English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is an inquisitive and lively dog with a lively temperament. Pets of this breed are very sociable and friendly. With other pets getting along well, the exception is birds. On them, the spaniel has a hunting instinct.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The breed originated in England and descended from Spanish dogs imported in the fourteenth century. It was popular among the kings. In those days, spaniels were actively taken to hunt woodcocks and other birds. Parallel to the English, the American Cocker Spaniel breed developed. In general, these two dogs are almost identical; the first is only larger. International organizations divided the breeds into two separate ones in 1930.

In Britain, the Cocker was officially recognized in 1879, the same year the first spaniel standard appeared. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale adopted the breed standard almost a hundred years later, in 1974.

Appearance

The English Cocker Spaniel is a sturdy dog with a compact, well-proportioned body. The pet’s neck is short and muscular. The head is moderately short, with a square muzzle. The ears are floppy, long, oval. The eyes are brown, not bulging.

The dog has a wide, moderately deep chest. The back is straight; the croup is massive, short. The spaniel’s limbs are straight, strong, with round paws. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to the end, medium length. It is usually trimmed. The coat is soft, wavy, with combs. The color is varied: it can be monochromatic from golden to black or spotty or mottled.

Character

The English Cocker Spaniel is an inquisitive and lively dog with a lively temperament. Pets of this breed are very sociable and friendly. With other pets getting along well, the exception is birds. On them, the spaniel has a hunting instinct.

Four-legged dogs are very positive and cheerful and require a lot of human attention. Its lack can badly affect the mood and psyche of the dog. Treat children especially affectionately, love to spend time with them, and play a lot. Loyal to their owners, and obey them without question. Treat strangers guardedly but without aggression. Cocker Spaniels do not have special guarding qualities.

Care

With regular walks, the dog can be kept in the apartment. An energetic pet needs to be walked twice a day, at least two hours in total. Therefore, to give the spaniel more freedom and space, it will be more comfortable to live in a country house with a large plot.

As for the dog’s long hair, it should be combed out every day. Shampooing the dog often is undesirable. Also, don’t forget to take care of the spaniel’s long ears and clean them in time. Give your dog a proper haircut at least once every six months.

Training

English Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent and obedient dog that is easy to train. It is not necessary to repeat commands; the dog catches everything on the fly. Training should not be boring. The best form of training should be playful to interest the dog. There is no point in pressuring the dog; in this case, he will lose interest and stubbornness.

A spaniel must feel the authority of its owner. You can’t be too soft with him, but you shouldn’t yell or show rudeness either. There should be a balance in this matter. A puppy needs early socialization so he can feel the subordination and be adapted to society.

Common Diseases

English Cocker Spaniels do not have the strongest health. Members of this breed are prone to many diseases, such as:

• hip dysplasia;
• eye problems;
• otitis media;
• urolithiasis;
• renal failure;
• congenital deafness;
• dilated cardiomyopathy.

Ophthalmic diseases include cataracts, retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. The pet’s ears are floppy and easily clogged. Clean them to avoid infectious diseases such as otitis media. If acute ailments are detected, do not delay treatment and see a veterinarian.

Nutrition

Active and active English Cocker Spaniels require a balanced diet, the basis of which should be meat, lamb, beef, and poultry are suitable. The norm will be 50 grams per kilogram of weight of the pet. Not superfluous will also be cereals, dairy products, fish, vegetables, and fruits. After all, it is not only tasty but also good for health. But do not give them to your dog too often to avoid problems with digestion.

Potatoes, legumes, pasta, sausage, broccoli, tomato sauce, and bones are categorically not recommended for diet inclusion. The spaniel has an excellent appetite and is prone to obesity. Try not to overfeed your dog.