Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Cocker Spaniel Breed Information

Breed Group: Sporting

Weight: 24-28 lbs

Height: Male: 14.5-15.5; Female: 13.5-14.5 inches

Color(s): Black variety: solid black or black and tan; ASCOB variety: cream, red, brown, and brown with tan points; Particolor variety: any color with white

Black boy, in Pa

Cocker Spaniel

$350.00

Overview

The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful, and intelligent dog that commonly makes a terrific house pet. However, this breed would be best suited in a home with older, more respectable children. This breed must be properly socialized as a pup to avoid many behavioral problems that can occur such as shyness, which can lead to aggression and submissive urination.

Character

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and very loyal dogs. However, they do require an energetic owner, as they are very playful and active. This lively breed makes a great household pet, and should not be left outdoors for a long period of time. Their long hair prevents them from staying cool in hot weather. This breed is sure to bring plenty of joy to your life.

Temperament

Cocker Spaniels are beautiful dogs that can get along well with older children and animals providing they do not pester. A very cheerful dog, this breed loves to play and sometimes enjoys barking. This very gentle breed can become somewhat of a tyrant if not given the proper attention or socialization.

Care

This breed has a long and flat or wavy coat that requires daily brushing. This breed requires grooming on a daily basis if hair is to stay long. Eyes should be cleaned daily to remove any tear stains. Trimming is necessary. Ears must be cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections.

Coat

Most commonly seen in white, solid black, or light cream this breed has a beautiful silky coat that should either lay flat, or be slightly wavy. Clipping is necessary to keep hair at medium length.

Training

This breed can be rather difficult to housebreak, but are otherwise very easy to train. Obedience classes are recommended for this playful breed. Initially bred to be used as a gundog, this breed does exceptionally well in obedience if given consistent training with a gentle hand.

Activity

The Cocker Spaniel is recommended for a home with at least a small yard, but can do well in an apartment if they receive the proper exercise. This is a fairly active breed and does require 3 walks per day, unless able to roam free in a fenced back yard for exercise.

Ask a Question Cocker Spaniel Questions & Answers

QUESTION: My 8 months old working cocker spaniel tan/liver has started to moult quite alot wherever he is on the carpet he leaves loads of hair is this normal ? It is January if that makes any difference

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 2:37:48 PM

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QUESTION: why is my cocker spaniel that is 3 months old keep peeing . All the time. Is it possible that she could have a UTI?

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 3:50:08 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 5yr old cocker spaniel..and we are thinking about getting another dog (not the same breed) do they adapt to other dogs easily ??

Anonymous - 1/7/2012 7:01:10 PM

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QUESTION: do you know the characteristics of a cocker spaniel half japanese spitz' traits?

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 9:29:18 PM

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QUESTION: I have a cocker spaniel which is 5 months old and we are going to visit our aunt and we are taking him with us. There is a labrador living there and he is not socialized - can he harm my cocker? plz reply urgent.........

Anonymous - 12/19/2011 3:30:38 AM

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yup the lab might think the cockers taking over his house.

Anonymous - 12/30/2011 12:19:46 PM

QUESTION: I have a 3 year old american cocker spaniel and I might be relocating to Malta from Iceland, and I´m a bit worried for my dog regarding adapting to much warmer climate.. Are Am. Cockers good in hot weather? ( I will of course shave his coat ) :)

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 5:54:23 PM

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I live in Florida USA, and my 3 Cockers do just fine. Keep the hair short, stay current on flea medications, and heart worm medications,and don't leave him out in the sun too long. If you have a tile floor, he can keep cool in the mid day heat. Leave lots of drinking water available.

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 12:19:41 AM

QUESTION: I have a 2yr old cocker spaniel and she was in heat during mid sept and part of Oct. Now all of a sudden she has started whining and laying around like she feels bad but, she is holding on to her toys like they are her babies and cleans them, cries if she can't find them. Is this normal or is she having a hormone imbalance? This has gone on for a week now.

Anonymous - 11/16/2011 11:13:33 AM

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The main question you need to ask is did your cocker spaniel get tied to another dog? Is she spayed? It sounds to me that she had a false pregnancy. This sometimes happens after a female goes into a heat and don't get tied to another dog. When a female dog goes into a heat the hormones get out of wack and things like this happens a lot. Her toys are her babies that she thought she had. The only thing you can do is to get her spayed. That is not only going to be good for her but for you as well. I have cocker spaniels myself and my one did this last year. I hope this helps.

Anonymous - 11/30/2011 11:57:37 AM

QUESTION: I have bug (boston terrier mix with pug she just had 8 puppies with my male who cocker spaniel. My question is this is it known to be bug cocker or what?

