English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL

Description:

Like its American counterpart, the English Cocker Spaniel is extremely sensitive and nervous breed. Therefore, solely gentle and respectful treatment will be effective. The English Cocker Spaniel is cheerful, interesting and apt for all types of people. The English Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1945.

Height: 15-17 inches  Weight: 26-34 pounds  Lifespan: 12-14 years

Characteristics:

The English Cocker Spaniel is playful, determined, sympathetic and kind. These dogs are very sociable and love the company of their loved ones. Devoted and optimistic, English Cocker Spaniels are excellent pets, well suited for large families and even for single people. However, the English Cocker Spaniel tends to bond strongly to an individual person in a family, usually the one who feeds it. Comparable Breed: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Character:

The English Cocker Spaniel does well with children and other pets, and it is also friendly towards strangers. Some English Cocker Spaniels are stubborn and possessive, especially when it comes to their toys. If Cockers are not trained well, territoriality becomes their most distinguishing trait. When English Cocker Spaniels get involved in the hunt, they are working very hard. It seems like they never get tired of it.

Coat / Care:

English Cocker Spaniels have a coat of medium length. The hair is silky and smooth but never curly. Coloration can vary, from solid (red, coffee or black), speckled with spots of the same color, to tricolored. In solid colors, no white is allowed except on the chest. Since the fine coat tends to tangle, it is recommended to regularly groom it by using a special comb, paying special attention to long curls on the legs and ears. The Cocker Spaniel needs professional trimming, so if possible, you should take the dog three or four times a year to a professional salon in order to remove the excess hair. In addition, you should regularly clean your pet`s ears.

Health Problems:

The English Cocker Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed, but like any other breed, he is prone to several diseases. Hence, typical health issues seen in English Cocker Spaniel include Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), Renal Failure, Congenital Sensorineural Deafness, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Hypothyroidism and Eye problems (Cataract). The English Cocker Spaniel has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Weight / Height

The male English Cocker Spaniel dog breed’s height is around 16 – 17 inches and weighs around 28 and 34 pounds. Female English Cocker Spaniel dogs can reach a size from 15 – 16 inches and weighs between 26 and 32 pounds.

Training:

By nature, dogs of this breed desire to learn and quickly grasp what is expected of them. English Cocker Spaniels need early socialization and obedience training. Since the English Cocker Spaniel is nervous and sensitive breed, training needs to be built upon positive reinforcement, and all errors should be corrected gently in order not to frighten the dog.

Activity:

The English Cocker Spaniel is not too demanding. It needs just three walks a day. Cocker Spaniels simply enjoy swimming and they love to travel out of town. They are perfectly suited for apartment condition.

Photo Credit: Whako/Flickr

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