Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Cocker Spaniel
A happy, tail-wagging gundog that loves company and needs regular grooming and plenty of sniffing work.
Medium12–15 yearsUnited KingdomCan suit apartments
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