Anonymous - 11/7/2011 6:29:36 PM

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A good web site for you to check out would be www.dogbreedinfo.com they have lots of information about designer breeds and things like that.

Anonymous - 11/30/2011 12:40:13 PM

QUESTION: I have a 4 year old Cocker Spaniel. He is a handsome dog but he barks a lot. Do you know how to make my cocker not bark that much?

Tugger2356 - 11/7/2011 5:59:19 PM

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my cockers bark and that is okay for a short time. then i call them back calmly and say what do you got to say and they stop to listen to me. took awhile to get it to work. i never punish them for it, it will make them nervous dogs.

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 5:04:39 AM

Give your Cocker Spaniel alot of exercise then he\she will be to tired to bark

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 11:07:41 AM

QUESTION: My male cocker is trying to breed with my female, only he does not seem to be getting close enough to make contact. Is this something he will figure out and fix on his own or is there something I am going to need to do to help?!? He is the sweetest, but not the brightest, so I don't know if and how I should help. Any recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks!

Anonymous - 11/7/2011 10:11:01 AM

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QUESTION: Hi I am about to adopt a cocker she is 5 years old & I want to know if there would be any problems as to her getting used to me & my family if anyone can answer me I would greatly appreciate it thank you

Anonymous - 10/25/2011 8:45:16 AM

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just a little time then that cocker will love your family for ever

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 11:04:20 AM

She should adjust well to your family. My Husband and I have a year old male cocker spaniel we adopted him a year ago right before we had our son and he is great with him now. You know how abusive toddlers can be towad pets. Although adjusting the first few days it is good to spend extra time with her petting, playing, and feeding.

Anonymous - 10/26/2011 5:13:54 PM

QUESTION: I have a 3 month old chocolate cocker spaniel... he is gorgeous. However, he has a bad habit of snapping at and biting at my 5 yr old and 6 yr old. He also likes to play with toys and if the kids get too close while he is growling and playing, he will growl at them. How can I break him out of this?

Anonymous - 10/23/2011 1:15:01 AM

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QUESTION: How much could I get for baby Cocker Spaniel's, full blood, but I do not have papers?

Anonymous - 9/9/2011 8:19:25 PM

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QUESTION: Hello everyone I would like to report my missing dog. Name: Sam Color: Red-brown with white markings on his nose, mouth and chest. Sex: Male Age: 7 yrs this December Missing Since: Aug 30 Size: About 1 foot tall, 25 lbs. If you live in the Greater Philadelphia, PA area and you think you might have seen him please respond. Thank you. Also, he's wearing a light blue and brown walking harness with a blue dogbone shaped tag on the back of it and his tail is not docked.

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 1:11:27 PM

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QUESTION: Is there a certain age where Cockers should be fed only once a day? My cocker is almost 7, weighs about 25 lbs, and eats twice a day, but most people seem to be feeding their dogs only once a day by that age.

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 1:00:21 PM

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If your cocker is happy & doing good eating twice a day keep up the good work who cares what other people do as long as you care for your dog & he's happy

Anonymous - 10/25/2011 8:47:44 AM

QUESTION: I just breed my mini dachshunds and after the deed my male stopped eating completely. It’s been 3 days since his last meal. He whines constantly day and night begging for another encounter. Is this normal? How long can he go without food? I’ve tried separating the dogs, taking him on extra- long walks, hand feeding him. Nothing works.

Anonymous - 8/24/2011 2:15:29 PM

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QUESTION: Fortunately, I was able to find out on this site how many times to walk my Cocker a day, but for how long? Thanks

Anonymous - 8/5/2011 2:43:48 PM

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just an hour of play time or at least when it is tired

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 11:12:01 AM

Also, it depends on how much you play with your cocker spaniel in the house. I sit on the floor and roll/toss the ball for him to retrieve and run himself ragged!

Anonymous - 11/4/2011 11:12:06 AM

I'd say use your judgment. If you like to walk, just take your cocker with you whenever you go out walking.

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 1:02:25 PM

My family own a cocker spaniel he is 2 1/2 years old and we walk him twice a day for half an hour each walk, they are energetic dogs so they would enjoy a walk for 30 minutes up to 1 hour!

Anonymous - 8/28/2011 2:46:31 AM

QUESTION: I am thinking of buying a cocker spaniel but I am not sure of how well they do in a hot climate?

Anonymous - 7/23/2011 7:41:05 PM

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just dont leave your cocker spaniel in the heat for a very long time and it should be fine.

Anonymous - 8/7/2011 11:25:51 PM

QUESTION: I just lost my puppy she is a cocker...she is cream in color and..i was just wondeirng how easy would be for her ..to find her way home..or to remember me...in case she comes back..or someone around here stole her....she is 3 months old.... thanks for the time.

