Description

The English Cocker Spaniel is the smallest in the gundog group yet he is able to flush out and retrieve game birds from undergrowth. A gentle popular pet English Cocker Spaniel is also called the Merry Cocker because of his energetic, playful, eager to please nature and his unique tail wagging which includes his entire hindquarters. English Cocker Spaniel is compact but bigger than the American Cocker Spaniel.

Size of Male: Height: 16-17 inches Weight: 28-34 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15-16 inches Weight: 26-32 pounds

Temperament

The English Cocker Spaniel is a hardy, energetic, merry and lovable, sweet and affectionate dog. English Cocker Spaniel is excellent with kids: gentle and playful, but does not tolerate teasing well. English Cocker Spaniel is sociable with strangers, a moderate barker, and obeys respectfully the orders it is given. A superior companion dog. Generally an outgoing breed, but some individuals can be reserved. Temperament varies widely, research individual lines. Some bitches are fairly dominant and should not be placed with a non-dominant owner. Males tend to be more cooperative. Field lines may be too active to make good pets. Cocker Spaniels should be trained very gently, but firmly, as they are sensitive but also independent and intelligent. They can do well with cats in the household.

Living Conditions

English Cocker Spaniel would do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. English Cocker Spaniel does best with at least an average-sized yard. But if you are living in an apartment, do make sure to bring your dog for exercise daily and for socialization since young.

Upkeep

Daily exercise is a necessity to English Cocker Spaniel, either in the form of a long walk on leash, a good run in the field or a lively game in the yard. Although the English Cocker Spaniel could physically live outside in temperate to warm weather, it is such a social dog that it does best living inside and playing outside. The medium-length coat of English Cocker Spaniel needs brushing two to three times per week, plus clipping around the head and ears scissoring around the feet and tail every two months. The ears should be cleaned weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy

Minor concerns: cataracts, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy, Patellar luxtion

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years