Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniels are very pretty—but if they know it, they’re not letting on. These kind, unassuming dogs have lovely, floppy ears that fly in the wind when they run.

Think of the leading “lady” in the Disney film “The Lady and the Tramp,” and you can easily picture a Cocker Spaniel: They’re sweet dogs with long eyelashes, shampoo-commercial ears, and flowy hair on the rest of their body. Their round eyes are gentle and welcoming, often giving off a “puppy eyes” vibe.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears Cocker Spaniel ears are long and covered with well-feathered fur.
2. Eyes Their eyes are generally dark brown and round, with a slight almond shape.
3. Nose The color of their nose depends on the color of the dog, but it’s often black or brown.
4. Coat Length A Cocker Spaniel’s coat is short on the head and a medium length on the body, with feathering on the ears, chest, abdomen, and legs.
5. Coat Color Cocker Spaniels dogs come in over 20 colors, including solid colors, like black, cream, and red, and a mixture of shades, like black and white, red and white, and brown and white.
6. Tail While some Cocker Spaniel tails used to be docked, nowadays it’s common to leave their long tails intact. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose tail docking, and many countries as well as U.S. states have banned the practice.

Cocker Spaniels are generally happy dogs who get along with most two- and four-legged friends. This makes them a great companion for families with kids and babies or other pets. Some Cocker Spaniels make good therapy dogs, too, but it will depend on your pup’s individual temperament.

Gentle and loving, Cocker Spaniels enjoy the company of their humans. They’ll generally want to be wherever you are and won’t stray too far away. While they’re usually pretty laid-back, Cocker Spaniels are not couch potatoes and enjoy playtime with you. Many may also like dog sports like agility training.

Th o se locks need consistent brushing to keep tangles and shedding at bay, but t he moments you spend grooming your pup— along with training and socializing — will also give you lots of quality time together .

The typical Cocker Spaniel lifespan is 10–14 years, and there are a few health issues to watch out for.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Ear issues: A Cocker Spaniel’s ears are long, fluffy, and adorable, but they can trap moisture inside, which can lead to many issues. Thoroughly drying their ears after baths or outside playtime can help. If you think your pup has an ear infection, talk to your vet; they may also recommend weekly ear cleaning to prevent infections.
2. Eye issues Cocker Spaniels can develop a handful of eye conditions. Cataracts are the most common eye problem in Cocker Spaniels, and they can be hereditary. Surgery is the go-to treatment. Another concern is progressive retinal atrophy , which is the degeneration of the retina that can lead to blindness. While there’s no treatment, dogs often adjust well to vision loss with a little help from their pet parents. Less serious, keratoconjunctivitis sicca , or dry eye, can look like red and irritated eyes and is typically treated with eye medication.
3. Cataracts are the most common eye problem in Cocker Spaniels, and they can be hereditary. Surgery is the go-to treatment.
4. progressive retinal atrophy ive retinal atrophy , which is the degeneration of the retina that can lead to blindness. While there’s no treatment, dogs often adjust well to vision loss with a little help from their pet parents.
5. keratoconjunctivitis sicca ctivitis sicca , or dry eye, can look like red and irritated eyes and is typically treated with eye medication.
6. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket of the hip and thigh bones don’t properly fit together. It’s an inherited condition that can be made worse if a pup is overweight. Hip dysplasia eventually leads to arthritis , and treatment depends on the severity.
7. Luxating patella: Cocker Spaniels can develop luxating patella , where the kneecap slips out of place. It may be treated with supplements and meds, if mild, though surgery may be necessary. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent this condition.
8. Skin issues A Cocker Spaniel’s skin can get oily, so seborrhea and dermatitis are common issues . A thorough rinsing after bathing can prevent some skin problems. Your vet might also recommend medication or a shorter Cocker Spaniel haircut to help.

Spain is widely considered to be the Cocker Spaniel’s country of origin. Here, they were first bred as hunting dogs, and their ancestors were considered either “land” or “water” spaniels. Eventually, those groups became more nuanced, and the dogs known for hunting the woodcock became the Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniels were one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), in 1878. But a distinction between Cocker Spaniel breeds—the Cocker Spaniel and theEnglish Cocker Spaniel—didn’t come until 1946.

The 1950s were a good time for Cocker Spaniels in America. They were the most popular breed of the decade, according to the AKC. This likely had something to do with then-Vice PresidentRichard Nixon’s Cocker Spaniel, Checkers, and the popularity of the movie “Lady and the Tramp,” in which Lady is a kind, charming Cocker Spaniel.

The cost of a Cocker Spaniel puppy can be as much as $3,000.If you choose this route,pick a responsible breeder.

You can also search for a Cocker Spaniel for adoption, as there are plenty out there in need of good homes. Find Cocker Spaniel rescue dogs through a breed-specific organization, such asAbandoned Angels; keep an eye out at your local shelter or rescue; or searchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.