All Dogs Welcome

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z 

ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL

A.K.A:

Nickname:
Original Name:
Cocker
English Cocker          
Merry Cocker Woker
Cocker Spaniel  
Picture
SEE ALSO 
AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL
Varieties:
By color:
  • Black
  • Parti-colored
  • ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black), typically liver, or shades of red
Physical Characteristics:
Height:
Weight:
Build:
Coat:

Color:


Eyes:

Ears:
Tail:
15 - 17 inches
26 - 34 lbs
Solidly built and compact. Strong bone structure.
While the head hair is short and fine, the coat on the body can be flat or slightly wavy, long if left to grow and always silky. 
Can be any solid color with or without tan marking,
or parti-colored with or without white markings on chest and throat
Slightly oval, usually brown, portraying a soft, melting expression
Pendulous, low hung, fine leathery feel
Docked and carried inline or slightly higher
General Description:
The English Cocker is a small to medium breed that is powerful for its size and is slightly taller than it is long.
The head on the English Cocker is softly contoured and absent of any sharp angles.  The soft, melting, dignified expression is always present on this dog.  The nose can be black or of lighter shades to compliment the coat color.
Breed Origin:
During the mid 1800's many types of Cockers and Spaniels were recorded including Welsh and Devonshire Cockers and Sussex and Field Spaniels.  The first stud books were recorded in 1874, at which point any spaniel under 25 pounds was labelled a Cocker.  The Welsh cocker was then reclassified as a Springer Spaniel.  These dogs were initially bred for small game hunting and retrieving but are now almost exclusively companion dogs.
The English cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed from the American cocker Spaniel by the AKC in 1946.
Temperament and Personality:
The Cocker is known as the "merry cocker' due to its  lively, friendly, palyful, cheerful disposition, and contantly wagging tail.  In comparison the the American Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker has retained more of his hunting and retrieving instinct.  He is, however, perfectly happy to be nothing more than your companion.  This is a friendly, lively, enthusiastic, hard working dog that is also a good hunter.  The English Cocker Spaniel is a very social fellow who is totally devoted to its family.
Exercise and Grooming:
Although Cockers were bred for hunting and retrieving, they do not require excessive exercise.  Given their inquisitive nature they will enjoy the abilityt to wonder through the yard but will be equally content with a long daily walk.  Cockers do, however, rate fairly high in the grooming and maintenance charts.  If the hair is kept long it requires brushing about three times per week.  It will also require a monthly clipping.  Special attention should be paid to keeping the eyes and ears of your Cocker clean, dry and free of debris to avoid ear and eye infections. Additionally, the Cocker carries an excessive amount of fur on their feet.  This enables debris to become stuck or embedded in the fur and can end up in the eyes or ears hen the dog scratches.
Differences by Variety:
None other than color
Best Suited For:
Although any Cocker Spaniel would be happy to be a rural pet with the ability to wonder, they will also adjust well to city or suburban life if provided with adequate exercise such as daily  walks.
General Health:
Every breed of dog is 'prone' to certain health conditions.  This does not mean that your dog will develop these conditions.  But being aware of those conditions for which there is a slightly higher than average propensity allows you and your veterinarian to keep an eye out for symptoms that can be dealt with before conditions become serious. 

American Cocker Spaniels are prone to cancer, cardiomyopathy,Cataracts, cherry eye, ear infections & deafness, epilepsy,glaucoma, hypothyroidism, hip displasia, luxating patella, PRA & blindness, seborrhea, temperament issues, urinary stones, von Willebrand's disease 
Other Things You Should Know:
The Cocker:  
  • Is normally extremely friendly towards strangers and other domestic pets  
  • Should be socialized with people and other animals at a young age to avoid shyness and timidity  
  • Can be inclined to small dog syndrome if this behavior is fostered by the family  
  • Should not be off leash unless in a fenced or otherwise confined area  
  • Capable of considerable speed and endurance  
  • Is inclined to submissive or over-excited urination 
Little Known Facts:
  • The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest land spaniels in existence.
  • During the 1800's the English Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel were differentiated only by size and were considered same breed. 
  • The English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel were also originally considered a single breed 1936 when they were recognized as two separate breeds.
  • The English Cocker Spaniel is far more popular throught the world than is the American Cocker Spaniel, except, of course, in the US.
  • The English Cocker Spaniel has been the most successful breed at winning Best in Show at the annual Crufts conformation dog show in England.
Kennel Club Groups:
AKC, Sporting
CKC, Gun Dog
UKC, Gun Dog
Kennel Club Recognition:
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR
Web Hosting by iPage