Dog Breeds - English Cocker Spaniel

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of fondness a breed is prone to exhibit towards their family members or individuals they are familiar with, varies greatly. Certain breeds may display a reserved manner towards everyone except their owner, whereas others extend their amiable disposition to everyone they are acquainted with treating them as dear companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent of a breed's tolerance and patience towards children's behavior along with their overall family-friendly disposition is an essential aspect to consider. It is important to always supervise interactions between dogs and young children, as well as with children of any age who may have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall level of sociability a breed demonstrates towards other dogs is an important consideration. While it is crucial to supervise and manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to possess a more inherent inclination to get along harmoniously with fellow canines both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is a factor worth considering. Breeds with a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering specific types of allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance is an important aspect to evaluate. It's crucial to consider your available time, patience and budget for such care when assessing the grooming requirements. Additionally, it's worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming as a part of their routine care.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is a factor to consider. If you have a preference for cleanliness and are meticulous about avoiding ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes, it may be best to choose a breed that is not prone to excessive drooling.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of hospitality a breed tends to exhibit towards strangers is a noteworthy characteristic. Certain breeds might display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals irrespective of the setting, while other breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic about meeting new humans whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the puppy stage is an aspect worth considering. Certain breeds will maintain a desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers is an important trait to consider. Certain breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to become friendly towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This includes their ability to adjust to variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule, and other day-to-day alterations in life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your dog and their willingness to learn new things are crucial considerations. While some breeds demonstrate a strong desire to please their owners and are eager to learn, others may have a more independent nature preferring to follow their own desires rather than conform to structured training commands.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is an important aspect to take into account. High energy breeds are often ready and eager for frequent physical activities, such as running, jumping, and playing, to fulfill their exercise needs. On the other hand, low energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with a relaxed lifestyle, often enjoying leisurely activities and spending time snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls is an important characteristic to consider. Certain breeds have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or even at birds outside the window, while others only vocalize in specific situations. It's important to note that even barkless breeds may utilize other sounds to express themselves and communicate.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy is an essential factor to consider. Purpose-bred dogs, who are bred for specific tasks may need mental challenges that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with your preferences or be desirable. Providing sufficient mental stimulation is crucial for the overall well-being of these breeds.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of fondness a breed is prone to exhibit towards their family members or individuals they are familiar with, varies greatly. Certain breeds may display a reserved manner towards everyone except their owner, whereas others extend their amiable disposition to everyone they are acquainted with treating them as dear companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent of a breed's tolerance and patience towards children's behavior along with their overall family-friendly disposition is an essential aspect to consider. It is important to always supervise interactions between dogs and young children, as well as with children of any age who may have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall level of sociability a breed demonstrates towards other dogs is an important consideration. While it is crucial to supervise and manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to possess a more inherent inclination to get along harmoniously with fellow canines both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is a factor worth considering. Breeds with a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering specific types of allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance is an important aspect to evaluate. It's crucial to consider your available time, patience and budget for such care when assessing the grooming requirements. Additionally, it's worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming as a part of their routine care.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is a factor to consider. If you have a preference for cleanliness and are meticulous about avoiding ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes, it may be best to choose a breed that is not prone to excessive drooling.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of hospitality a breed tends to exhibit towards strangers is a noteworthy characteristic. Certain breeds might display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals irrespective of the setting, while other breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic about meeting new humans whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the puppy stage is an aspect worth considering. Certain breeds will maintain a desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers is an important trait to consider. Certain breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to become friendly towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This includes their ability to adjust to variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule, and other day-to-day alterations in life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training your dog and their willingness to learn new things are crucial considerations. While some breeds demonstrate a strong desire to please their owners and are eager to learn, others may have a more independent nature preferring to follow their own desires rather than conform to structured training commands.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is an important aspect to take into account. High energy breeds are often ready and eager for frequent physical activities, such as running, jumping, and playing, to fulfill their exercise needs. On the other hand, low energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with a relaxed lifestyle, often enjoying leisurely activities and spending time snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy is an essential factor to consider. Purpose-bred dogs, who are bred for specific tasks may need mental challenges that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with your preferences or be desirable. Providing sufficient mental stimulation is crucial for the overall well-being of these breeds.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Black & White	019
Blue Roan	053
Blue Roan & Tan	054
Liver Roan & Tan	122
Liver Roan	126
Orange & White	134
Orange Roan	136
Red	140
Black & Tan	018
Black White & Tan	034
Liver	123
Liver & Tan	124
Liver & White	125
Liver White & Tan	127
Red Roan	223
Golden	093
Lemon Roan	289
Sable	164
Sable & Tan	290
Sable & White	165

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Ticked	013
White Markings	014
Tan Markings	012

About The Breed

The English Cocker Spaniel is often described as "merry" by those who love the breed. It is a lively and upbeat dog in the field, yet gentle and calm at home. This compact and silky-coated bird dog is highly regarded for its delightful personality and irresistible good looks.

The English Cocker Spaniel has a well-proportioned and compact physique typically measuring between 15 to 17 inches in height. Its head is softly contoured and features dark expressive eyes that convey alertness and dignity. The dog is further adorned by its lush close-lying ears. The medium-length coat comes in various eye-catching colors and patterns and is silky to the touch.

