Cocker Spaniels Owners’ Guide – Health Problems, Traits & Nutrition
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With their soulful eyes, silky coats, and ever-wagging tails, Cocker Spaniels have a way of capturing hearts wherever they go. Originally bred as gundogs, these affectionate and lively companions have found their way into both countryside homes and city apartments alike.
Their cheerful, people-loving nature makes them a firm favourite among families, while their intelligence and enthusiasm mean they excel in activities like scent work, obedience, and even therapy roles. Whether you're strolling through the park or exploring rural fields, a Cocker Spaniel is happiest when they’re by your side.
Thinking about bringing a Cocker Spaniel into your life - or perhaps you already share your home with one? This Cocker Spaniel guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding their unique temperament to meeting their daily needs. Because keeping your Cocker healthy, happy, and full of tail wags is what it’s all about.
Table of contents
General Cocker Spaniel Facts
Average life expectancy
10 – 14 years
Average height
The average height between 34-40 centimetres
Average weight
Weight can range between 9-14 kilograms
Recognised coat colours
Coat colours include black, tan, silver, buff, red, brown, black, white, blue roan, red roan, brown roan, golden, sable and cream.
Energy levels
High
Temperament
Cocker spaniel's temperament is friendly, playful and affectionate
Most suited to
Active families with older children
Cocker Spaniel Vet Ratings
Adaptability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 very adaptable) - Cocker Spaniels are reasonably adaptable, particularly with gradual changes to their routine.
Friendliness/Social ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 very friendly) - Cocker Spaniels are sociable dogs and are good with other dogs and children.
Health and Grooming Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 relatively easy to groom but prone to some health issues) Although they are prone to a few health conditions, Cocker Spaniels are generally healthy dogs.
Trainability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 intelligent & easy to train)
Exercise Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 needs large amounts of exercise) Cocker Spaniels are very active and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
What were Cocker Spaniels bred for?
The history of the Cocker Spaniel stretches back to at least the 14th century, with its roots believed to lie in Spain - hence the name "Spaniel," derived from the French word "Espagnol". Originally bred as hunting dogs, early spaniels were prized for their energy, enthusiasm, and compact build, making them ideal for flushing out and retrieving game through dense undergrowth.
In the early days, all spaniels were grouped together without formal classification. However, as hunting needs evolved across different regions of Europe, so too did the types of spaniels. By the 17th century, breeds began to diverge based on size and function. Smaller pups, well-suited to working close to the ground and flushing out woodcock, became known as Cocker Spaniels. Larger pups were eventually recognised as Springer Spaniels, used for "springing" game into flight.
Formal breed classification came later, with the Kennel Club officially recognising the Cocker Spaniel in 1892, using weight to help distinguish them from their spaniel cousins. The Cocker Spaniel Club was formed in 1902 to promote breed standards and welfare, and the American Spaniel Club later recognised the English Cocker in 1946.
Cocker Spaniel Breed Information
Average Life of a Cocker Spaniel
The average lifespan of a Cocker Spaniel is 10 to 14 years, although many live 14 years or more with the right preventative care and nutrition.
Average Size, Height, And Weight of a Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel size varies depending on genetics and sex – males tend to be heavier and taller than females.
These charts can give you an approximate idea of the expected weight and height ranges for your puppy at key stages.
|
Puppy's age |
Male Cocker Spaniel weight (kg) |
Female Cocker Spaniel weight (kg) |
| 1 month | 0.4 -0.7 | 0.4 - 0.7 |
| 2 months | 0.7 - 1.5 | 0.6 - 1.4 |
| 3 months | 1.5 - 3 |
1.4 -2.8 |
| 4 months | 3 - 4.5 |
2.8 - 4.3 |
| 5 months | 4.5 - 6 |
4.3 - 5.8 |
| 6 months | 6 - 8 |
5.8 - 7 |
| 9 months | 10 - 12 |
7 - 10 |
| 1 year | 12 - 14 | 9 - 12 |
| Puppy's age | Male Cocker Spaniel height (cm) |
Female Cocker Spaniel height (cm) |
| 1 month |
6 - 8 |
5 - 7 |
| 2 months |
8 - 10 |
7 - 9 |
| 3 months |
10 - 14 |
9 - 13 |
| 4 months |
14 - 18 |
13 - 17 |
| 5 months |
18 - 22 |
17 - 20 |
| 6 months |
22 - 26 |
20 - 24 |
| 9 months |
28 - 35 |
26 - 33 |
| 1 year |
36 - 40 |
34 - 38 |
Weight is only a guideline when it comes to managing your Cocker Spaniel's waistline. One of the best tools for keeping an eye on them is the Body Condition Score by WSAVA.
Remember, always speak to your vet if you have concerns about your puppy’s weight or growth.
Types of Cocker Spaniel
The appearance and possible coat colours of Cocker Spaniels vary by type:
American Cocker Spaniel vs English Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniels appear to have a larger forehead, with skin folds over their brow and a large plume of fur! They’re also slightly longer and shorter than the English Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel has a softer, less chiselled facial structure, but both have pendulous ears and similar coats.
