Prominent during the Tudor reign of Henry VIII, the English Cocker Spaniel gained great popularity as a versatile hunting gun-dog suited to both wet and dry terrain and progressively, as a docile and affectionate companion dog. Whilst proving a favourite in the royal courts of the 16th and 17th centuries, literative references to 'spanyells' date back as early as the 14th century, reflecting the early prominence of the breed. Utilised in hunting, the Cocker Spaniel derived its name from its ability to hunt woodcock specifically. Until 1990, the breed was considered the most popular as registered by the American Kennel Club, however it now ranks 25th.
Divided into 7 breed variations since 1873, including English Springer, Irish Water and Clumber, the Spaniel was originally differentiated by little more than its size. The Cocker variation is amongst the most popular and is characterised by an arched head, low-set ears, ovular eyes and a soft, wavy coat in colour deviations of solid black, red or liver with markings of tan, chocolate and white. Highly trainable in line with its heritage, the Cocker Spaniel maintains a strong hunting instinct, however when taught to respect and abide by its owner, makes a loyal, gentle and trusting pet for the family or a dedicated sole owner.
Moderately-sized and with an easy and gentle temperament, the Cocker Spaniel was the original family companion, proceeding the Labrador and Golden Retriever as the dog most compatible with children, other pets and the domestic setting. Whilst there are discrepancies across gender, the average healthy Cocker Spaniel will weigh 12-16 kg, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years when shown appropriate care.
Susceptible to various health complaints that are partly genetic, the English Cocker Spaniel has been known to suffer from optical disorders including glaucoma and cataracts, as well as issues relating to hips and elbows. More serious conditions specific to the breed are cardiac weakness, epilepsy and liver disease, whilst deafness is common in the breed due to the ears hanging low against the ground. Additionally, the Spaniel is prone to easy weight gain, so feeding human foods is not encouraged as even the smallest amount of fat can be detrimental to the general health of the dog.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Cocker Spaniel - Daisy](http://static2.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/13352_a9aa3f80fee136415dc98fcbea6e35cc.jpg)
From West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
My little cocker Daisy is 6 yrs she is a rescued dog I adopted from the RSPCA in Rochdale as i am an aca at the centre she came in on a sun and i took her home the following tue after her vetcheck she had been abused so was very nervous when we took her home at 18 months she is much better with people now and I wouldn't be with out her
From Fife, United Kingdom
I've got 2 working cocker spaniels and wouldn't be without them. They a fun, loyal, friendly and very clever. Beautiful dogs.
From United Kingdom
I have a working strain cocker spaniel and she is a truly beautiful dog. She is easy going, submissive and immensely cuddly. The saying 'you don't own a cocker you wear one' certainly applies to her. We are training her to be a gun dog and already her natural ability is showing. These dogs need a lot of mental stimulation, be it gundog training or agility, to prevent them getting bored. They can be quite a needy breed. Anyone considering a working strain cocker needs to ask the breeder how the pup is bred and what they will be like to live with on a daily basis as some of the trials bred ones are too highly strung for novice/pet homes. Buy a pup from health tested parents to save yourself a whole lot of heartache from the genetic diseases in this breed.
From North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Amber is a 10 year old lemon roan. the most loving dog ever. She loves everyone especially the post man. never showed any aggression ever. She has her pet passport & enjoys her trips to france & the great outdoors in general. she is getting a bit of arthritis now, but she is doing ok with her meds
From Suffolk, United Kingdom
We have a beautiful golden cocker full of fun loves belly tickles sitting on your knee for cuddles has his mad moments like all cockers tearing around but is super intelligent learns very quickly excellent house dog very devoted to myself cannot go to the loo without a chaperone lol but love him to bits
From Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Alfie is a working lemon roan cocker spaniel but we don't work him. He is rescue and we've had him since he was 4, he is now 9 yrs 7mth. His original owner idolised him and he was obviously the boss and very spoilt. She was sadly terminal ill so we imagine he wasn't socialised that much. He is very noisy and is constantly motivated by food. He will craftily try and pinch the eggs out of the hen box when I am feeding the hens but he is brilliant with the fowls and would not attempt to harm them. However he can get agitated if you try to take food off him once he has got it. Dolly the cat loves him and sleeps huddled up to him at night and when we are relaxing in the evening watching the tele she sits on his head and washes his face. Because he is such a character he has so much of a presence... Luke the Soluki also idolises him and quite often pinches food for Alfie . Just recently Alf has had some discomfort with his annal glands.. I don't know why because I haven't changed his diet...he isn't excessively overweight . He has also just had a course of injections for arthritis as he has signs in his front right leg and suffers with stiffness at the base of his spine . He is still bonkers and races round especially if he thinks he's in for a treat. He likes going off in the car to do different walks and explore Derbyshire. He is a great character and a very special dog to us all.
From Northumberland, United Kingdom
Dexter is actually a Sprocker, his Mother is a Springer and of course his Dad is a Cocker, his size certainly broke the mold.
He is crazy nuts, a typical young boy at this point, does as he is told....most of the time, but when back is turned........naughty boys will be boys haha, they so much fun, your never bored and by god he loves the water :/
From East Sussex, United Kingdom
Bonkers with lots of personality 😛 most lovable loyal
Dog to own. We love ours dearly. Very intelligent, one us very noisy ( female) the male is much more mellow, but with bags of energy. I wouldn't hesitate in owning cocker spaniels in the future. Mine are Trixie nearly 5 and bandit nearly 1 and are very much loved.
From United Kingdom
Rango is a working cocker spaniel, bred by my mother..absolute nutter ..love him to bits..
From Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
My very first dog of my own...My boy is 5 years old..I would never have any other...He is an absolute joy...He is my shadow...a cheeky fun loving bouncy boy..loves to grab tissue or any kind of paper..shreds it up and leaves it all over the floor...terrible table manners..takes a little bit of food out of his bowl...likes to show us what he is eating...just cannot stay still..the tail never stops wagging.....I can never tell him off...what with those eyes....favourite game is his ball ❤
From Leicestershire, United Kingdom
I own an adorable cocker called Amber, who is a rescue. She adores my husband and me, but unfortunately no one else. She doesn't like children at all and has to go in a crate, when the grandchildren visit. It's a real shame but can't be helped. She is an avid squirrel hunter and loves nothing else. I still adore her though she is mischievous and funny, although very food fussy and has to be fed a special diet has she has tummy troubles. On the whole she is lovely and I wish we could have got her has a pup because maybe she would have liked the children more. Unfortunately rescue dogs can be unpredictable and you don't always know their history. I would recommend getting a pup if you have children. Otherwise a beautiful dog to own.
From Norfolk, United Kingdom
Cocker spaniels are the perfect dog. They are so happy, all the time. They love their walks, especially running free in the woods, or the beach. They are great companions, cheer me up when I'm down. They just want to be with you. They are faithful, loyal. My best friends. Love them❤️
From Somerset, United Kingdom
I have an 18 month old working cocker and have just brought home a new 9 week old.
Working cockers are very high energy and quite needy so are not really suitable if you work full-time. They need lots of exercise and stimulous but if you can provide this you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving friend, who is packed with character and has an indomitable joy of living.
From Somerset, United Kingdom
We have three show type cockers, they are sweet tempered, affectionate dogs, but also quite stubborn. They can be crafty too. Bird mad, love to run, love to lounge, love to be where you are. You will never be able to visit the bathroom on your own ever again!