Originally bred in the UK as a skilled bird-hunting dog, Cocker Spaniels are a loving and loyal breed with a silky coat, expressive puppy-dog eyes, and an eager-to-please temperament. Today, they’re an increasingly popular choice as a family pet thanks to their medium size, adaptable nature, and intelligence. Generally speaking, female Cocker Spaniels average approximately 14kg and 38cm tall, while the males can reach 15kg and 41cm tall
The two main types within this friendly breed are American and English, each with its own unique set of characteristics and distinctive features. The English Cocker Spaniel tends to be larger with a longer muzzle and a more athletic build, while the slightly smaller American Cocker Spaniel has a rounded head and more refined features. The Cocker Spaniel temperament is deeply people-oriented, so they tend to form strong and affectionate bonds with their owners. Regular grooming is essential to keep their long, dense coats healthy and free from tangles. Potential owners should be mindful of their breed's specific health needs. Take a look at the Key Information table for some more information on the Cocker Spaniel:
While they’re generally a healthy breed (a Cocker Spaniel's life span is around 14 years of age on average), they can encounter some specific health issues. These include ear infections, hip dysplasia, cataracts and skin allergies. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet checkups can help prevent or manage many of these conditions.
What makes Cocker Spaniels unique?
A Cocker Spaniel’s grooming and hygiene needs
A Cocker Spaniel’s behaviour and training needs
A Cocker Spaniel’s mental and physical stimulation
Can Cocker Spaniels be left alone?
A Cocker Spaniel’s nutritional requirements
Do Cocker Spaniels make good family pets?
Cocker Spaniel breeding and finding a responsible breeder
Thinking about adopting a Cocker Spaniel? Check your local shelter first!
Before you start looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, why not consider checking your local shelter or rescue organisation? There are so many adorable Cocker Spaniels that deserve a second chance at life in a safe and loving home. Charities and shelters tend to have dogs of all ages, and can help match potential owners with a companion that best suits their lifestyle and experience. Adoption is also generally a more affordable option that ultimately helps to reduce the number of animals in overcrowded shelters. You could also consider adopting a Cocker Spaniel mix, as they offer the best of both worlds.
Ready to meet your next furry friend? Visit our adoption page to explore all of the wonderful dogs looking for their new family.
Cocker Spaniel characteristics: What makes them unique?
The much-loved Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent and sensitive breed, which makes them highly receptive to training. Known for their signature floppy ears, silky coat, and expressive eyes, they’re as adorable in appearance as they are in nature. The Cocker Spaniel size makes them a great fit for smaller homes and gardens, as long as they’re getting enough physical and mental exercise each day. Both the American and English varieties come in a wide range of coat colours and patterns, including solid, bi-colour, and tri-colour combinations in shades such as black, red, cream, and more.
Historically, Cocker Spaniels played a crucial role as both working dogs and beloved companions during the reigns of Henry VIII and the Stuart kings. Referred to as ‘wood-cocking spaniels,’ these small, agile dogs were celebrated for their ability to navigate dense undergrowth and flush out woodcock for hunters. Nowadays, the breed is often crossed with other dogs, resulting in popular mixes such as:
- Cockerpoos (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle)
- Cockaliers (Cocker Spaniel x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
- Spanadors (Cocker Spaniel x Labrador Retriever)
- Cockapoms (Cocker Spaniel x Pomeranian)
A Cocker Spaniel’s grooming and hygiene needs
Cocker Spaniels have long, dense coats that are either wavy or straight, and keeping them looking their best requires consistent care. Regular grooming is essential not only for maintaining the coat’s shine and softness but also for preventing painful tangles and skin issues caused by matting. Frequently brushing your Cocker Spaniel with a pin brush or comb helps to remove superficial dirt and debris, untangle knots, and distribute natural oils, which nourish the skin and fur. You can also bathe them as needed, especially if they’re been very active or outside in the rain. Always use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation, and be sure to dry their coat thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup. Keep a close eye on areas like ears, underarms, and paws, too. Many owners take their Cocker Spaniels to see a qualified groomer every 6 weeks or so, to keep their coat trimmed to a manageable length. As with any dog breed, things like nail clipping, good dental hygiene, and ear cleaning are also essential parts of a Cocker Spaniel’s grooming routine. Remember that the Cocker Spaniel's life span is influenced by its overall health, so by taking good care of your dog, you’re giving it the best chance of a long and happy life.
