A Cocker Spaniel sitting down

Cocker Spaniel

Everything you need to know about Cocker Spaniels

Size
Medium
Life Expectancy
typically 10+ years
Shedding
Medium length with heavy shedding

Cocker Spaniels are generally energetic dogs with long ears and curly fur. Cocker Spaniel colours include red, black, gold and chocolate.

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Cocker Spaniels, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a Cocker Spaniel a forever home? Here are some Cocker Spaniel facts that might help you decide.

Cocker Spaniel crossbreeds

One popular Cocker Spaniel crossbreed is the Cockapoo – a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.

 

Caring for Cocker Spaniels

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Cocker Spaniel.

Heath issues

Before you give any type of Cocker Spaniel a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential health issues...

How much food does a Cocker Spaniel need?

The amount of food a Cocker Spaniel needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, t...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does a Cocker Spaniel need?

Cocker Spaniels are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. L...

How much grooming does a Cocker Spaniel need?

Generally, Cocker Spaniels will need brushing often to stop any tangling. After a muddy walk and lots of exploring, they might need a wash. Cocker Spaniels are also likely to need professional grooming.

To ...

What size crate do you need for a Cocker Spaniel?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comfortabl...

Cocker Spaniel behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Cocker Spaniels, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

What’s the temperament of a Cocker Spaniel?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to ...

Are Cocker Spaniels easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s snacks, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

Are Cocker Spaniels good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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