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Choosing a Pet | Our Procedures | Dogs of the Week | Our Dogs | Our Cats | Happy Endings | Responsible Ownership

Choosing a Pet

Are you Ready? | Which Breed?

Which Breed?

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Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel Breed


Breed Character & Physical Characteristics


  • Happy and playful

  • Affectionate and faithful

  • Average height and weight: 39cm; 13kg

  • Average life-span: 14 years
Cocker Spaniels are members of the Gun Dog Group. They were originally bred as a hunting companion for flushing and retrieving game. They are still being used for hunting; however, a lot are now companion dogs.

Few dogs are as pleasant, affectionate and attractive as the Cocker Spaniel. He is also highly adaptable and, while preferring the outdoors, will happily forage around the house retrieving all sorts of things - slippers, socks and toys. With his lively intelligence and sense of mischief, the Cocker makes a wonderful addition to the family.

If used as a working dog the Cocker is an excellent hunter. He seems to possess an inexhaustible supply of energy and stamina. He is obedient without being servile, and because he is deeply attached to his owner, this dog understands the owner's intentions instantly - he is even capable of retrieving birds in the order in which they were shot. These qualities make him an excellent flushing dog, whose skills are widely recognised.
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Breed Origins


  • Ancestry can be traced back to 14th century

  • Originated from Spain

  • Originally bred for hunting

  • Got his name from 'cocking' game - that is, flushing it out of thick undergrowth
Nobody has any real idea of the breeds that went into fashioning the Spaniel, but one thing is for sure, his ancestry can be traced back to Spain in the 14th century.
By the beginning of the 19th century, Spaniels were divided into two distinct types: large and small. The smallest being the Cocker Spaniel.
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Living With You

Cocker Spaniels:


  • Have a big hunting instinct

  • Need to be outdoors as much a possible

  • Need long country walks

  • Need to be brushed every day

  • Are prone to ear infections
The Cocker Spaniel is a dog that needs to get enough exercise in order to channel his boundless enthusiasm and energy, so the prospect of a walk is always greeted with delight.
Long walks in the country or in the woods are essential for the Cocker's mental and physical well-being. He will need to be well trained and come back when called, otherwise the hunting instincts may take over and you may have trouble exercising proper control over your dog.

When grooming, don't forget the ears. Being long and droopy, the ears don't get much air so they are prone to infection. With nose down, they drag along the ground and collect a lot of dirt.

The older Cocker may have urinary trouble and they are also susceptible to obesity and cataracts.
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