Anonymous - 7/22/2011 3:34:25 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 7 week old cocker spaniel mix with a jack russel, just wondering does anyone have the same and if so what are they like esp with kids,i have two boys age 5 and 7 and they love her and bonnie loves them too, she nips at their ankles but just wants to play when we say no she stops, greatful for any advice

Anonymous - 7/10/2011 7:41:04 AM

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Cocker Spaniels are good with children. My cocker, Teddy, loves kids and treats:P Jack Russells are friendly and kind from what I know of the breed.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 12:03:07 PM

QUESTION: What is the best food for a 5mths old Cocker Spaniel pup?

Anonymous - 7/5/2011 7:04:30 PM

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Until your Cocker Spaniel is a year old, he/she should be on puppy formula dog food.

Anonymous - 9/20/2011 10:53:08 PM

Any food is good. It's not a baby anymore so you can feed it any food.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 12:03:33 PM

QUESTION: I bought a 5mths old cocker spaniel, he is wonderful. but, the owners failed to tell me that he gets excited and pee's right then and there. What shall I do about that because that is the only times he does that. Someone new approaches him and he pees right then.

Anonymous - 7/5/2011 7:02:02 PM

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My cocker spaniel does this as well. And since she is house broken all I do when I walk in the house I walk directly to my back door and we go outside and I let her potty first before I touch her or talk excitedly to her.

Anonymous - 11/7/2011 1:09:40 AM

My cocker spaniel did the pee deal until she was about 2 years old. Then she stopped!

Anonymous - 11/4/2011 11:13:59 AM

It's called excitable pee. They get excited and don't have full control of their bladder. Don't scold them. Pick up your cocker spaniel and take him outside. Then praise him. He will get the idea, and all will be ok.

Anonymous - 7/23/2011 11:55:11 PM

My 2 year old cocker still does it. I bought him a belly band to wear only when I know visitors are coming over, he doesnt seem to mind it.

Anonymous - 7/22/2011 4:23:35 PM

QUESTION: I have a nearly five months old cocker spaniel puppy. I've tried potty training her but she won't learn. I've taken her to the vet to see if he can help but he said shes still to young to train. Any help on how i can?????????????????

Anonymous - 7/5/2011 6:34:04 PM

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Hi... the wheelbarrow statement must be a joke. Look online and find any info you can on crate training. I have 2 cockers. My oldest cocker is 6 yrs. old and I got her at 5 months old. She was more difficult to house train than my puppy now. My older cocker wasn't fully trained until a yr. Now my 4 1/2 month old is housebroken. I got him at 10 weeks old. It only took me 6 days when I put my mind to it but it was full time job. He was in his crate, outside or tethered to me. As he started to squat I would pick him up immediately and bring him outside. When he went outside he got a treat and lots of praise. I don't have to treat him anymore. He did go in his crate a couple of times so I took any linens out of his crate. He keeps his crate clean now. Good luck. It is true that a puppy can't control his/her sphincter until about 6 months old but I would try getting your puppy crate trained. Feed the puppy in the crate too. They won't go where they eat and sleep.

Anonymous - 8/18/2011 10:44:27 PM

i think you should get like a wheel barrel and put in it sand and follow her all day and when you see her nearly going to be put her in the barrel full of sand then when she is old enough she will understand what you were trying to do and also she will be able to go out for walks . when the sand is full of poo and pee try to make her fall asleep and then refill it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous - 7/8/2011 8:45:07 PM

QUESTION: I want to adopt a Cocker Spaniel from a family who has kept him as an outside dog all his life. He isn't neutered and not housebroken. Any tips?

Anonymous - 7/3/2011 11:49:05 AM

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You can always teach an old dog new tricks! And, your cocker spaniel needs to be neutered right away to prevent more mistreated dogs.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 12:04:42 PM

QUESTION: Why does my cocker drag his butt and whine even after he's had his anal glands expressed?

Anonymous - 6/8/2011 5:26:19 PM

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You should see a vet.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 12:05:03 PM

QUESTION: We have a 3 yr old cocker. He is just great, but after he is clipped (every time) he has trouble pooping and his rear end seems very aggitated. I know there is something wrong because I find him under our bed whining. How can I find what is wrong with him?

Anonymous - 6/8/2011 5:21:53 PM

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yes could you please tell me why

Anonymous - 1/13/2012 10:09:16 AM

Take your cocker spaniel to a vet. But, make sure once he gets groomed never to laugh at him because he can sense it and feels uneasy about his new haircut. Always make a big deal about how great it looks because they are very sensitive.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 12:07:23 PM

QUESTION: We found a cocker. I'm sure her age but the mats are horrible and she cries when touched under the front legs. She also has a huge growth where her tear duct should be. A stain on the good eye and no stain on the eye with the growth. Anyone familuar with this?

