The Cocker Spaniel dog breed got its name from the woodcock, a bird that the cocker spaniel was originally bred to hunt. While spaniel breeds have been around dating as far back as the 1300s, the English Cocker Spaniel dog breed wasn’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until the mid-1800s. The American Cocker Spaniel, a breed which resulted from careful breeding between English cocker spaniels and other spaniel dogs, has been recognized by the AKC since 1946. The English and American Cocker Spaniels are both very similar, but there are a few differences in their appearance and personalities. Most people who talk about cocker spaniels are referring to American Cocker Spaniels, as they are a far more popular breed in the United States, and in fact, they are even the more popular cocker breed in the UK. American Cockers are also referred to as “Yankees,” as this breed was developed in the United States.
Both types of cocker spaniels are medium sized. The average weight of an adult American Cocker Spaniel is between fifteen and thirty pounds based on an average height around fifteen inches. The English Cocker has a higher average weight at adulthood, ranging between thirty and thirty-five pounds based on an average height of fifteen inches. There are two types of English and American Cockers: field and show. The field types are best kept (as the name implies) as farm or field dogs, and not just as a household pet. Field cockers are extremely active and full of energy for working. Show cockers are excellent pets – very friendly and loyal. These are intelligent dogs that strive to please their masters.
Cocker spaniels like to get as much exercise as you are willing to give them, but they should not get any less than a full hour of active play every day. They are suitable for apartment dwellers, but keep in mind that they are fairly active indoors, so it is best if you have some open space inside, and ideally, you should have a small yard. Cocker spaniels love taking long, brisk walks with their owners. They are very good with children, and they often bond very closely with the children in the household. Their sweet faces and charming little dark, round eyes are adorable enough to make anyone melt! Cocker spaniels are also notoriously good with other dogs and cats, especially if they are raised alongside other household pets from the time that they are puppies.
It is critical that you adopt your cocker spaniel from a reputable breeder who is able to provide you with references and information about the family line of the puppy or dog you intend to bring home. Unfortunately, there are several irresponsible dog breeders in the world, and since cocker spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds, they are often the result of faulty and reckless breeding practices. If a cocker spaniel is poorly bred, it is at increased risk for several physical and behavioral problems, such as hyper-sexuality and aggression.
The average life expectancy for both the American and the English Cocker Spaniel is between twelve and fifteen years, although it is certainly possible for a dog to exceed that average. While this is a hardy and solid breed, there are some health problems that cocker spaniels are prone to, such as deafness, ear infections, cataracts, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. Owners have to regularly clean their dog’s ears and eyes to stave off these problems for as long as possible. Cockers should be gently brushed on a regular basis, and their long hair should be trimmed at least monthly, either at home or by a professional dog groomer.
