Life Span:	12-15 years. This breed is very healthy. Most Cocker Spaniels die of old age (40%) and cancer in old age (22%).
Litter Size:	1-4 puppies.
Group:	Gun Dog/ AKC Sporting
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	There are various colors of Cocker Spaniel. Many hunters have favored white cocker spaniels because they are easier to see in the field. However, white spaniels are not used in the show ring. There are also parti-colors, which are either ticked or roaned. These are white with black, liver, or red.
Hair Length:	Medium, Short
Size:	Medium
Shedding:	Moderate Shed
Male Height:	15-17 inches
Male Weight:	28-34 pounds
Female Height:	14-16 inches
Female Weight:	26-32 pounds
Living Area:	The Cocker Spaniel makes a good indoor dog, but they do need a place to exercise. They will make great walking or running companions or will be happy with a romp in the yard. They may be prone to hunting birds and small animals in your yard. If you’re an apartment dweller be certain to get a show line of dog, as you’ll not be able to provide sufficient exercise for a field dog.

About this Breed

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog, and is one of several varieties of spaniel. These dogs look very much like the American Cocker Spaniel, but they look more like a Field Spaniel or Springer Spaniel than the American Cocker. In the UK, where this dog originated, they are typically referred to as the “Merry Cocker” because of their happy dispositions. Today, they are quite popular as pets because of their nature, and they are used as show dogs, too. They are small, but not delicate, as they were bred for rough terrain and hunting. The Cocker is a sturdy dog with softly contoured angles. They are dignified and intelligent looking with medium sized slightly oval eyes that are set wide apart. Their eyes are dark brown in color. Their ears are set low and lie close to the head. When extended their ears reach their nose. Their ears are covered with silky, wavy and slightly long hair. Their skulls are arched ad slightly flattened. Their muzzles are equal in length to their skulls and they have very strong jaws, designed for carrying game. They have strong teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The Cocker’s neck is graceful and well muscled, neither too short nor too long. They back slopes very slightly toward a rounded croup. Their tails are typically docked and are carried horizontally. Field dogs typically have their tails docked to 4 or 5 inches in length, while show dogs’ tails are docked shorter. The Cocker’s tail is one of their characteristics; it is in constant motion when they are hunting. The Cocker’s legs are straight with catlike feet that are proportionate in size to the leg. The Cocker is designed for hunting in thick terrain, and their gait is driven to support this activity. They are not particularly fast runners, but can get through any type of terrain without intense effort. There are two lines of English Cocker Spaniel; the field line and the show line. Field lines are bred for hunting and often have physical characteristics that make them unable to compete in the show ring. For example, field dogs are bred to have shorter ears and a shorter coat to make them lower maintenance. Show dogs are expected to have very long ears and the long coat, which is considered more attractive. In addition, field dogs are bred to be more active and athletic, possessing great endurance. In the US today, most Cocker Spaniels are purchased to be companions rather than hunting dogs. The American Cocker Spaniel is the second most registered dog with the AKC. The English Cocker Spaniel is not as popular in the US, but is one of the most popular companion dogs in England.