Quick Stats for the English Cocker Spaniel Breed
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 15 – 17 inches (38 – 43 cm) ; bitches: 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 28 – 34 pounds (13 – 16 kg) ; bitches: 26 – 32 pounds (12 – 15 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1946
- Shedding: average shedder
- Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); best with average sized yard (minimum)
Personality of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed
The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the most distinctive looking members of the sporting group. With its long, flowing coat and soft, loving eyes, this dog is a true hunter at heart. Interestingly enough, the English Cocker Spaniel is said to retain much more of its hunting nature than the American version.
This dog also requires a bit more exercise than its American counterpart. If one was to describe the English Cocker Spaniel in just a few words, those words would be sensitive, happy, devoted, demonstrative, inquisitive, and protective.
History of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed
Considered to be one of the most specialized groups of dogs, the spaniel family is the largest numbers of dogs in a single group that we know of today. The English Cocker Spaniel is a land spaniel. During the 1800s, the larger spaniels were used for springing game and the smaller versions were used to hunt woodcock.
Both the smaller version and the larger-sized spaniels were basically two variations of the same dog breed. It wasn’t until 1893 that the two sizes were officially considered to be separate breeds. The smaller version of the English Cocker Spaniel, which should weigh under twenty-five pounds, was designated the name Cocker Spaniel. And because both breeds share much of the same genetic makeup, they share much of the same hunting abilities and talents.
Then in 1901 the weight limit of the breed was terminated and the English Cocker Spaniel became hugely popular with the people of England. At the same time, American spaniel breeders had the desire to change the breed in ways that the traditional fans of the English Cocker Spaniel did not approve of. In 1936, the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America came into existence.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1946 as a member of the Sporting Group.
The English Cocker Spaniel Breed Care and Grooming
Like all dogs in the sporting group, the English Cocker Spaniel requires lots of daily exercise. This could be a long daily walk, or a romp in the field. Ideally, they should have some time to play and run around in a safely enclosed area.
Grooming requirements include regular combing and brushing of their coats. Use a high quality brush like the Chris Christensen pin brush. Brush them about every three to four days. Once a month, clip around the head, eyes, and feet with a good dog clipper like the Andis Power Groom.
Pay special attention to their floppy ears since they can be prone to ear infections.
This breed is an average shedder.
Health Problems of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed
The average life expectancy of the English Cocker Spaniel breed is about twelve to fifteen years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- patellar luxation
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
Minor health issues include:
- familial nephropathy (kidney disease )
- cataracts
- hypothyroidism
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
- prone to ear infections
- gains weight easily
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
- cardiomyopathy
Veterinarians recommend having the English Cocker Spaniel breed tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
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