English Cocker Spaniel: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Colors: Black, Blue Roan, Black & Gold, Tri-color, Orange Roan.
Temperament: Friendly, Affectionate, Playful, Quiet, Faithful, Trainable
Weight: Female: 12–15 kg, Male: 13–16 kg
Height: Female: 36–41 cm, Male: 38–43 cm

The English Cocker Spaniel stands out for its cheerful nature, which he shows through a persistent game of teasing. He is playful and affectionate. He has a lot of joy in retrieving, which is why he has been used in the hunt through the centuries. The English Cocker Spaniel loves movement and therefore wishes long walks. The English Cocker Spaniel is the ideal family dog ​​due to its gentle and friendly nature. Smart and sometimes headstrong, he stands loyally to his family for the rest of his life.

Although Spanish-like dogs were mentioned early in historical sources, they are not documented until the 16th century. "Robin the King's Majesty's Spaniel Keeper" was the first named animal keeper of the Spaniel breed at the court of King Henry VIII. The renaissance playwright Shakespeare also mentions the lively dogs in his plays. A classification of the English Cocker Spaniel by size was made around 1800. The smaller dogs were called Cocker or Cocking Spaniel, the bigger ones being Field- or English Spaniel. Other names such as "English Water Spaniel" have been devised to distinguish the individual breeds. It was only with the birth of the Kennel Club in 1873 that the beginnings of an actual breed dog breeding were made. which was completed in 1902 with the recognition of the dog breed "Welsh Springer Spaniel". From that point on, no other breeds were crossed.

The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the medium sized dogs. The males are between 39 and 41, the bitches between 38 and 39 centimeters tall. The weight of both sexes is between 12.5 and 14.5 kilos. The dog breed has a strong and compact physique. The thorax of the dog is excellently developed, the sternum reaches deep and is neither too narrow nor too wide. The English Cocker Spaniel has well arched ribs as well as a straight and firm back line. The loin of the agile dog is wide and short. From its end to the approach of the tail, it is slightly inclined.

The muscular and short forelegs and hind legs of the English Cocker Spaniel allow the hunting dog to develop its power in a concentrated manner. The well-angled joint of the knee provides the necessary thrust when the hunting instinct is kindled. The thick and firmly padded paws are similar to those of a cat. The skull of the English Cocker Spaniel is well developed and neither too coarse nor too fine. Another racial feature is the pronounced stop between the occiput and the nose.

The English Cocker Spaniel has dark brown and big eyes that look gently and intelligently into the world. They harmonize with the coat of the intelligent animal. The bright eyes of the spaniel are framed by tight eyelids. The coat is long, silky and slightly wavy. It should not be wiry or curly. English Cocker Spaniel may have different colors, even if the monochrome animals are the most common. In monochrome animals, however, only a splash of color may be seen on the chest.

The English Cocker Spaniel is an active dog that likes to move and has a strong hunting instinct. His mood he always expresses by violent tail waving. This is happy when he follows a trail on a walk with his fine nose. Rough terrain and thickets do not scare off the brave dog. He also loves water very much, as the pedigree dogs used to retrieve duck birds. The Spaniel is said to have its own head, but if the active dog is involved in the family, he is a faithful companion. In addition, the English Cocker Spaniel is good with other dogs because of its friendly nature and is rarely aggressive.

Since the English Cocker Spaniel is a retriever and hunting dog, it is very suitable for hunting small game and poultry. If the English Cocker Spaniel is not used for small animal stalking, it needs some other movement. That's why the agile dog is good for sports that support its natural urge to retrieve and tracking. 

Due to its decent and cheerful nature, the English Cocker Spaniel is ideal as a family dog, who wants to romp and play with children.