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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.