Cocker Spaniel
About the Cocker Spaniel breed
Weight: Male and female 13 - 15 kg
Height: Male 39 - 41 cm, female 38 - 39 cm
Energy level: Medium
Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Tendency to drool: Small
Tendency to snore: Slight
Tendency to bark: Slight
Tendency to dig: Slight
Social Needs: High
Designed for: Hunting, tracking and retrieving or as a companion dog
Colours: Many different ones! Including: black, white, golden and black
Health concernsGenerally a healthy breed, but at risk of hip and eye problems. Allergies and skin issues are also common.
The Cocker Spaniel is a wonderful family dog that loves to work alongside its family. They enjoy learning new things, are often friendly and have plenty of energy. Cocker Spaniels are well-suited to many dog sports such as agility and trailing. The breed generally gets along well with other dogs.
Cocker Spaniel coat care
The Cocker Spaniel has a silky coat. This type of coat requires some care and needs to be trimmed roughly every two months. The coat needs to be brushed and combed several times a week. Regular bathing and blow-drying will help with coat care.
Nail clipping trimming
Of course, your dog's nails need looking after! They should be clipped as needed, but we recommend not waiting too long. Clipping them about once a month might be enough. It's better to clip a little and often than a lot and rarely. You'll need to get your dog used to having its nails clipped from an early age. In the nail clipping course in the Lassie app, we share our best tips on how to clip your dog's nails!
Skin conditions
With a Cocker Spaniel, you need to be aware that they are at risk of developing skin conditions like allergies. Just like us, dogs can be allergic to something in their environment or their food. Learn more about different types of allergies and their symptoms in our app course.ith a Cocker Spaniel you need to be aware that there is a risk of them suffering from skin problems such as allergies. Just like us humans, dogs can be allergic to something in their environment as well as something in their food. Learn more about the different types of allergies and what the symptoms in our app course.
Socialising your dog
Remember to socialise your dog. We recommend starting environmental training at an early age. Let your dog experience the sounds and places they'll encounter as an adult. Learn more about socialising and environmental training in the Lassie app course.
Dental care
Taking care of your dog's dental health is important, especially if you have a Cocker Spaniel. Regular tooth brushing is essential for good oral health. Getting your dog comfortable with brushing its teeth takes practice and patience.
Lumps on dogs
Especially as your dog gets older, there's an increased risk of lumps, also known as neoplasms. A lump doesn't necessarily mean your dog has cancer; there are both benign and malignant lumps. It's important to detect malignant lumps early, as the chances of recovery are often better. So, get into the habit of feeling your dog all over regularly. You can learn more about how to check your dog and the different types of lumps they can develop in our app.
Lameness
It's also good to know that Cocker Spaniels are at risk of lameness. You can learn more about the different types of lameness and what to do if your dog is lame in the general lameness course in the Lassie app.
