Cocker Spaniel: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Cocker Spaniel temperament and personality

The AKC describes Cockers as merry, eager playmates for children and easily trained as companions and athletes. The AKC rates them five out of five with young children and with other dogs, and four out of five for affection and openness to strangers. Most love being close to their people.

They are sensitive dogs. The AKC notes Cockers respond strongly to a disapproving tone and that harsh correction is neither needed nor productive. VCA adds that they have limited tolerance for being left alone and prefer companionship, so they suit households where someone is around for much of the day. Since a Cocker only learns to accept the comb if it starts early, a slicker brush and comb are worth having before the puppy comes home.

How big do Cocker Spaniels get?

The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest sporting spaniel the AKC recognizes. Males stand 14.5 to 15.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25 to 30 pounds; females stand 13.5 to 14.5 inches and weigh 20 to 25 pounds, according to the AKC. The coat comes in many colors and patterns.

In the US, Cocker Spaniel means the American Cocker. The English Cocker Spaniel is a separate AKC breed, so check which one a breeder or rescue means. Keep a pet Cocker lean; the AKC notes groomers and vets often see overweight Cockers.

Cocker Spaniel lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Cocker Spaniel lifespan of 10 to 14 years and says the breed has good longevity. The American Spaniel Club, the breed's parent club, runs a health committee that recommends screening; the AKC lists hip and eye evaluations, and says a good breeder can show the parents' hip, patella and eye records.

VCA names ear disease and allergic skin disease as common concerns, and says eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma are more common in the breed. A red, painful or cloudy eye needs a vet the same day, since glaucoma can damage sight quickly. Ask your vet about head shaking, ear odor, scratching or a dog that seems sore when touched.

Exercise needs

Cockers are sporting dogs and should keep good muscle tone, but the AKC notes they are not a breed that needs huge amounts of exercise to burn off energy. A daily walk or two plus a game of fetch suits most adults, and they enjoy simply going along with you.

Their nose and hunting background make sniff walks and find-it games especially satisfying. Many Cockers also enjoy obedience, rally, agility and hunt tests. After a romp through wet grass or woods, check the ears and feathering for burrs and seeds.

Cocker Spaniel grooming and shedding

This is the big one. The AKC says Cockers require regular, thorough grooming and that missed sessions are not easily made up. A metal comb with fine and medium teeth is essential, followed by a slicker brush if you like; comb right down to the skin and pick snarls apart from the tips rather than pulling through. Be gentle with the ears, where the skin is thin.

The AKC recommends bathing with a quality dog shampoo, rinsing thoroughly to avoid skin irritation, and drying with a blow-dryer on a cool setting. Many owners keep a shorter pet trim and book a professional groomer every few weeks. Clean the ears regularly, especially after baths, using the method your vet shows you. Shedding is moderate, three out of five on the AKC scale.

Training a Cocker Spaniel

Good news here: the AKC calls the Cocker a people-pleasing breed that wants to be good. They are easily motivated with food rewards, play and praise, and the AKC recommends early socialization and puppy classes. Keep sessions short, upbeat and varied.

Because they are sensitive, a raised voice can make a Cocker shut down, so reward what you want and redirect what you do not. Teach handling early, including touching the ears and paws and standing for the comb. A Cocker that accepts grooming calmly is far easier to keep healthy.

Are Cocker Spaniels good with kids and other pets?

Generally, yes. The AKC calls them eager playmates for kids and rates them top marks with young children, and VCA says they are generally good with children. Their size is a good middle ground: sturdy enough for gentle play, light enough not to bowl a child over.

They are typically social with other dogs and, with proper introductions, other pets, according to VCA. Teach children not to pull the long ears and to leave a dog alone while it eats. As with any breed, supervise young children and dogs together.

What a Cocker Spaniel needs at home

Grooming tools come first: a metal comb, a slicker brush, nail clippers, a gentle dog shampoo and an ear cleaner your vet suggests. Narrow, deep bowls or a snood keep long ears out of food and water. A washable bed and a crate or quiet resting spot round out the basics.

Add a harness and leash, scent and puzzle toys, and a regular grooming appointment if you will not clip at home. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Cocker home and ask about ear care, eye checks and skin allergies.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.