intelligent, and a devoted family dog.

The Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs says, "The Cocker has become a popular companion dog, admired for its size, elegance, soft coat, and beautiful head framed by long, dangling ears. It is gentle, playful, even impish at times."

There are many differences of opinion about the Merry Cocker with children. Some say he loves them and is great around them and others say he won't tolerate teasing and disrespectful treatment from younger children.

Training should be gentle but firm with praise and food-type rewards. Harsh treatment may lead to an obstinate English Cocker with behavioral problems.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group

A working dog, the English Cocker Spaniel is a hunter and a retriever specializing in hunting woodcock. He is also adept at hunting pheasant, partridge, duck, and goose.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: He has an endless amount of energy and stamina requiring daily exercise such as walking, playing, and running. A lack of sufficient exercise may lead to an aggressive and hyperactive dog.

Grooming: His coat should be brushed three to four times weekly and trimmed every two months. His ears need to be kept clean, dry, and free from wax buildup.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Ear infections
Hip Dysplasia
Kidney disease
Low Thyroid
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Skin problems
Seizures

Recommended Certificates: BAER (to affirm normal bilateral hearing)
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)

Country of Origin

United Kingdom - 1800s

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