To understand the breed, the concept of "balance" is important. This balance is evident in the English Cocker Spaniel's temperament, physical structure, and movement. Although the dog possesses physical beauty, it is driven by an unwavering work ethic as a tireless and eager-to-please companion for hunters. The breed has gained international acclaim for its proficiency in flushing and retrieving gamebirds.

For those who prefer a more domestic lifestyle, the English Cocker Spaniel proves to be a charming and agreeable household companion. It excels at being an affectionate and well-behaved pet while displaying its inherent hunting instincts and adaptability.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your English Cocker Spaniel: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The English Cocker Spaniel is generally a healthy breed but like many others, there are some genetic health conditions that can occur occasionally. It is crucial for responsible breeders to have their breeding stock tested for such conditions that can affect the breed. Some of the known genetic health issues in English Cockers include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy, and adult onset neuropathy. Regular ear checks are important for English Cockers as they are prone to ear infections. Keeping the ears clean and dry can help prevent such infections. Moreover, dental care is essential and regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test

Grooming

	English Cocker Spaniels typically have a fairly profuse coat that requires regular care and maintenance to keep the dog looking its best and prevent the formation of mats and tangles. It is recommended to brush and comb their coat thoroughly at least once a week. This helps in removing loose hair, preventing tangling, and maintaining the overall condition of the coat. Regular trimming is also necessary typically every month or so, in specific areas such as around the feet, on the face, under the neck, on the underside of the ears, and under the tail. Trimming these areas helps in maintaining their neat appearance. Owners can learn to use scissors, thinning shears or a stripping tool and clippers for an overall trim. Additionally, weekly ear checks are important to look for any debris or excess wax buildup. Cleaning the ears and keeping them free from any issues helps in maintaining good ear health. Trimming the nails is another essential aspect of grooming and they should be trimmed at least once a month to keep them at an appropriate length.

Exercise

	The English Cocker Spaniel is an upbeat and active sporting dog that thrives on daily exercise for both their physical and mental well-being. Engaging in activities such as long walks, hikes, or playing ball with their owner is highly beneficial for them. It is important to note that due to their strong hunting instincts, it is recommended to keep them on a leash while going for walks. Having a securely fenced yard is also advisable to provide them with a safe space to explore and play. This breed is known for its merry and affectionate nature making it an excellent companion for families. They are generally easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owner. Whether they are working in the field or relaxing at home on the sofa, their wagging tail is a constant indication of their joyful disposition.

Training

	The English Cocker Spaniel possesses a merry and devoted disposition, which is a result of its breeding history of following instructions in the field. As a result, this breed maintains a strong desire to please its owner. Training an English Cocker Spaniel is generally straightforward, as they are eager to work with their person. However, it is crucial to utilize positive reinforcement methods when training this breed, as they do not respond well to harsh or negative approaches. The English Cocker Spaniel needs to feel loved and respected by their person rather than fearing them. Early socialization is highly recommended for this breed to ensure they become well-adjusted companions who can adapt to various situations. This process helps them become comfortable and confident in different environments, people and other animals. By providing positive training methods along with appropriate socialization, the English Cocker Spaniel can thrive as a well-behaved and adaptable companion.

Nutrition

	Feeding an English Cocker Spaniel a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level is essential. It is important to monitor their calorie consumption and weight level, as some English Cockers have a tendency to become overweight. Keeping their weight in check is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Treats can be a useful tool for training purposes but it is important to be mindful of the quantity given, as excessive treats can contribute to obesity. It is recommended to choose healthy and low-calorie treats. When it comes to table scraps, it is best to offer them sparingly or avoid them altogether. Cooked bones and foods with high fat content should never be given to dogs as they can be harmful to their health. It is important to educate oneself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If there are any concerns regarding the dog's weight or diet, it is always advisable to consult with a veterinarian who can provide specific guidance based on the individual needs of the English Cocker Spaniel.

Historiography

The breeds within the AKC Sporting Group also known as gundogs or bird dogs were originally developed to assist hunters in their pursuit of feathered game. Within this group, there are different subdivisions based on their specific hunting functions, including spaniels, pointers, setters, retrievers, and the European utility breeds. Amongst these subdivisions, spaniels are generally considered the oldest in origin.

The spaniel breeds of England trace their roots back to dogs of Spanish origin, hence the name "spaniel" derived from "Spanish." During a time when reliable hunting rifles were yet to be invented, bird hunters relied on dogs alongside nets, bows, and sometimes falcons. Early authorities classified spaniels not by breed but based on their functions as either water spaniels or land spaniels. The land spaniels were further subdivided by size, with larger types known as "springing spaniels" and "field spaniels," while smaller ones that specialized in flushing woodcock were called "cocking spaniels."

In the 19th century, the emergence of dog shows along with Victorian England's penchant for classification prompted the designation of various spaniel types as official breeds. This resulted in the recognition of breeds such as the English springer spaniel, Field Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, among others, as we know them today.

In the early 20th century, American dog enthusiasts developed a companion-focused version of the Cocker Spaniel. This American Cocker Spaniel had distinct traits, including a smaller size, a more profuse coat, a shorter head and a more domed skull compared to its English counterpart. Those who preferred the older English hunting dog formed the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America in 1935. In 1946, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel as separate breeds.