Breeds
English Cocker Spaniel: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
An English Cocker Spaniel is a merry, devoted, eager-to-please sporting dog that is happy on a long country walk and just as happy curled up at home. English Cockers are gentle with children and other dogs, train easily with kind methods and want to be close to their people. They need daily exercise, weekly grooming with regular trims, and careful ear care. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read3 sources
English Cocker Spaniel temperament
The AKC describes the English Cocker as merry and devoted, still very eager to please after generations of following instructions in the field. It rates the breed five out of five for affection, with young children and with other dogs, and four out of five for openness to strangers.
They are sensitive dogs. The AKC says an English Cocker reacts poorly to a harsh approach and must love and respect its person, never fear them. Expect a cheerful, affectionate companion that thrives on gentle handling and plenty of time together.
How big do English Cocker Spaniels get?
According to the AKC, males stand 16 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weigh 28 to 34 pounds, and females stand 15 to 16 inches and weigh 26 to 32 pounds. The silky, medium-length coat comes in many colors and patterns, framed by long, close-lying ears.
The English Cocker and the Cocker Spaniel are separate AKC breeds. The English Cocker is the taller of the two by the AKC's figures, so make sure a breeder or rescue means the breed you want.
Lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives an English Cocker Spaniel lifespan of 12 to 14 years and calls the breed healthy overall. Genetic conditions that occur occasionally, according to the AKC, include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy (a kidney disease) and adult-onset neuropathy. Recommended screening is patella and hip evaluations and a PRA DNA test.
The AKC also advises checking the ears regularly for infection. VCA says ear infections often show as head shaking, scratching, odor or redness. Ask breeders for parent screening results, and see your vet about drinking or urinating more than usual, night blindness or a sore, smelly ear.
Exercise needs
The AKC calls the English Cocker an upbeat, active sporting dog that needs daily exercise for physical and mental well-being, such as long walks, hikes or playing ball in the yard. Adjust the routine for age and health: puppies, seniors and overweight dogs need gentler, shorter sessions, and your vet can help set the right level.
Because hunting instincts remain strong, the AKC recommends a leash on walks and a fenced yard. Retrieving, scent games and hunt tests suit the breed well, and many do well in agility and obedience.
Grooming and shedding
The AKC says most English Cockers have a fairly profuse coat that needs a thorough brushing and combing at least once a week to prevent mats and tangles. The coat is usually trimmed about monthly around the feet, face, neck, underside of the ears and under the tail.
Owners can learn to trim or use a professional groomer. Shedding is moderate, three out of five on the AKC scale. Clean and dry the ears regularly, especially after swimming, trim nails and brush the teeth.
Training an English Cocker Spaniel
The AKC says English Cockers are easy to train and enjoy working with their person, so long as only positive methods are used. Early socialization is recommended to build a confident, well-mannered adult. Short daily sessions of five to ten minutes, ended while the dog is still keen, usually work better than one long session.
Food rewards, play and praise work best. Teach handling early, including ears, feet and standing for the comb, and build a strong recall in a fenced area before trusting the nose outdoors.
Are English Cockers good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the English Cocker five out of five with young children and with other dogs, and calls it an excellent family companion. Their size and gentle nature suit family life well. Whatever the breed, never leave a dog and a young child alone together, and always give the dog a quiet place to retreat.
Teach children not to pull the ears and to let the dog rest. Most English Cockers live happily with other pets when introduced calmly, though pet birds need care around a bird dog.
What an English Cocker Spaniel needs at home
Useful kit includes a slicker brush, a metal comb, thinning scissors or clippers if you will trim at home, nail clippers, an ear cleaner your vet suggests, a dog harness and leash, a crate and a washable bed. Narrow, deep bowls keep the ears out of food.
Retrieving toys and puzzle feeders give mental work. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your English Cocker home and ask about ear care, eye checks and a grooming schedule.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do English Cocker Spaniels live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Regular ear care, daily exercise, a lean weight and routine vet checks help an English Cocker stay healthy for many years.
How big is an English Cocker Spaniel?
Males stand 16 to 17 inches and weigh 28 to 34 pounds; females stand 15 to 16 inches and weigh 26 to 32 pounds, according to the AKC breed standard.
What is the difference between an English Cocker and a Cocker Spaniel?
They are separate AKC breeds. The English Cocker is taller and heavier by the AKC's figures, and each breed has its own standard and temperament notes, so meet both if you are choosing between them.
Do English Cocker Spaniels shed?
Moderately. The AKC rates shedding three out of five. Brushing and combing at least weekly, with a trim around the feet, ears and face about monthly, keeps the coat tidy.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
