English Cocker Spaniel
Also called: Cocker, Working Cocker
A small, merry, tireless flushing spaniel that works thick cover for woodcock and grouse and is easy to carry and keep.
- Type
- Flushing Spaniels
- Hunts
- Upland birds
- Weight
- 26 to 34 pounds
- Height
- 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder
- Lifespan
- 12 to 14 years
- Coat
- Silky medium-length coat in many colors, often roan
- Energy
- High energy
- Cold and water
- Fair. The coat is silky but not heavy, and the dog is small.
What it is best at
- Flushing woodcock, grouse, and pheasants in thick cover.
- Hunters who want a smaller, easy-to-handle dog.
- A family dog that is happy to hunt.
Temperament
- Cheerful, affectionate, and eager to please.
- Energetic and busy.
- Sensitive to harsh correction.
Things to know before you get one
- Ear infections and coat tangles need regular care.
- Working and show lines differ a lot.
- Needs more exercise than its size suggests.
Training and exercise
Cockers respond well to gentle, positive training. Teach quartering, steady sits, and soft retrieves. Their size makes them easy to handle, and they thrive on short, fun sessions and plenty of bird contact.
Common health concerns
- Ear infections and eye problems.
- Hip dysplasia and some inherited conditions.
- Allergies and skin problems.
Ask breeders for health testing records, and talk to a veterinarian about screening, vaccines, and tick and heartworm prevention.
Often compared with
- English Springer Spaniel: larger, and works a bit more widely.
- Boykin Spaniel: similar size with a solid brown coat and a turkey and dove tradition.
Field notes
Do not confuse the English Cocker with the American Cocker, which is usually a show and companion breed. The English Cocker is the hunting type in most of the field.
Related guides
This is a general breed profile, not veterinary or training advice. Dogs vary individually, so meet the parents and talk to experienced owners before you choose. Rules about hunting with dogs, releasing dogs on public land, and dog training seasons differ by state; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.