THE ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic from Cocker Nation Rescue, a small Michigan non-profit organization, comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to helping find homes for displaced, abused, and abandoned cocker spaniels. Please do contact them if you know of anybody that is interested in adopting a Cocker Spaniel - https://www.cockernation.org/
Spaniel-type dogs are thought to have originated in Spain — hence their name — many centuries ago and were probably taken to other parts of the world by the Romans or via trading ships.
Descended from the Norfolk or Shropshire Spaniels of the mid-19th century dogs of the same litter were classified by their hunting use rather than their breed. Smaller pups in the litter would be used to hunt woodcock, and therefore were called Cockers. Larger pups in the same litter would be used to flush game and were called Springers. Breeders then started breeding the smaller dogs only with each other and the same with the larger dogs which lead to the development of two separate breeds - the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer spaniel.
This is an active sporting dog of medium sized, they are small enough to penetrate dense cover, but of sufficient size to retrieve larger game which makes them the perfect hunting dogs. They have a compact build and their coat is of medium length, silky in texture and either flat or slightly wavy. The feathering should not be so profuse that it becomes a hindrance in the field, but it should be long enough to protect the underside of the dog and can be solid-colored (black, liver or shades of red) or parti-colored.
The breed has diverged into separate show and working lines. Field trial enthusiasts began breeding dogs with qualities such as a keen sense of smell, speed, style, working ability and endurance that would produce top results in the field; where show enthusiasts began to breed dogs that were both consistent with the breed's standard, and had the "flash" to win in the show ring. There are physical differences between the two, the working type tend to be larger with flatter heads and shorter ears, their coats also tends to be shorter, finer and have less feathering and they are more energetic than the show strain. Today the two types are not interbred and though both types have the instinct to work and can be trained to the gun, there are very few that can work in both field and show events. A field-bred dog would not be competitive in a modern dog show while a show dog would not have the speed or stamina to succeed in a field trial
Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed loves to hunt and is a tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. They are able to work in difficult terrain in both wet and dry land and are excellent at flushing and retrieving game with a gentle mouth Some of their other talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility and competitive obedience.
Personality
The English Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent, cheerful, inquisitive, dignified, demonstrative, devoted, sensitive and robust dog. They are even tempered, obedient, easy to train, and have a desire to please. Some describe them as playful, happy and even clownish. But all in all they are lively, lovable and affectionate dogs that love being around their family
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Because of their easy going nature this breed is suitable for first time dog owners and can live in any environment provided (from a farm to a flat) although at least an average-sized fenced yard is recommended.
These dogs love companionship and affection and need to be part of the family. If they are left alone for long periods of time without human companionship they get bored and lonely and this can lead to behaviour problems.
They are active dogs and require lots of exercise, two daily walks of at least half an hour each is recommended. They also love to run so letting them loose in an open area is great exercise for them, just make sure that the area is safe and fenced off to prevent the dog from wondering off on its own hunting expedition. Another great way to exercise them both physically as well as mentally is with structured activities such as obedience, agility, fly ball and field work, they also have a strong desire to carry and retrieve objects so they adore games of ball and frisbee. If they do not get enough of the right exercise (physically as well as mentally) they can become destructive and channel their energy into other activities such as chewing and kidnapping of their owners belongings.
In a nutshell a Cocker Spaniel is for you if you
Where do I get my pup from?
Before you get a Cocker you need to know what type of pet you want. As stated before there are two distinct types - the field and show types - and there are differences between them.
Both types need lots of exercise, but the field Cockers need more than the show Cockers.
So if you want a companion dog purely for the purpose of having a pet, or you want to compete in shows the show-bred type will be best for you.
But if you are a very active family and need a dog with lots of energy to keep up or you want to use the dog as a working dog a field-bred type will be best for you.
As with all dogs the best place to get pups is from reputable breeders! Speak to the breeders and explain to them what you want out of your dog and they will be able to help you choose the correct pup for your needs.
One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available and another good place to try is KUSA affiliated Breed Clubs.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Although true idiopathic aggression (unknown cause of aggression) or Rage Syndrome, as it is more commonly known, is rare, it has been associated with certain breeds, two of which are the English Cocker and the Springer Cocker. At one stage is was referred to as Cocker rage. It is highly unlikely that a good, reputable and responsible breeder will breed dogs with a predisposition to this, so in this breed, it is always better to ensure that your buy from a KUSA breeder and not get your dog from a Commercial or back yard breeder to ensure this condition is not present.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Descended from the Norfolk or Shropshire Spaniels of the mid-19th century dogs of the same litter were classified by their hunting use rather than their breed. Smaller pups in the litter would be used to hunt woodcock, and therefore were called Cockers. Larger pups in the same litter would be used to flush game and were called Springers. Breeders then started breeding the smaller dogs only with each other and the same with the larger dogs which lead to the development of two separate breeds - the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer spaniel.
