English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel dogs are the most popular of the Spaniel breeds. Cockers are smaller and faster than other Spaniels and could more easily make their way through dense underbrush to flush out game that other Spaniels were too large to get. English and American Cocker Spaniels were considered the same breed until 1946. While the American Cocker Spaniel is more popular in the U.S., the English Cocker Spaniel breed enjoys more global popularity.

English Cocker Spaniel dogs need fit and active owners who can keep up with them and match their energy levels. A calm presence is also great as it helps balance out the Cocker Spaniel's busybody nature. Rural settings are best for these happy-go-lucky dogs, but they can also live in the suburbs if they get the large amount of exercise they need.

Expending energy by walking, running, training, or playing games is the name of the game when it comes to English Cocker Spaniels. Whatever the activity is, they want to be first in line to do it, especially if it involves off-leash running.

Rural areas are ideal for English Cocker Spaniels so that they can get the exercise they need. The suburbs also work, so long as the dogs get the exercise they need to stimulate them properly.

A brushing every few days is required to keep an English Cocker Spaniel’s coat free of mats and tangles. They should also be trimmed every month either by their owner or a professional. Their ears need to be checked weekly for debris and excess wax.

English Cocker Spaniel dogs were bred to be rule followers in the field. They are eager to please because of this, and love being around people. So long as positive methods and reinforcement are used, they will enjoy training, especially as it’s a way to bond with their owners. On the other hand, these sensitive dogs will react poorly to negative or harsh ways of training.

If you have an active household with older children or no children, the English Cocker Spaniel will thrive. They get along well with smaller children, but the needs of small children might make it hard to meet the needs of an English Cocker Spaniel dog.

The cost of an English Cocker Spaniel from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.