The English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

Alternative Names: cocker spaniel (outside U.S.)

Country of Origin: England

History: The English cocker spaniel was developed to hunt woodcock. It is descended from other field spaniels and is one of the oldest land spaniels. Until 1892, the English cocker spaniel and the springer spaniel were differentiated only by size; it was considered the same breed as the American cocker spaniel until 1936 when they were designated separate breeds.

Physical Description: This is a small to medium size, powerful dog. There is a strong, softly contoured head with oval brown eyes and long, low ears of fine leather. The tail is docked. The medium length, silky coat is straight or wavy. The hair on the head is short, but the ears, tail and legs are well feathered. The coat may be solid colored, black, liver, or shades or red, with or without tan markings, or parti-colored with white appearing in combination with black liver or shades of red.

Height: 15 to 17 inches

Weight: 26 to 34 pounds

Temperament: The English cocker spaniel is friendly, lively, and enthusiastic. It is a hard worker and makes a good hunter and companion. It is devoted to its family and very social. It gets along well with older children.

Activity Level: Moderate

Best Owner: It does best with an active individual or family in a suburban or rural area.

Special Needs: Attention, grooming, exercise, fenced yard, leashed, training

Possible Health Concerns: Allergies, deafness, familial nephropathy, heart disease, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, PRA, seizures, temperament problems