This is an active sporting dog of medium sized, they are small enough to penetrate dense cover, but of sufficient size to retrieve larger game which makes them the perfect hunting dogs. They have a compact build and their coat is of medium length, silky in texture and either flat or slightly wavy. The feathering should not be so profuse that it becomes a hindrance in the field, but it should be long enough to protect the underside of the dog and can be solid-colored (black, liver or shades of red) or parti-colored.
The breed has diverged into separate show and working lines. Field trial enthusiasts began breeding dogs with qualities such as a keen sense of smell, speed, style, working ability and endurance that would produce top results in the field; where show enthusiasts began to breed dogs that were both consistent with the breed's standard, and had the "flash" to win in the show ring. There are physical differences between the two, the working type tend to be larger with flatter heads and shorter ears, their coats also tends to be shorter, finer and have less feathering and they are more energetic than the show strain. Today the two types are not interbred and though both types have the instinct to work and can be trained to the gun, there are very few that can work in both field and show events. A field-bred dog would not be competitive in a modern dog show while a show dog would not have the speed or stamina to succeed in a field trial
Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed loves to hunt and is a tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. They are able to work in difficult terrain in both wet and dry land and are excellent at flushing and retrieving game with a gentle mouth Some of their other talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility and competitive obedience.
Personality
The English Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent, cheerful, inquisitive, dignified, demonstrative, devoted, sensitive and robust dog. They are even tempered, obedient, easy to train, and have a desire to please. Some describe them as playful, happy and even clownish. But all in all they are lively, lovable and affectionate dogs that love being around their family
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Because of their easy going nature this breed is suitable for first time dog owners and can live in any environment provided (from a farm to a flat) although at least an average-sized fenced yard is recommended.
These dogs love companionship and affection and need to be part of the family. If they are left alone for long periods of time without human companionship they get bored and lonely and this can lead to behaviour problems.
They are active dogs and require lots of exercise, two daily walks of at least half an hour each is recommended. They also love to run so letting them loose in an open area is great exercise for them, just make sure that the area is safe and fenced off to prevent the dog from wondering off on its own hunting expedition. Another great way to exercise them both physically as well as mentally is with structured activities such as obedience, agility, fly ball and field work, they also have a strong desire to carry and retrieve objects so they adore games of ball and frisbee. If they do not get enough of the right exercise (physically as well as mentally) they can become destructive and channel their energy into other activities such as chewing and kidnapping of their owners belongings.
In a nutshell a Cocker Spaniel is for you if you
- Are willing to train and be involved with the dog
- Are willing to spend time and money on grooming
- Want a dog that does not bark a lot and is willing and happy to listen to their owners
- Want a dog that is part of the family and will participate in any activity
- Are the active type that will be able to provide them with adequate exercise
- Not looking for a guard dog
Where do I get my pup from?
Before you get a Cocker you need to know what type of pet you want. As stated before there are two distinct types - the field and show types - and there are differences between them.
Both types need lots of exercise, but the field Cockers need more than the show Cockers.
So if you want a companion dog purely for the purpose of having a pet, or you want to compete in shows the show-bred type will be best for you.
But if you are a very active family and need a dog with lots of energy to keep up or you want to use the dog as a working dog a field-bred type will be best for you.
As with all dogs the best place to get pups is from reputable breeders! Speak to the breeders and explain to them what you want out of your dog and they will be able to help you choose the correct pup for your needs.
One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available and another good place to try is KUSA affiliated Breed Clubs.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Although true idiopathic aggression (unknown cause of aggression) or Rage Syndrome, as it is more commonly known, is rare, it has been associated with certain breeds, two of which are the English Cocker and the Springer Cocker. At one stage is was referred to as Cocker rage. It is highly unlikely that a good, reputable and responsible breeder will breed dogs with a predisposition to this, so in this breed, it is always better to ensure that your buy from a KUSA breeder and not get your dog from a Commercial or back yard breeder to ensure this condition is not present.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Cocker Spaniel?
Cockers are great with most dogs, they can be very playful so it is a good idea to get a dog that is similar in size so they won't get hurt while playing.
A good choice would be a breed with approximately the same energy level and temperament. Naturally another Cocker is a good choice or any spaniel for that matter, for other breeds you can look at Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Greyhounds, Boxers, Setter and herding dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds also work well.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Many dogs will appear to get on well until the adolescent age when their own position in the canine hierarchy becomes more important. This is especially common with two females kept together and the fighting can be serious and may not be able to be resolved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
English Cockers in general do well with other pets, however you need to keep in mind that they are spaniels and spaniels are by nature hunters so it is never a good idea to leave them unsupervised with certain pets like rabbits or birds. They are fine with cats as long as the cat is use to dogs and won’t run away.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly of how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
These dogs can be especially fond of children; however, like most dogs, they are best off with older children and should never be left unattended with toddlers and younger children.
Young children do not have proper dog etiquette and dogs do not understand a child's behaviour, this can result in tragedy with any breed of dog
Cockers are great with most dogs, they can be very playful so it is a good idea to get a dog that is similar in size so they won't get hurt while playing.