Anonymous - 5/30/2011 9:14:55 PM

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Poor baby, your cocker needs some TLC. She needs to be examined by a vet. They can scan her to see if she is microchipped too. Is she injured, causing her pain when you touch her chest or front ? Or is it the awful mats, those could cause her a lot of grief. Maybe your vet or a local groomer can do a good deed and help you out. As for the eye , sounds like a cherry eye. A good examination needs to be in her very near future. Good luck, she will probably see you as her angel in disguise. Kathy

sospecial - 6/5/2011 1:41:25 AM

QUESTION: We found a cocker but can't tell how old she might be. She seems to be very sweet and smart! What are clues to her age?

Anonymous - 5/30/2011 9:08:46 PM

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Another way to tell the age of them are the back hips. Older female cockers have large hip balls that are prominent. The size of a softball is 6 yrs & up.

Anonymous - 7/8/2011 9:50:53 PM

Her teeth are probably going to be the easiest way to make an educated guess. Does your cocker have all her adult teeth, or are they scaly ? and checking to see if she has been spayed, as usually that is not done until they are a few months old at least. Also, if she is tatooed or microchipped, those # are keys to her past, as far as previous owners, date of birth, other registry #, a former vet or shelter, etc.

sospecial - 6/5/2011 1:35:59 AM

QUESTION: Ok, Here is the story. I wanted to get my kids a puppy since our family dog(black lab) of 10 years passed away two years ago. When it came time to decide what to get I wanted to get another lab but my husband stated that since we have moved homes and our yard is much smaller now, we need to look into a much smaller size dog. This is was really hard for me since I am a HUGE size dog lover. I talked with a few family memebers and that said they have had a cocker spaniels before and that they are great for kids. Sooooo I found papered cocker spaniel puppies and bought the male. He is so cute and he is great with my kids. The problem is that I am not a dog in the house type of person so I would like the cocker to be a outside dog only! I purchase a 5x10 kennel and dog house. He seems to do ok but the weather here in Utah has been rainy and cold(summer time) and our winters get pretty cold. Should I be worried and can cockers be a outside dog?

Anonymous - 5/30/2011 2:55:22 PM

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no one wants to seem harsh, but you have adopted the wrong dog for your lifestyle. For everyones sake, esp the dog's, find him a new home asap and then research with responsible breeders what dog is suitable and will fit in your life. Best of Luck!

Anonymous - 10/18/2011 1:15:00 PM

okay, I just had to add my 2 cents to this question. I have a 10 year old cocker, that I have had since he was 6 weeks old. I have never in my life seen a breed less suited to being an outside dog. My dog is no trouble at all, the easiest pet I have owned, but I am a homebody, and my dog is so content to be next to me. No judgements here, but you ought to get a dog more suited to your preferences, and get the cocker owners who want a constant companion. Hope this helps!

Anonymous - 9/1/2011 12:08:34 PM

Cockers really don't shed much and if you bought the cocker for the kids the best thing to do is teach the children how a dog is part of the family. He is not a gerbil. A cocker would be happy to sleep in a crate beside one of your kids beds but please don't leave the sweetie outside. Yes, you should be worried.

Anonymous - 8/18/2011 10:49:46 PM

please rehome this baby, i have had 4 cockers...the are family dogs not outdoor dogs, would you like to be isolated? cockers have feelings like you do, give the baby a good life with someone who really wants a companion

Anonymous - 8/14/2011 2:39:22 PM

QUESTION: I am thinking about getting a cocker spaniel. Is there any bad things about them?

Anonymous - 5/26/2011 7:19:31 AM

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My cocker is by far the best, smartest, easiest dog I have ever owned. I love him. His bad habits are barking a lot and becoming territorial. Both of those bad habits are due to the family. The barking is worse when he is not excersized properly and the territorial habits are from my kids treating the dog like a human. Dogs need to be treated like dogs, or they become more nervous. I don't think it is inherent to the breed, I think our dog is so adorable, the kids just melt when they are with him. I have more luck training the Cocker than the kids!

Anonymous - 9/1/2011 12:21:31 PM

No way, you will love the cocker spaniel breed they are so so so nice, smart, and sweet.

Anonymous - 6/7/2011 3:14:18 PM

If you are looking for Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale from reputable Cocker Spaniel breeders or to adopt a Cocker Spaniel from a Cocker Spaniel rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Cocker Spaniel puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Cocker Spaniel puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.