Working Cocker Spaniel vs Show Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniels appear to have a larger forehead, with skin folds over their brow and a large plume of fur! They’re also slightly longer and shorter than the English Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel has a softer, less chiselled facial structure, but both have pendulous ears and similar coats.
Popular Cocker Spaniel Cross Breeds
Some of the common cross-breeds are a Cocker Spaniel mixed with a Golden Retriever, Labrador, or Dachshund. However, the Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross), is also an incredibly popular crossbreed, gaining particular popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cocker Spaniel vs Springer Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels are relatively similar – they both have long dangly ears, they’re energetic, and they’re quite easy to train. They even look quite similar! However, Springer Spaniels are slightly larger and heavier, and it’s more common to see them in colour patterns like liver and white and black and white.
Grooming
Do Cocker Spaniel Dogs Shed?
Cocker Spaniels do shed, but not in huge amounts. Therefore, although they need regular grooming because their hair is long, they’re unlikely to get hair everywhere in your home.
Do Cocker Spaniels Moult?
Cocker Spaniels don’t go through a seasonal moult like some breeds, but they do shed hair.
Common Cocker Spaniels Health Concerns
Joint Problems
Cocker Spaniels can suffer from various joint conditions, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of Hip Dysplasia here. The Kennel Club also has a great resource on arthritis in dogs.
Eye Problems
Cocker Spaniels are prone to cataracts, where the lens of the eye becomes less see-through. They can also be born with or develop entropion, where their eyelids roll in and their eyelashes rub against the eye. Conjunctivitis is also relatively common in Cocker Spaniels. Find out more about common Cocker Spaniel eye problems here.
Lip Fold Dermatitis
Lip fold dermatitis is a smelly but also sore health condition caused when bacteria build up in the moist environment caused by saliva pooling in the lip folds. It can be frustrating to manage, and occasionally surgery is needed to change the shape of the lip. The PDSA website has excellent information about lip fold dermatitis.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patellar, or unstable kneecap, is a common condition among many small and medium breeds. It’s often painless but causes affected dogs to hop or skip occasionally on their hind legs. If you’re not sure whether your dog is affected, read more at Luxating Patella in Dogs and speak to your vet.
Cocker Spaniel Nutrition
Every dog needs a nutritionally complete and balanced diet that’s suitable for their age, breed, health, and lifestyle, and Cocker Spaniels are no different.
You can find more information about what to feed your Cocker Spaniel below, but if it’s quantity you’re not sure about, check out our ‘How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog?’ blog.
Nutrition For Cocker Spaniel Puppies
Cocker Spaniel puppies need lots of protein to help them grow and calories to give them energy. If you're looking for puppy food that will help your Cocker Spaniel puppy thrive, browse the options on our puppy meals page.
Nutrition For Cocker Spaniel Adults
Adult Cocker Spaniels should have good quality protein to maintain and repair their muscles, especially if they’re very active or working dogs. You can find recipes suited to Cocker Spaniels on our meals page.
Cocker Spaniel Supplements
Our Cocker Spaniel recipes contain L-theanine powder, which has a natural calming effect to reduce stress. They also contain sesame seed powder, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium (which are great for muscles, bones, and joints) as well as fibre to help digestion. The rosehip powder within our recipes is good for maintaining joint health, while the pumpkin powder reduces gut and anal gland issues.
Cocker Spaniel Summary
Cocker Spaniels make excellent, affectionate additions to the family. They’re fun and playful, but they can be prone to stress and boredom, particularly if they don’t get enough mental stimulation and exercise.
FAQs
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?
The Cocker Spaniel temperament is well-suited to an active household with older children.
When do Cocker Spaniels stop growing?
Cocker Spaniels tend to stop growing taller between 9 and 12 months, but they may fill out a little bit more until 18 months old.
Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but those that shed the least are most suitable for people with allergies. Since Cocker Spaniels do shed hair, they’re not a great choice as a hypoallergenic dog, whereas a Cockapoo sheds less hair due to the Poodle traits.
How much exercise does a Cocker Spaniel need?
Cocker Spaniels are very active, particularly Working Cocker Spaniels. They ideally need 45-60 minutes of exercise daily, but can cope with longer walks and runs.
Do Cocker Spaniels bark a lot?
Compared to other breeds, Cocker Spaniels aren’t particularly known for their barking.
Are Cocker Spaniels easy to train?
Cocker Spaniels are easy to train, hence their common use as working dogs.
Do Cocker Spaniels smell?
Cocker Spaniels may smell if their ears, teeth, skin, or lip folds become infected.
Are Cocker Spaniels aggressive?
The Cocker Spaniel temperament is generally good. However, a behaviour known as ‘Cocker rage’ has been occasionally described.
About the author
Dr. Hannah
Hannah Godfrey – BVetMed MRCVS
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas. February 2023 marked a big development in Hannah’s career, as she moved from permanent clinical veterinary work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local veterinary practices.
