Discover Everything About Cocker Spaniel
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Cocker Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The English Cocker Spaniel carries an above-average genetic burden with six relevant mandatory health tests. Serious conditions such as the fatal Familial Nephropathy (FN) and the late-onset neurological disorder Adult Onset Neuropathy (AON) can be effectively ruled out thanks to genetic testing, but these require a close look at the parent dogs. Additionally, hip dysplasia (HD) remains a risk factor that demands careful breeding selection.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
38–41 cm
Weight
13–15 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium length, smooth or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- Variety of black
- liver/chocolate
- red
- golden
- more
- also in bicolor or tricolor
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Cocker Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Cocker Spaniel right for you?
The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, tirelessly tail-wagging Stöberhund (flushing dog)—bred to track game in dense thickets and work closely with humans.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily scent work or dummy training—a true Stöberhund will wither away if limited to simple walks on a short leash.
- You are looking for an extremely people-oriented, affectionate companion who prefers to be by your side at all times.
- You don't mind intensive grooming or the fact that he will bring leaves and mud into the house after every walk in the woods.
- You enjoy being outdoors in any weather and will give him the chance to properly burn off energy in nature.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to stay relaxed on the paths in the woods—he was bred specifically to search the dense undergrowth for tracks.
- You have to leave him alone for many hours a day, as he is prone to separation anxiety and frustrated barking.
- You cannot resist his heart-melting gaze—he will charmingly but ruthlessly take advantage of inconsistent leadership.
The real vibes check
A Cocker Spaniel seems to wag its tail non-stop, but as soon as he catches a scent in the bushes, the happy clown turns into a highly focused hunter. You aren't getting a pure couch potato, but a passionate nature lover in a silky coat. If you channel his work ethic in the right direction, you will have the most loyal shadow you could ever wish for.
Breed Profile
The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with an elegant, harmonious physique. His expressive eyes, which vary in color from hazelnut brown to dark brown, radiate a special warmth and friendliness. With his long, silky ears and happily wagging tail, he adds a special liveliness to every room he enters. A distinctive feature of this breed is its thick, silky coat, which comes in a variety of colors including solid (black, liver/chocolate), bicolor (black and white, liver and white), and tricolor (black, white and tan, liver, white and tan). Some also have a so-called "roan" Pattern, which is a fine mix of colored and white hairs. The coat requires regular care to stay in good condition. The English Cocker Spaniel belongs to FCI Group 8, the group of retrieving, searching and water dogs. There are two distinct lines in this breed: the show line and the working/field line. The show line is more commonly kept as pets, while the working line has retained its hunting skills and is typically more active and athletic.
| Height | 38 - 39 cm (Female), 39 - 41 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 13 - 15 kg (Female), 13 - 15 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Lively, friendly, intelligent |
| Coat | Medium length, smooth or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Variety of black, liver/chocolate, red, golden and more, also in bicolor or tricolor |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the English Cocker Spaniel dates back to the 19th century in Great Britain, where it was originally bred as a bird hunting dog. His name "Cocker" comes from the woodcock (“woodcock” in English), a bird that these dogs particularly enjoyed hunting. Originally, all spaniels were considered a single breed. The distinction between the different spaniel breeds as we know them today began in the 19th century. The breeding goal was a dog that could retrieve both in water and on land and was small enough to crawl into thick undergrowth. The English Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed in 1893. In the decades that followed, the breed's popularity grew steadily, both as a working dog and as a show dog and family companion. Today, the English Cocker Spaniel is popular in many countries around the globe and is valued for its versatility, intelligence and friendly nature.
The English Cocker Spaniel was originally used for hunting birds and retrieving game.
Great Britain
1800
Character & Temperament
English Cocker Spaniels are known for their extreme friendliness and cheerfulness. Their strong focus on people and their need to please their people make them great family companions. They love the company of people and are usually very tolerant and patient with children. But as with any breed, it's important to teach children how to treat dogs with respect and to always monitor interactions. English Cocker Spaniels are very busy with both their noses and their paws. They love to sniff and browse, and they can display amazing speed and agility when they do so. They are also known for their love of fetch - whether it's a ball, a toy, or a stick. Their original purpose as hunting dogs has meant that English Cocker Spaniels can have strong prey-catching behavior. Even if they grow up in a non-hunting environment, this instinct can still shine through. It is important to exercise them mentally and physically to meet this need. However, with proper guidance and training, they can learn to direct their energy and focus toward appropriate activities. English Cocker Spaniels tend to be quite adaptable and can live well in both an apartment in the city or a house in the country as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Although they can enjoy spending time outside in nature, they are definitely dogs that want to live indoors, close to their people. Despite their general love of people and friendliness, English Cocker Spaniels can also display a certain level of alertness. They are likely to bark if they hear someone at the door or an unusual noise. However, they are generally not overly vigilant or protective dogs and should not be kept as guard dogs. English Cocker Spaniels are energetic, active dogs that need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They love walks, games and the opportunity to run and play. Although they are active dogs, they can also enjoy quiet moments and are usually content to snuggle up to their humans after a day of activities. They are intelligent dogs and learn quickly, meaning they can enjoy a variety of activities and games. They love learning new things and taking on challenges, and they can excel in a variety of dog sports, such as agility, obedience or flyball. Regarding staying alone, this is a skill that English Cocker Spaniels can learn, but they should not be left alone for long periods of time. They are dogs that enjoy and need human company, and they are happier when they can spend time with their people. It's important to teach them as puppies that it's okay to be alone to prevent possible separation anxiety.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the English Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to hunt woodcock? This is where their name “Cocker” comes from. from the Old English word "Woodcock", meaning woodcock. Today, however, they are much more than just hunting dogs and have become popular family companion dogs.
