Believed to have originated in Spain, the forbearers of this medium size, land and water hunting dog gained an enormous reputation in the 1400s for flushing and retrieving. Hunters from the United Kingdom imported and fine-tuned them for hunting Eurasians Woodcocks.
In the 1880s, the English Cocker Spaniel was brought to the U.S. as a gun/sport dog. As American Woodcocks were smaller, the breed was conformed to fit the need. Dogs over 25 pounds were deemed English Spaniels; those under 25 pounds were regarded as American Spaniels.
Today, the standard for the English Cocker Spaniel is a longer muzzle and body; as well as a bit heavier, and a tad taller. Both boast the “soft mouth,” vitally important in retrieving breeds.
The smallest dog of the Sport group, these agile bundles of energy and endurance need plenty of exercise. They love long walks; where those floppy ears can waft up the most amazing scents. Excellent swimmers, it is a healthy form of stress-free exercise and fun! This is an ideal dog for an active family or older person willing to include their pet into their lifestyle.
The Cocker Spaniel thrives on competition, be it flyball, retrieving, obedience, agility hunting or tracking.
This is not an outdoor dog. As much as they take pleasure in being outside when playing or working, they prefer to be indoors with their family; rather than being relegated alone to an outdoor pen.
Average in intelligence, they are rather easy to train because they are so eager to please. Enroll your puppy in positive reinforcement Puppy Kindergarten and Socialization classes. If not adequately socialized, some can tend to be shy or fearful of strangers. Inadequate socialization can be the source of serious behavior problems.
In general, as a breed they can take longer than most to house train. Patience and consistency is important.
They average in size between 15 and 30 pounds and have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Ask Cocker Spaniel owners to describe their pet and you will hear: agile, tireless, funny, cheerful, sweet, respectful, obedient, good with kids and other animals, active, loyal, trustworthy, flexible, fun, good watchdog, and affectionate. They are one of the few sport dogs that would rather be with their person, than roaming around following their nose.
Cancer and old age are the most common forms of a Cocker Spaniel’s demise. Other health issues include: Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Canine Glaucoma and Juvenile Cataracts. Renal Cortical Hypoplasia is an inherited disease, familiar to the English Cocker Spaniel. Being the little athletes that they are, Cocker Spaniels are also prone to elbow/hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Those long, floppy ears are prone to ear infections.
Average shedders, they are fairly easy to groom. Most have docked tails, which helps prevent burrs and hitch hikers from getting tangled in the longer tail hairs. Bathe as necessary. Most love water, so bathing is usually effortless. A good weekly brushing, with an occasional trimming now and then, will remove mats. To avoid yeast infections, make sure the inside of those ears are wiped dry after swimming or baths!
Bottom line: Do your homework. Research the breed. Talk to Cocker Spaniel owners. They are a wonderful pet for the right person or family. Run; do not walk away from puppies at pet stores, classified ads and flea markets. They only perpetuate horrifying puppy mills and sloppy, inexperienced backyard breeders. It may cost a bit more, but a reputable, responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthier, happier dog. If you cannot afford a good quality breeder, check with shelter and rescues. As Cocker Spaniels are so popular with older owners, many are surrendered because of nothing more than life circumstances. You just may find your new best friend there, patiently waiting for you and a forever home.
Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite
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