A good choice would be a breed with approximately the same energy level and temperament. Naturally another Cocker is a good choice or any spaniel for that matter, for other breeds you can look at Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Greyhounds, Boxers, Setter and herding dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds also work well.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Many dogs will appear to get on well until the adolescent age when their own position in the canine hierarchy becomes more important. This is especially common with two females kept together and the fighting can be serious and may not be able to be resolved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
English Cockers in general do well with other pets, however you need to keep in mind that they are spaniels and spaniels are by nature hunters so it is never a good idea to leave them unsupervised with certain pets like rabbits or birds. They are fine with cats as long as the cat is use to dogs and won’t run away.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly of how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
These dogs can be especially fond of children; however, like most dogs, they are best off with older children and should never be left unattended with toddlers and younger children.
Young children do not have proper dog etiquette and dogs do not understand a child's behaviour, this can result in tragedy with any breed of dog
Training requirements and grooming
Training
English Cockers are very bright and generally if in tune with their trainer can learn many tasks quickly. English Cockers love structured learning and are very adept in obedience and agility work. They should be taught with gentle persistent and patience.
The time required to house train a English Cocker will vary depending on each dog and on the method used. They tend to get the idea pretty quickly if positive methods and consistency in training are used with this breed. Crate training seems to be of great assistance for most dogs in house breaking.
Grooming
Within this breed coat types vary; some coats have an excess amount of cottony hair and are prone to matting, while others are more silky and flat-laying and are less prone to matting. But whichever coat they have regular combing and brushing is important, bathe or dry shampoo as necessary and trimming of the coat should be done every two to three months either by a professional. This breed is an average shedder.
Other grooming requirements are to check the ears for grass seeds and signs of infection - cleaning out excess wax regularly, nail clipping and eye checkups.
Health concerns
English Cockers are generally healthy dogs but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions including hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy, cataracts, kidney disease and ear problems. They also tend to gain weight easily, and owners need to be careful about their food consumption.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
Their life expectancy is 12-15 years.
Interesting Facts
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’t
Training
English Cockers are very bright and generally if in tune with their trainer can learn many tasks quickly. English Cockers love structured learning and are very adept in obedience and agility work. They should be taught with gentle persistent and patience.
The time required to house train a English Cocker will vary depending on each dog and on the method used. They tend to get the idea pretty quickly if positive methods and consistency in training are used with this breed. Crate training seems to be of great assistance for most dogs in house breaking.
Grooming
Within this breed coat types vary; some coats have an excess amount of cottony hair and are prone to matting, while others are more silky and flat-laying and are less prone to matting. But whichever coat they have regular combing and brushing is important, bathe or dry shampoo as necessary and trimming of the coat should be done every two to three months either by a professional. This breed is an average shedder.
Other grooming requirements are to check the ears for grass seeds and signs of infection - cleaning out excess wax regularly, nail clipping and eye checkups.
Health concerns
English Cockers are generally healthy dogs but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions including hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy, cataracts, kidney disease and ear problems. They also tend to gain weight easily, and owners need to be careful about their food consumption.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
Their life expectancy is 12-15 years.
Interesting Facts
- In essence, there are two varieties of English Spring Spaniel: ones intended to work in the field, and ones intended to show. Be sure you know the difference and get the type that best suits your needs. During the mid 1800's many types of Cockers and Spaniels were recorded including Welsh and Devonshire Cockers and Sussex and Field Spaniels. The first stud books were recorded in 1874, at which point any spaniel under 25 pounds was labelled a Cocker. The Welsh cocker was then reclassified as a Springer Spaniel. These dogs were initially bred for small game hunting and retrieving but are now almost exclusively companion dogs.
The English cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed from the American cocker Spaniel by the AKC in 1946. - Many foreign country use English Cocker Spaniel on their stamps
- John Kennedy owned an English Cocker Spaniel while in the White House and her name was Shannon.
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
- Include them in family activities
- Be sure to keep your English Cocker Spaniel on a leash when you take him to unprotected areas. You never know when he will see a bird and be overcome by his instinct to go after it!
- Make sure well socialized as this breed Is inclined to submissive or over-excited urination which often happens when meeting new people.
Don’t
- Don't Leave this breed alone for long periods of time without human companionship, they may become destructive if they're bored or lonely and in situations such as this can develop the barking habit.
- Don't expect your English Cocker Spaniel to be a good guard dog. They bark at noises and when strangers come around, but quickly settle down and want to be petted.
- Don't allow them to follow you around the house and be with you 24/7. They are dogs that adore their people and can become over attached and too demanding, which, in turn could lead to separation anxiety.
- Overfeed them, as they are prone to picking up weight
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/cocker-spaniel.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocker_Spaniel
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/englishcocker.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_cocker_spaniel/index.cfm
http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/sporting/english-cocker-spaniel.html
http://www.petsplace.co.za/cocker-spaniel.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocker_Spaniel
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/englishcocker.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_cocker_spaniel/index.cfm
http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/sporting/english-cocker-spaniel.html
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