Cockers 101

Sporting group

The American Cocker Spaniel was for decades the top purebred dog in the nation, an outstanding family dog of reasonable size. Intelligent, friendly and sweet-natured, the Cocker is still popular – and rightfully so.

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Merry spaniel was most popular dog for decades.

While the English and American Cockers were once the same breed, the American Cocker today has a squarer head and more coat than does the English. For ease of maintenance, the silky coats of most Cockers is typically kept clipped short. Cockers are lively and playful, easy to train and eager to please -- although occasionally stubborn. Early socialization and manners raining will help with the latter. The Cocker adores children, is friendly to all, and compatible with other family pets.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
13.5 to 15.5 inches tall
Group Size Small
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
020
Weight
20 to 30 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Cocker

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Seizures

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Ear infection

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Intervertebral disc disease

Senior Cocker

8+ years

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Cushings disease

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Valvular heart disease

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Pancreatitis

Cocker puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Ear infection

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Gastritis

Young adult Cocker

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Ear infection

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Skin allergies

Mature adult Cocker

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Seizures

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Ear infection

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Intervertebral disc disease

Senior Cocker

8+ years

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Cushings disease

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Valvular heart disease

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Pancreatitis

Cocker puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

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Gastritis

Young adult Cocker

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cocker conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Ear infection

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Skin allergies

2-American cocker spaniel laying down GettyImages-186124172

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3-Fun fact American cocker spaniel GettyImages-1300910337

An American Cocker Spaniel is credited with saving the political career of Richard M. Nixon. Nixon was accused of taking money from donors for his own use, and some pushed Dwight D. Eisenhower to choose another VP candidate. Checkers was a gift to the Nixon family, and he made a point of saying that the dog was one donation he did keep for himself – on behalf of his daughter Tricia.

American Cocker Spaniel coat care and colors

Regular veterinary dental care is essential. Between cleanings, daily tooth-brushing helps, using a pet-safe toothpaste in a dog-approved flavor. Avoid wrestling matches in adult dogs at nail-trim time by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails attended to. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming.

Do Cocker Spaniels need their coats cut?

The American Cocker Spaniel has been bred for heavy "furnishings," silky coats so long that a show-groomed Cocker may not appear to have legs at all. While field-line Cockers and English Cockers don't have nearly as much fur, there is plenty on all Cockers to pick up leaves, burrs and other things that cause mats, tangles and discomfort. Because of that, most American Cockers are kept clipped short.

How do I keep my Spaniel’s coat fluffy?

Regular use of a slicker brush on your American Cocker Spaniel will restore the fluff to areas not kept clipped short.

How often should I groom my Cocker Spaniel?

American Cocker Spaniels are relatively low-maintenance if professionally groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. Professional groomings, weekly brushing, nail trim touch-ups, ear checking and cleaning will keep your Cocker looking great.

Cocker exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The compact size of the American Cocker Spaniel reduces the need for the kind of activity larger hunting dogs require. A brisk daily walk, a game of fetch – all good!

Class star

Trainability

American Cocker Spaniels are bright, eager to please, and love to learn. Reward their good manners with praise and tiny treats, and add some tricks.

Cocker fun facts

Top girl names for Cockers

100%

of Cockers are female

0%

of Cockers are male

Top boy names for Cockers

Nationwide loves American Cocker Spaniels of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Cockers

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