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The Cocker Spaniel
is a relatively small, compact dog, with a height of
approximately: dogs: 39-41 cms
(15 ½ -16 ins);
bitches: 38-39 cms (15-15 ½ ins) and weight approximately: 13-14.5 kgs
(28-32 lbs). The Cocker is classed as a medium sized dog. The average life span of a well cared for & healthy Cocker is approximately 10 - 12 years although there are many dogs who live to fifteen plus. The Cocker was originally developed from its larger cousin the Field Spaniel. Cockers were bred to flush out birds from under bushes & hedgerows etc. There are 26 coat colours (base colours and base colours with tan points) recognised in cocker spaniels including lemon and lemon roan, although the lemon colours are rare. To see pictures of each of the colours please visit this page! Cocker Spaniels make brilliant family pets due to their wonderful temperament. The Cocker's reputation goes before him as a friendly, happy & well-mannered dog. They are easy to train (with patience & consistency), eager to please & make devoted companions. A Cocker likes to be with the family & will follow you from room to room, if allowed. Cocker's are merry & happy dogs, they are happy to work & happy to play. The Cocker Spaniel is a gundog, & he will enjoy (given the opportunity!) many happy hours investigating interesting smells & looking for the opportunity to flush out wildlife from the surrounding countryside. Equally, a Cocker is at home on his master's lap or in front of the fire. Most Cockers (although not all) like water & relish the occasional swim. Cockers are adaptable dogs & can be easily trained to retrieve as well as flush. For full details of the Breed Standard please go the UK Kennel Club site via this link. Cocker Spaniels are a popular breed, however, this popularity can create problems. Unfortunately far too many cocker's are being bred simply for profit, so it is wise to seek out a responsible breeder with a track record of commitment to Cockers, whether it be a show or working type. |
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There are a number of
diseases seen in the breed such as the eye diseases
progressive retinal atrophy
(PRA), glaucoma & the fatal kidney disease
familial nephropathy (FN).
Responsible breeders are helping to eradicate these diseases by testing their dogs before breeding from them using the BVA/KC health schemes & more recently the OptiGen prcd-PRA DNA test and the OptiGen and Antagene DNA test for FN. DNA testing should be undertaken on all animals used for breeding (unless the animal is genetically free of both diseases via it's parentage). Traditionally the cocker has not been known to be a breed particularly affected with hip-dysplasia, however as very few dogs have been tested (scored) it is not a foregone conclusion that the breed does not have hip-dysplasia. Some of the test results from scored dogs are above the BMS (Breed Mean Score) and therefore conscientious breeders will screen their dogs by X-Ray's being submitted to the BVA (British Veterinary Association) for scoring. The maximum score for any dog is 106, this equates to a score of 53 for each hip. The current BMS for cocker spaniels is 14 (total of both hips) There are also other diseases/conditions that occur in cocker spaniels that are not breed specific i.e. they occur in other breeds including crossbreeds/mongrels. Please see the Other Health Issues page for more details. |
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The Cocker Spaniel
has a long & silky coat. The Cocker coat, if not clipped will require
regular & thorough grooming in order to prevent matting & to keep the
dog comfortable. A well-trimmed Cocker is a pleasure to behold, however
it does take time (lots of time!).
New owners should take time to familiarise themselves with the coat care of a Cocker (your breeder should be a good source of information, they will perhaps be willing to advise you or in some cases they will trim dogs for a living). If you wish to have your Cocker professionally trimmed, find a grooming parlour who knows about Cocker Spaniels. The average Cocker will require clipping on a six to eight week basis or if hand stripped, the coat will need attention more frequently. |
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If after a lot of thought
you have decided that the Cocker is the breed for you, the next step is to
find a
reputable breeder. Contact
breed clubs or go along to a Championship Show in your area, where you
can assess breed type & talk to breeders. Remember that many good breeders
have no need to advertise, they have extensive waiting lists.
Although it can be hard to wait for a puppy, you should consider waiting.
Do not rush out and buy a puppy without doing your homework! Once you have chosen your breeder, ensure that both sire & dam have eye certificates and are DNA tested for PRA and FN (or are genetically clear by parentage) to ensure that they are free of hereditary problems. Ask about temperament, as this is essential in the Cocker. Make sure you see the dam with her pups & don't be afraid to ask questions. |
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Unlike other breeds
there is very little in temperament etc. to choose between a dog and a
bitch. Bitches are quieter, & can be easier to house train but they do
have seasons approximately every six to ten months. During a season, you
will need to keep your bitch away from male dogs for approximately three
weeks & possibly alter your normal exercise routine in order to keep
interested dogs away from your home. A bitch in season will also have a
bloody discharge, which although normally slight, can stain furniture
etc.
Dogs grow slightly larger than bitches & can be a bit stronger, however dogs generally are more loving & faithful than bitches but they can take a little longer to house train & at around the time of puberty can get a bit full of their own importance & need slightly firmer handling. |
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A Cocker puppy
should not be over exercised; in fact, when you first acquire
your pup the exercise he gets from playing with you & his visits to the
garden for toileting will be adequate. From six months, your puppy can
have twenty minutes free running & half an hour walking on the lead
daily. From about 8 months of age (or when he's stopped growing),
you can start to build up the exercise and as an adult he will enjoy as
much exercise as you are able to give him.
All dogs require training to a greater or lesser degree. This depends on what you expect from your pet. As a family pet, lead training, toilet training & basic obedience is necessary. This will ensure the animal has a happy co-existence with the family & will behave in a manner acceptable to members of the public who meet him. Training is best started as soon as the puppy has completed his primary vaccinations i.e. at around the age of 12 weeks. |
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If you feel you would like to give a good home to a rescue dog please contact your local Rescue Officer, details can be obtained from The Cocker Club. Many dogs require re-homing due to many different reasons, death of the owner, break-up of marriage, moving abroad etc. |
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2008.