This next dog breed in our series, “What Dog Breed Is Best For Me?” is a cheerful and active dog and makes a companionable family pet.

Cocker Spaniel - Companionable Working Dog

Two popular types of Cocker Spaniel are the English Cocker Spaniel and its closely related cousin, the American Cocker Spaniel.

Although there are some differences in size and coat length (the American Cocker Spaniel is slightly shorter in height and requires more grooming because of a longer coat) both types of Cocker Spaniel are very popular because of their congenial nature and companionability.

The Cocker’s pretty coat needs a high degree of grooming - daily brushing is recommended to reduce matting - and comes in a variety of colors including black, red, tan, brown, cream, and mixtures of colors with white.

The Cocker Spaniel is an active, intelligent, and energetic “working” dog that needs daily exercise - otherwise it has a tendency to become overweight. And high energy dogs that don’t have exercise can develop dog behavior problems such as aggression.

The Cocker Spaniel is at home in the wide open spaces of the countryside but can easily adapt to smaller living accommodations such as an apartment or condo provided it is exercised regularly to burn off its excess energy.

Cocker Spaniel Behavior Training

The Cocker Spaniel is intelligent, likes to please its owner, is highly trainable (although easily distracted), and responds well to positive Cocker Spaniel Training.

The Cocker is a social dog which needs company. It will develop dog behavior problems if left alone and is not suitable for a working or busy family that is away all day.

Early socialization and Cocker Spaniel Training is necessary to prevent “guarding” behavior. Other dog behavior problems can include food stealing and urinating when excited or afraid.

The Cocker is a playful dog breed, gets along well with people, strangers, as well as other dogs and cats in the household. It especially enjoys being part of the family and included in activities.

The Cocker Spaniel’s life span averages 13 years and it is prone to a number of potential health conditions including eye problems (cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy which can lead to blindness), deafness, hip malformation, skin diseases, and kidney disease.

It’s important to buy from a reputable breeder to ensure good temperament and reduce potential health problems.

Good natured temperament, playfulness, and easy trainability are a plus. Potential health problems and high grooming demands could be a minus.

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