Mary Allen
The English Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club in 1892. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, education, and care of the dog breed English Cocker Spaniel in the profile.
Pictures, engravings, and traditions have described these dogs as companions of hunters for several centuries. The modern Cocker Spaniel is primarily the result of breeding in England.
General Appearance
The English Cocker Spaniel always looks happy, is medium-sized, robust, and athletic. His build is balanced and compact: a healthy Cocker measures about the same from withers to ground as from withers to the base of the tail. Its fur is smooth, shiny, and extremely silky. English Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of colors, with solid dogs not allowing white except on the chest, according to the breed standard. The special feature of this dog is its low set and long-hanging ears.
Behavior and temperament
Aesthetics, elegance, and grace are combined in the Cocker with contagious happiness and exuberant temperament. The result is a mischievous bundle of energy that few can resist. Its handy size, friendly, open-minded nature, attachment, and loyalty make it a wonderful family dog. But this extremely lovable housemate – and one must never forget this – also belongs to a hunting dog breed and is certainly not a boring couch potato. This breed needs ample daily exercise to keep them mentally and physically fit. Cockers can also become very stubborn if they don’t like something.
Need for employment and physical activity
The active hunting dog needs at least one to two hours of intense exercise a day. Cockers particularly like to rummage around in the undergrowth, but they can also be enthusiastic about fetch games or swimming. And even if you don’t see it at first glance: You can definitely take a Cocker jogging with you. You should too because he is considered gluttonous and can quickly become fat.
Upbringing
The top priority in Cocker education is “consistency”. The smart fellow immediately recognizes half-hearted attempts and makes you stubborn. Consistency does not mean, however, that humans should brutally assert themselves, rather they should also stick to the rules once they have been set so that the dog can also take them seriously. Basically, however, the Cocker is an intelligent dog who is willing to learn and who is loyal to its owner.
Maintenance
Maintenance is very complex and time-consuming. The dog should be brushed daily, but at least every other day. Especially after the walks, you should examine the fur, because burrs, pieces of wood, but also vermin can get caught in it. Hair on the ear canal and paws must be trimmed regularly. The ears should also be checked and cleaned once a week.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
The animals are occasionally affected by the so-called “cocker rage” (which other breeds can also have). This is a type of aggressive tantrum followed by exhaustion that is believed to be genetic and inherited. For a long time, it was assumed that red cockers in particular were affected, but in fact, the color is not decisive. These dogs are also prone to diseases of the inner ear. There is also a predisposition to a genetic disease of the kidneys (FN).
Did you know?
The English Queen not only loves her almost famous Corgis. A few years ago, an English Cocker Spaniel also conquered her heart. In the meantime, four more Cockers were allowed to move in with the Queen.