Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Cocker Spaniel
A happy, tail-wagging gundog that loves company and needs regular grooming and plenty of sniffing work.
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 12–16 kg (26–35 lb)
- Height
- 38–43 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Silky medium coat with heavy feathering
- Temperament
- MerryAffectionateBusySensitive
History
Bred to flush woodcock in the British countryside; working and show lines now differ in build and drive.
Appearance
Compact with long pendulous ears and feathering on the legs and belly, in solid and roan colours.
Exercise and activity
An hour or more daily with scent work and retrieving.
Care and grooming
Brush several times weekly, trim every six to eight weeks and check ears after every wet walk.
Health considerations
- Chronic ear infections
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Familial nephropathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Cocker Spaniel
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: An hour or more daily with scent work and retrieving. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Chronic ear infections, Progressive retinal atrophy, Familial nephropathy, Hip dysplasia, Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice