- Breed name: English cocker spaniel
- AKC list of the most popular dogs: 14
- FCI classification: Group VIII – Retrievers and water dogs
- Origin: Great Britain
- Size: Medium
- Average life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
The English Cocker Spaniel is unsurpassed as a pet, being an exceptional listener, cheerful, gentle and beautiful looking. In the world it’s increasingly used as a therapy dog. One interesting fact is that, when testing aggression in the dog breed, only 1% showed aggression in the Cocker Spaniel, which classifies it as a breed that shows almost no signs of aggression.
ORIGIN
This breed was created during the 14th century. There were a few groups, or sizes of this breed, where one group excelled in hunting, another group as guards and a third group as swimmers. Thus, over time, different categories of coker spaniels emerged. During the 19th century, special standards were adopted, the breed was given a name, and guidelines were made by which breeders could develop and nurture this breed.
APPEARANCE
English cocker spaniels belong to the family of hunting dogs and spaniels, the height of males is about 41 cm, for females about 39 cm, and their weight ranges from 12.5 to 15 kg. They are sporty and compact build with a well-developed chest. The snout is square in shape with a pronounced end, while the skull is finely oval. The eyes are large, dark in colour and the ears are relaxed and set at eye level. The teeth are properly spaced in a strong jaw, the neck is of medium length. The front legs are short and strong, while the back legs are wide and muscular. The tail is planted at the height of the dorsal line, and as a rule it is docked (if allowed).
The coat is very soft, straight, of different lengths and often forms cuts. It is not too thick, nor is the undercoat that covers the entire body of the Cocker Spaniel. The colours can be different: one-colour black or brown, they can also appear in two colours, black with red patterns or vice versa. White markings may be present but should be smaller in size.
CHARACTER
Cocker Spaniels have an exceptional nature, they are very friendly, and gentle. They are characterised by lively energy, which is why it is recommended for families with small children, because it gets along well with them. As already mentioned, they have a great desire to listen to people, so they are used for therapeutic purposes.
It’s a very active dog and in need of constant physical activity, longer walks, running around the yard, various games… As they are very sociable dogs, it is recommended to live together with the owner. They love water and won’t make a problem when bathing.
Another feature that distinguishes them from a large number of members of other breeds of dogs, and that is that they get along well with other animals, especially cats.
They like to play with everyone, even with strangers, and for that reason they are not good guards.
HEALTH AND CARE
Due to the structure and length of the ears, they are especially susceptible to middle ear infection. Because of that reason, you should clean their ears at least once a week. They often have problems with diarrhea, which leads to inflammation of the anal glands. Their eyes are sensitive and prone to infections. With pets that live in the apartment, you should pay attention to the paws, that is on the skin between the pads. Diseases they can also get are cataracts, glaucoma, cardiomyopathy, arterial disease, and familial nephropathy.
They do not shed much, but their coat is of medium length, so they should be brushed regularly, two to three times a week. For complete coat care, in addition to brushing, you also need a haircut and grooming.
Statistics
- Energy level: Medium energy.
- Playfulness level: Very playful.
- Attitude towards other dogs: Very pleasant.
- Attitude towards other pets: Very pleasant.
- Attitude towards strangers: Very pleasant.
- Ease of training: It is difficult to train.
- Protection: No protective instinct.
- Maintenance required: High maintenance.
- Cold tolerance: Medium tolerance.
- Heat tolerance: Medium tolerance.
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