A Cocker Spaniel’s behaviour and training needs
Because the Cocker Spaniel temperament is naturally curious and eager to please, they make highly trainable pets. Their sensitivity to tone and emotion means they respond best to calm, consistent handling and positive reinforcement. Their sweet and gentle temperament requires a kind and patient owner who’s happy to give lots of fuss, verbal praise, and of course, adult dog treats to encourage good behaviour. Their natural enthusiasm also makes them great candidates for fun activities like agility or scent work. This breed can sometimes be partial to a bit of excessive barking, separation anxiety, or pulling on the lead. These behaviours tend to come from things like boredom, lack of stimulation, or inconsistent boundaries and routines. Owners can help improve and manage these behaviours with structured routines, regular mental and physical exercise, and gentle correction. For more tips, check out our dog training guide.
A Cocker Spaniel’s mental and physical stimulation
Cocker Spaniels thrive when their minds and bodies are kept active. Given the Cocker Spaniel's size and the fact that they were bred as working gundogs, they have a natural drive to stay busy and engaged. This intelligent, high-energy breed enjoys a variety of activities, from training sessions and interactive play to exploring new scents in the great outdoors. To keep them happy and fulfilled, owners should make sure they take their Cocker Spaniel out for daily walks, providing them with things like interactive toys and puzzle feeders. They also love to play games like scent trails and hide-and-seek!
A lack of physical and mental exercise can lead to boredom and frustration, which more often than not will result in excessive barking, destructive chewing, and general restlessness. If these needs continue to be unmet, Cocker Spaniels can become anxious and develop long-term behavioural issues.
Are Cocker Spaniels good to be left alone?
Simply put, Cocker Spaniels shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. They’re affectionate, social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and will struggle with separation if left by themselves too long, too often. Without regular companionship, they can become anxious or develop unwanted behaviours. Learn more about this by reading our guide on how long you can leave a dog alone.
A Cocker Spaniel’s nutritional requirements
Like all dogs, Cocker Spaniels will only benefit from a balanced and complete diet tailored to their needs. They need to be given meals that support their active lifestyle and help maintain their silky coats. As a medium-sized breed with high energy levels, they require food that delivers the right mix of nutrients to fuel their daily activities and support their overall well-being at every stage of life.
From high-quality protein that supports muscle development to carbohydrates that provide a valuable energy source, a well-suited diet plays a key role in their overall health and well-being. Healthy fats help maintain skin and coat condition, while essential vitamins and minerals support everything from immune function to bone health. You can also give them an easy extra boost with Pedigree® Multivitamins.
Because Cocker Spaniels are prone to dental issues like tartar buildup and gum disease, it’s essential that you factor dental care into their daily routine. The Cocker Spaniel's life span is around 14 years of age, so support their dental health with treats like Pedigree Dentastix. When fed daily, they’re scientifically proven to reduce plaque and support healthy gums while also satisfying your dog’s natural urge to chew. These, combined with regular tooth brushing and vet checkups, can help keep their teeth in great shape.
Are Cocker Spaniels a good family dog?
Yes, Cocker Spaniels are generally good family dogs. The Cocker Spaniel temperament is generally affectionate, playful, and friendly, so they make wonderful companions in almost every family set-up. They’re particularly patient with young children, and with proper socialisation, they get along well with other pets too. This breed thrives in homes where they feel like they’re part of the family dynamic and have regular interactions with their humans. Cocker Spaniels are also highly adaptable to a variety of living situations, as long as they receive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional attention. They’re an active breed and do best with owners who can provide consistent companionship and a kind approach to training. The Cocker Spaniel size is another plus for families, as they’re small enough for lap cuddles but large enough to get involved in all the action too!
For more help when it comes to choosing the right dog for you and your family, browse our suggestions on the best family dogs.
Cocker Spaniel breeding and finding a responsible breeder
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a dog breeder is choosing one who follows responsible and ethical breeding practices. The best breeders prioritise the health, temperament, and overall well-being of their dogs. Begin by researching breeders affiliated with recognised breed clubs or organisations, as they’re more likely to follow strict welfare standards. A trustworthy breeder will be transparent about their breeding history, willing to share up-to-date health records, and happily answer any questions you might have, including providing references or even allowing you to meet the puppy’s parents.
Once you’ve found a breeder you trust and feel confident about, take your time when selecting a puppy from their litter. Look for signs of good health (puppies should be alert, sociable and curious), as well as indicators of responsible care during their early development (such as a clean environment).
Thinking about adopting a dog instead? Head to our adoption page for further guidance. If you’re still unsure about which breed is best for you, explore them all on our breed finder page.
