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English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is Bigger Than His Cousin

The English Cocker Spaniel is very similar to the American Cocker Spaniel, having originally derived from the same breed but there are a few significant differences. The English Cocker is slightly larger than the American version, standing about sixteen inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between twenty-six and thirty-four pounds. He is one of the largest of the small dog breeds.

Both of the Cocker Spaniels are very popular in their own country. The English Cocker Spaniel ranks second only to the Labrador Retriever in the UK, while he is only 66th in the USA. Similarly, the American Cocker is 25th, out of 157 breeds, according to the breed registrations for the American Kennel Club during the year 2010.

The English Cocker Spaniel is in the Sporting Group in America but this breed is known as Gun Dogs in the UK. This is exactly what they are, being bred to work in the field with bird hunters, to detect and flush game from rough terrain. Obedience and rapid response to commands is of paramount importance in these conditions, where many guns are being fired.

This is why all the Sporting (Gun) Dogs, like the retrievers, the spaniels, the setters and the pointers have a high degree of intelligence and trainability bred into them over hundreds of years. Dr Stanley Coren has conducted considerable research into the comparative intelligence of all the recognized dog breeds and the English Cocker Spaniel is ranked 18th out of 79 breed groups, described as "excellent working dogs, with rapid understanding of new commands".

Grooming The English Cocker Spaniel

 The English Cocker Spaniel sheds moderately. The coat is medium-length, thick and curly, so he needs brushing a couple of times a week. In view of the shedding problem, you may find it preferable to brush him daily, either outdoors or in a place where you can collect the hair and dispose of it safely, before it gets on your carpets and furnishings. Show dogs need more professional grooming treatment.

Exercising The English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a tough, hardy working dog and he is moderately energetic. He thrives on outdoor exercise and likes to play games with a ball. You must plan on a daily walk as a minimum and if you can manage a play and romp session in a secure, enclosed space, that will be a bonus. He is good at begging for food and tidbits, so if he doesn't get enough exercise he will get fat (just like everybody else!)

Training The English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent breed, being joint 18th out of all the 157 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. He has along history of obedience in his genes and is eager to please. He has quick understanding of new commands but he will not react well to harsh training methods because he is a sensitive dog and only wants your approval. That said, only praise him when he gets it right. If you praise him for the wrong responses, you will only confuse him. This is a breed that is very successful in obedience and agility competitions - or even just for your own amusement! 

This FREE 6-day Course is sure to be of help in Training Your Cocker Spaniel

 The English Cocker Spaniel's Temperament

The English Cocker Spaniel a loyal, devoted and affectionate pet who is playful and lively with a gentle manner. He is a bit big for a small apartment but he is not especially rumbustious indoors, preferring to spend his time curled up alongside you on the sofa. he is very good with children and is big enough to stand some gentle rough and tumble. His gentle nature means he is not too rough even with quite small children. The fact that he is the second most popular breed in the United Kingdom is testament to what a well loved family pet he is.

Important Note: A condition called Rage Syndrome has been identified in a very small number of cases, where a cocker spaniel will launch a very aggressive attack on persons, even family members. During the attack, the dog often has a glazed look and appears to be unaware of its surroundings. Studies have found it is more common in solid coloured Cockers than in particolours and also more common in darker coloured Cockers than lighter coloured Cockers, being most common in solid gold and black coloured spaniels. Male golden spaniels are not recommended as a family pet and should never be left alone with children.