English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel dog

Merry British sporting dog bred to flush and retrieve game in dense cover.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Medium 26 - 34 lbs 15 - 17 inches 12 - 14 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a English Cocker Spaniel? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a English Cocker Spaniel? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed tends to need plenty of regular physical activity.

The English Cocker Spaniel developed from Britain's centuries-old tradition of sporting spaniels. Before modern breeds were formally separated, spaniels were often classified according to size and the type of work they performed. Smaller land spaniels became particularly useful for hunting Eurasian woodcock in thick cover, giving rise to the name "cocker." Larger dogs from the same general spaniel families could be used to spring other game, and dogs later classified as Cockers and Springers could once be born in the same litter. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, organized breeding and dog shows gradually established the Cocker as a distinct breed. A dog named Obo, born in 1879, became highly influential in early Cocker breeding. As the breed developed on opposite sides of the Atlantic, American breeders increasingly selected for a different head, coat, and overall appearance. The differences eventually became significant enough that the English type and American Cocker were formally separated. In the United States, the English Cocker Spaniel received separate recognition in 1946. The breed retains its traditional sporting abilities today, with working English Cockers still widely used for flushing and retrieving game alongside show and companion lines.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The English Cocker Spaniel tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The English Cocker Spaniel generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The English Cocker Spaniel is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The English Cocker Spaniel tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The English Cocker Spaniel is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The English Cocker Spaniel generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The English Cocker Spaniel generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The English Cocker Spaniel is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The English Cocker Spaniel generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.