What Awaits You
Today the English Cocker Spaniel is often only kept as a family dog. Even though he is highly trainable, his hunting motivation should not be underestimated.
Housing & Care
English Cocker Spaniels are very adaptable and can live well in both the city and the country as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are very people-oriented and generally get along well with children. However, as with any dog, they should always be supervised when around small children. They can also get along well with other pets as long as they are used to it from an early age.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The English Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent, trainable dog that likes to be challenged. He requires consistent but loving training and benefits from a positive, reward-based training method. They love learning new tricks and can participate in a variety of dog sports such as agility, obedience or flyball. It is important to keep them mentally and physically busy without overwhelming them. It is particularly important to begin impulse control training early, as English Cocker Spaniels can have strong prey-catching motivation. Training should be done in a playful way so as not to overwhelm the dog. The right balance between activity and rest periods is essential to raising a balanced dog. Another point to consider is an English Cocker Spaniel's potential to be a "ball junkie." to become. They love chasing balls and without proper guidance this can become an obsession. It is important to keep the game with the ball controlled and also to offer other forms of activity.
Nutrition & Care
Proper nutrition is crucial to an English Cocker Spaniel's health and well-being. Since they tend to be overweight, it is important to eat a balanced diet and monitor weight regularly. Fresh, high-quality food is always the best choice, and the amount should be tailored to the dog's activity level, age and health. Grooming an English Cocker Spaniel requires regular attention as their long, silky coat is prone to matting. They should be brushed thoroughly at least once a week to keep their coat clean and tangle-free. Their ears also need regular care as they are prone to infections. Trimming the hair around the ears can help keep them clean and healthy. English Cocker Spaniels have a thick undercoat that protects them from the elements. They therefore cope well with the climate in Germany. However, they shed quite heavily, especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn, which requires increased care.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The English Cocker Spaniel carries an above-average genetic burden with six relevant mandatory health tests. Serious conditions such as the fatal Familial Nephropathy (FN) and the late-onset neurological disorder Adult Onset Neuropathy (AON) can be effectively ruled out thanks to genetic testing, but these require a close look at the parent dogs. Additionally, hip dysplasia (HD) remains a risk factor that demands careful breeding selection.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check his long, floppy ears and keep them dry, as well as ensure he is raised in a way that is gentle on his joints to prevent inflammation and future problems.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' eyes, kidneys, nerves, and hips tested and pay attention to ear size to reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Cocker Spaniel
Sabine M., Halterin aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Hündin, 1980er/1990er Jahre)
Wer einmal einen Cocker hatte, kennt ihn: diesen weltberühmten, treuherzigen 'Cocker-Blick' aus großen, dunklen Augen. Meine Blauschimmel-Hündin Jessica war eine absolute Meisterin darin, diesen Blick einzusetzen. Sie konnte damit Steine erweichen – besonders dann, wenn sie mal wieder Blödsinn ausgeheckt hatte oder mich davon überzeugen wollte, dass das Schinkenbrot auf magische Weise ganz von alleine vom Tisch gefallen sein muss.
Man darf sich von diesem unschuldigen Aussehen aber nicht täuschen lassen. Der Cocker ist und bleibt im Herzen ein leidenschaftlicher Jagd- und Stöberhund. Diese Erfahrung musste ich recht schnell machen, als Jessica bei einem Spaziergang kurzen Prozess mit einem Wildkaninchen machte. Ihr Instinkt, mit tiefer Nase das Gelände abzusuchen, ist extrem ausgeprägt. Wer sich diese Rasse anschafft, sollte sich darüber im Klaren sein, dass man einen waschechten Arbeitshund an seiner Seite hat, der eine Aufgabe braucht.
Birgit S., Halterin aus Bayern (Hündin, seit 2010)
Meine Cockerhündin ist eine absolute Wasserratte und im Sommer kaum aus dem kühlen Nass herauszubekommen. Wir machen täglich lange, abwechslungsreiche Spaziergänge und lasten sie viel mit Suchspielen und Fährtenarbeit aus. Ich merke einfach, wie glücklich sie ist, wenn sie ihre Nase einsetzen darf. Durch diese konsequente Beschäftigung haben wir auch ihren Jagdtrieb super im Griff – sie jagt nicht unkontrolliert und kann eigentlich fast überall ohne Leine laufen.
Ein wichtiges Thema bei der Rasse sind die Schlappohren, über die man im Vorfeld viel Schlechtes hört. Wir hatten glücklicherweise noch nie Probleme mit Ohrenentzündungen. Mein Geheimnis ist einfach eine gute Pflege: Ich halte das Fell an der Innenseite der Ohren immer sehr kurz, damit genug Luft an den Gehörgang kommt. Außerdem trocken ich ihre Ohren nach jedem Schwimmen gründlich ab. Wer hier am Ball bleibt, erspart dem Hund viel Ärger.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Cocker Spaniel
Is a Cocker Spaniel the right dog for me?
The Cocker Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Cocker Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a Cocker Spaniel is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Cocker Spaniel need?
Cocker Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Cocker Spaniel good for families with children?
The Cocker Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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