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English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Facts
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Breed: English Cocker Spaniel
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Also Called:
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Height: The English Cocker Spaniel is about 15-17 inches tall.
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Weight: The English Cocker Spaniel weighs between 26-32 lbs.
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Colors: The English Cocker Spaniel can be any pure color.
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Physical Appearance: The English Cocker Spaniel is an active, merry sporting dog, standing well up at the withers and compactly built. He is alive with energy, his gait is powerful and frictionless, capable both of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating dense cover to flush and retrieve game. His enthusiasm in the field and the incessant action of his tail while at work indicate how much he enjoys the hunting for which he was bred. His head is especially characteristic. He is, above all, a dog of balance, both standing and moving, without exaggeration in any part, the whole worth more than the sum of its parts.
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Temperament/Personality: The English Cocker Spaniel is merry and affectionate, of equable disposition, neither sluggish nor hyperactive, a willing worker and a faithful and engaging companion.
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Care: The English Cocker Spaniel needs brushed and combed three times a week to remove dead hair and keep it's coat shiny and lying flat. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Check ears for grass seeds and signs of infection. Brush and trim hair over the toes and base of the feet.
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Health Concerns/Problems: English Cocker Spaniel health issues are: Cherry Eyes, Glaucoma and cataracts, Conjunctivitis, Distichia, Ear infections, Skin Problems, and Autoimmune diseases.
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Training:
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Activity: The English Cocker Spaniels enjoy as much exercise as they can receive. Daily walks and free run should be part of their routine as they are a sporting breed.
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Life Span: The English Cocker Spaniel lives an average life of 12-15 years.
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Litter Size: The English Cocker Spaniel has an average litter of 3-8 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The English Cocker Spaniel originated in Wales.
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Brief History: The English Cocker Spaniel was developed from the field spaniels, a subcategory of the ""land"" spaniels developed to work the field (as opposed to the "water" spaniels that worked over water). Land spaniels were divided into "springing" and "field" spaniels. These were smaller spaniels, which worked the hedgerows and gorse of rural England to flush the woodcock for the hunters. The spaniel family originated in Spain. In the 1800's the spaniels were divided into two groups, springers who's function was to ""spring game"", and cockers named for their ability to flush and retrieve birds from dense undergrowth. The English cocker spaniel descends from the cocker dogs developed in Wales and southwest England.
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