Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed

Bred to hunt woodcock and other birds, the Cocker Spaniel is capable of considerable speed and endurance.

Temperament

The intelligent and cheerful Cocker Spaniel has a unique ability to connect with humans and makes an excellent companion. His gentle, affectionate and playful nature makes him especially good with kids.

He needs daily exercise in the form of a brisk walk or playtime with his favorite people. He’s a people pleaser, so he’s relatively easy to train.

Characteristics

Cocker Spaniels are the smallest of the sporting breeds. Their small bodies are sturdy, and they move with ease. They have large eyes and a long, silky coat.

Lifespan

10 to 14 years

Colors

Cocker Spaniel coat colors include a wide variety, ranging from solid black to red and white and many other color combinations.

Shedding

The Cocker Spaniel is a low-shedding breed, but he requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Trimming the coat every few months will keep him looking his best.

Health

Overeating and lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and obesity in Cocker Spaniels. The breed is also at risk for hip, knee and eye problems. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions to help produce the healthiest breed possible. Their long ears require regular cleaning to reduce the risk of infection.

Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniel Dogs & Puppies

Like other small breeds, Cocker Spaniels may benefit from a small breed dog food. For Cockers who need help losing weight, consider a healthy weight formula.

Cocker Spaniel puppies should eat puppy food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.

History

The Cocker Spaniel’s origins trace back to Spain, where the breed got its start as bird hunters. For hundreds of years, the only difference in the categorization of the many breeds of spaniels was whether they hunted on land or in water.

In the 19^th century, however, this changed. The Cocker Spaniel was designated as its own breed, named for the woodcock it hunted and its Spanish origins. In the United States, the Cocker was developed into two distinct varieties: American and English.

In the 1940s, the breeds were registered as two distinct breeds by the Canadian, English and American Kennel Clubs. The AKC refers to the U.S. breed simply as the Cocker Spaniel and the British breed as English Cocker Spaniel.

Facts

• The Cocker Spaniel was one of the first purebred American dogs registered by the AKC. It also reigned as one of the most popular for many years.
• President Rutherford B. Hayes owned a Cocker Spaniel named “Dot.”
• Vice President Richard Nixon owned a Cocker named “Checkers.”
• Another contributing factor to the breed’s popularity was Disney’s Lady & the Tramp, released in 1955.