The English Cocker Spaniel, with its typical large floppy ears and compact, balanced build, is a very happy and friendly animal. It is not without reason that this hunting dog is one of the most popular dog breeds. Its eagerness to learn and undemanding nature also make it suitable for beginners and as a family dog.
Content: English Cocker Spaniel
- profile
- Special features
- Nutrition
- Health and care
- The right accessories
- Origin & History
- Conclusion
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English Cocker Spaniel - Profile
- Character: cheerful, robust, sporty, gentle and affectionate, fearless
- Size: Medium
- Height: approx. 38-41 cm
- Weight: 13-15 kg
- Life expectancy: approx. 12-15 years
- Coat type: Long hair, smooth and silky, never wiry, wavy or curly
- Colors: black, red, golden, chocolate brown, black with tan, red with tan, no white except for spot on chest
- FCI Group: Flushing, Retriever and Water Dogs
English Cocker Spaniel - Special Characteristics
The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with an unmistakable cheerfulness. The medium to long coat and floppy ears give it a cute appearance. Hardly any other dog is such a balanced hunting and companion dog.
The Cocker Spaniel is a people-oriented animal and has a very playful nature. At the same time, and this is what makes him so special, he is a passionate and intelligent hunter. His great need for exercise should be satisfied by the owner with long walks and an appropriately large run. His curiosity and active, playful nature make him very suitable for beginners and families and he brings a lot of joy to both young and old.
The dog especially loves water and loves retrieving sticks from lakes and quiet rivers. This little bundle of energy is grateful for any kind of activity and can even keep up with jogging or cycling.
Despite their easy leadership, consistent and passionate training is important. If this cannot be enforced, Cocker Spaniels can easily become stubborn little dogs who walk all over their owners.
English Cocker Spaniel - What should be considered regarding nutrition?
English Cocker Spaniels tend to be overweight, which is why overfeeding should be strictly avoided. To check, you can weigh your little friend regularly. A weight of over 14.5 kg should not be exceeded.
The amount of food depends on size, age, weight and activity. The food should be high quality, have a high meat content and be as low in grain as possible. Regardless of whether it is wet or dry food, the important thing is that your four-legged friend likes the food. The English Cocker Spaniel can also be fed using the BARF method , which uses only raw food. However, this feeding method should only be used if you have sufficient specialist knowledge. Adequate supply of all necessary nutrients is key. There is also special food for Cocker Spaniels that you can't go wrong with.
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English Cocker Spaniel - Health and Care
The care of the Cocker Spaniel is rather complex. The four-legged friend should be brushed and combed regularly. The fur on the stomach and legs is particularly prone to matting. After long walks in nature, the little dog should be checked for burrs and vermin. If the fur is dirty, a shower with lukewarm water can help. Since this could happen more often with mud-loving dogs, shampoo should be avoided if possible in order not to damage the skin.
The Cocker Spaniel's hair should also be trimmed every two to three months. With a little practice and the right equipment, you can easily do this yourself. Since the dogs are very sensitive to inner ear infections, their floppy ears should also be checked regularly for dirt. It is also always advisable to check their claws and teeth. Appropriate dog snacks or chewing bones are sufficient for dental care.
Make sure your little friend is a weight appropriate for his size. If necessary, you may need to feed him a low-calorie diet. It is also important to get your little one used to only eating at his feeding times from the start.
English Cocker Spaniel - The right accessories
Important accessories for the English Cocker Spaniel include a suitable leash, brush, comb, scissors or trimming knife for grooming, as well as toys such as balls or Frisbees. A good leash is essential due to the strong hunting instinct. You should also get the dog used to feeding times and make sure it is an appropriate weight.
English Cocker Spaniel - Origin & History
The exact origin of the English Cocker Spaniel is unknown, but spaniels have been used for hunting for centuries. The ancestors of these dogs may have been brought to England by Caesar's armies as early as 2,000 years ago. The term "spaniel" was first used in 1570 by John Caius, a British naturalist. The English Cocker Spaniel developed from one of these spaniel breeds and was recognized as a breed in 1892. They have been used as hunting dogs, companions and sniffer dogs. There is also the American Cocker Spaniel, which has less pronounced hunting instincts and is more commonly kept as a show dog.
Conclusion
The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful and intelligent dog that is suitable both as a hunting dog and as a family dog. Consistent training and appropriate care are important to meet his needs and make him a loving companion.
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