Cocker Spaniel Breed description: Character & Co

Keeping and raising of the Cocker Spaniel

These behaviours, which they have been bred for from the beginning, does not make it easy to keep the Cocker Spaniel. This is due to its very strong urge to move. Daily walks of at least 2-3 hours are a necessity. But the dogs also enjoy dog sports, agility and retrieving games. Furthermore, they are well suited as companions when going for a run or cycling. Training these docile dogs can also be successful for beginners, as long as you are committed and consistent enough. Otherwise, the Cocker Spaniel can become quite obstinate and take its owner for a fool. Basically, however, they are very people-oriented and also suitable as family dogs. They are very sociable towards children and other dogs. However, one should consider their innate tendency for barking when keeping them in a flat or multi-family houses. Their care is limited to daily brushing and occasional (every 2-3 months) trimming at the groomers. The groomer cuts off excess hair on their back, underneath their ears and on their belly. Their diet is uncomplicated. The "English Cocker Spaniel" eats a lot and fast by nature and tends to put on excess weight easily. Therefore, the amount of food and especially treats should be kept under control.

If this has awakened your interest and made you want to buy an English Cocker Spaniel, it is best to decide for a puppy from a breeder. In Germany, there are a lot of breeders who are dedicated to breeding Cocker Spaniels. Here you should pay make sure it is part of a VHD club. This is an indication that it is a serious breeder. A Cocker Spaniel puppy costs about 1.000 Euros. But if you want to help dogs in need, visit your local shelter or one of the 'Cocker-in-Not' (Cockers in need) initiatives. Maybe the right animal is already waiting for you there. By the way, Spaniel breeding in Germany works together with Austria and Switzerland. Already more than 90 years ago a common breed registry was kept.

Race-specific diseases

The Cocker Spaniel is prone to suffering from ear problems due to its large, drooping ears. This can be prevented by cleaning them regularly. Furthermore, the breed also suffers from hereditary diseases.

• Ear compulsion: inflammation of the external auditory canal
• Lips eczema: red, weeping inflammation of the skin around the lips
• familial nephropathy: a kidney disease occurring in early adolescence. However, the responsible disease gene can be brought under control by correct breeding selection
• Cocker fever: epileptic nervous disease with a tendency to spontaneous aggressiveness (this genetic defect is relatively rare)
• Progressive retinal atrophy: This is a hereditary eye disease in which the retina of dogs slowly deteriorates, causing blindness in both eyes