Cocker Spaniel breed guide

The cocker spaniel is a dog breed beloved by pet parents in the UK and beyond, thanks to their affectionate nature and appreciation of adventure!

Read our guide to find out more about the cheerful cocker spaniel breed…

Cocker spaniel breed history

Originating in Spain, it’s believed spaniels were brought to the UK by the Romans. Though records suggest spaniels had certainly made their way to the UK by the 1300s, because they appear in works by famous writer and poet, Geoffrey Chaucer.

Before the 1800s, there weren’t distinct cocker spaniel and springer spaniel breeds – instead, they were known as the ‘land spaniel’, whose role was to drive game towards the hunter.

From the 1890s, however, the cocker spaniel and springer spaniel were recognised as different breeds. Cocker spaniels were bred to be small enough flush game (like the Eurasian woodcock), though swiftly captured the hearts of the nation as loyal companions and family-friendly dogs, too.

Today, the cocker spaniel enjoys a versatile range of roles, as family dogs, sporting dogs, and even medical detection dogs!  

Common characteristics of the cocker spaniel breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for cocker spaniels, and since each dog is a unique individual, your cocker spaniel’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a cocker spaniel

Most cocker spaniels reach a height of up to 36-41cm at the shoulder, with females sometimes measuring as slightly smaller than males.

Average weight for a cocker spaniel

Sources suggest the majority of cocker spaniels weigh approximately 12-15kg.

Average lifespan for a cocker spaniel

On average, cocker spaniels tend to live for around 12-15 years.

Typical cocker spaniel appearance

With a long, silky coat and those trademark fluffy ears, cocker spaniels are as gorgeous as they are friendly!

The cocker spaniel has a square-shaped muzzle with a wide nose that’s ‘pawfect’ for scent work. Their big, beautiful eyes are ideal for persuading you to share your snacks with them, and their chiselled facial features give the cocker spaniel a naturally cheerful expression.

A compact body connects to the cocker spaniel’s sturdy legs. As for the cocker spaniel’s paws, they tend to be fairly large compared to their body size – yet they benefit from thick padding, to protect them on all their adventures.

Set slightly lower than the line of their back, the cocker spaniel’s tail is slightly curved, covered in feather-like hair, and almost always wagging!

There are many different coat colours seen in the cocker spaniel breed, including:

• Black.
• Black and tan (pale brown).
• Black and white.
• Black, white, and tan.
• Red (orange-brown).
• Golden.
• Chocolate.
• Chocolate and tan.
• Chocolate and white.
• Chocolate, white, and tan.
• Lemon (a pale, sandy colour) and white.
• Chocolate roan (mottled white over a base coat colour).
• Chocolate roan and tan.
• Blue (pale grey) roan.
• Blue roan and tan.
• Lemon roan.
• Orange roan.

Please note: A cocker spaniel’s coat needs to be groomed several times a week, to prevent their hair from becoming matted. 

Typical cocker spaniel temperament

Fun-loving and friendly, the cocker spaniel is happiest when part of a family. Cocker spaniels love joining the whole family on adventures – like visiting the beach, enjoying dog-friendly holidays, and exploring new places.

In fact, cocker spaniels dislike being on their own, so they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for more than a couple of hours.

Although they’re small-sized dogs, cocker spaniels are part of the ‘gundog’ group. Owing to their history as working dogs, cocker spaniels have boundless energy, meaning they’re fantastic at sports, like agility, or scent work that engages all their senses.

Due to being high-energy dogs, cocker spaniels need a minimum of one hour of exercise each day, which can be spread out across several shorter walks for added enrichment.

Additionally, since they’re so intelligent, cocker spaniels benefit from plenty of mental stimulation – for instance, they relish the chance to play puzzle games, and they adore learning new skills!

Cocker spaniel health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and cocker spaniels are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the cocker spaniel:

• Eye problems (e.g. glaucoma).
• Ear infections.
• Hip dysplasia.

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your cocker spaniel may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide about insuring your cocker spaniel.

Fun facts about cocker spaniels

Fact 1 – ‘Lady’, a main character in the classic Disney film Lady and the Tramp, was a cocker spaniel!

Fact 2 – Despite their similarities, the cocker spaniel we’re familiar with in the UK is considered a different breed to the American cocker spaniel.

Fact 3 – Cocker spaniels are popular with lots of celebrities, including Elton John and George Clooney.

Fact 4 – Due to being so friendly, cocker spaniels aren’t good guard dogs!

Fact 5 – A cocker spaniel named Tangle was the first dog trained in cancer-detection, and she had a success rate of 80% accuracy.