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Facts about English Cocker Spaniel Puppies
Are you unsure how to care for English Cocker Spaniel puppies, or just want to learn more about this breed?
Maybe you are thinking about buying a dog and want to know if this is the right breed for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
Breed History
First modern spaniel breeds were developed in 1800s but the first mention of spaniel type dogs dates back to 1300s.
The English Cocker Spaniel is considered to be one of the oldest land spaniels. It is descended from other field spaniels and was originally bred around 1800s as a woodcock (a game bird) hunter. Incidentally, the name "Cocker" comes from the name of that bird.
Some of its many talents include hunting, retrieving, tracking and competitive agility and obedience.
Until 1936, it was considered as the same breed as its cousin, the American Cocker Spaniel. In 1936, they were designated separate breeds.
Some of the famous people who owned this breed include Robert Kennedy and Richard Nixon.
Today, the Cocker Spaniel is kept mostly for companionship.
Physical Characteristics of English Cocker Spaniel Puppies
This is a medium-size dog. It has a deep but not wide chest, long drop ears, oval brown eyes and a tail that is usually docked.
It has a medium-length silky coat that can be straight or wavy. The hair is short on the head but fully-feathered on ears, tail and legs.
The coat comes in solid black, liver or red, with or without tan markings. It may also be parti-colored, with white appearing in combination with solid black, liver or red.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 16 to 17 inches | 28 to 34 pounds | |
| Female | 15 to 16 inches | 26 to 32 pounds |
Temperament
This is an intelligent, friendly, social, and affectionate dog. It's devoted to its family and gets along well with children.
Some dogs may be reserved with strangers but in general, this is an outgoing breed. Males are more even tempered while some females may be very dominant.
Cockers are easy to train but they are also very sensitive. When training, be gentle and never scream at them.
Best Owner
This breed will do best with an active owner in a suburban environment.
Some English Cocker Spaniel breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.
Activity and Exercise
An English Cocker Spaniel is a moderately active dog.
To keep your pet healthy and in shape, take him for one or two long walks every day.
Grooming
Cocker Spaniels are average shedders. Whether you leave the coat long or clip it to medium length, I recommend regular combing and brushing to prevent matting and tangles.
Clip the hair, yourself or take your pet to a professional groomer, 3 to 4 times per year.
Those long ears need to be checked for any signs of infection and cleaned of excess wax buildup.
Bathe only when necessary.
Great gift ideas for Cocker Spaniel lovers
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Large selection of Cocker Spaniel gifts including shirts, address labels, calendars, socks, jewelry, mousepads, ornaments, mugs and many other dog gifts
Health Concerns
Like all dog breeds, the Cocker Spaniel is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.
Additional health concerns include allergies, deafness, PRA, heart problems, hip dysplasia, and seizures. For more information about dog diseases and health, visit dog health problems.
To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable English Cocker Spaniel breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).
No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.
To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for an English Cocker Spaniel puppy is between 12 and 15 years.
Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?
If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local English Cocker Spaniel rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.
Not happy with your pet's behavior? Need help with training your dog for obedience? Then check this Cocker Spaniel Behavior and Obedience Training Guide.
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