English Cocker Spaniel Fact Center

Like all spaniels, the English Cocker’s roots are in Spain, where these dogs were bred to be hunters and retrievers. Eventually, through emigration and trade, the spaniels found their way to England, where they eventually became more specialized. Certain spaniels were used specifically to flush woodcock from thickets, which is why these dogs eventually were named Cocker Spaniels.

In the 1870’s, Cocker Spaniels were brought from England to Canada and the United States. Before long, the Cocker Spaniels who had crossed the Atlantic began to look somewhat different than those back in England: smaller in size with shorter muzzles and longer coats. By 1935, devotees of the traditional English Cocker Spaniel had become sufficiently alarmed to form their own breed club, and to petition the American Kennel Club to recognize the English and American Cocker Spaniel as two separate breeds. In 1946, the AKC agreed to view the English Cocker Spaniel as a distinct breed. The American Cocker Spaniel became, simply, the Cocker Spaniel. In 2006, the English Cocker Spaniel ranked 74th out of 154 breeds registered to the AKC--less popular than his smaller cousin, but no less wonderful a dog.

English Cockers are friendly, active and love to be with their people. The breed is known to be particularly good with children, especially school-aged youngsters who have been taught how to behave around dogs. As amiable as these dogs are, however, they also have a reputation for being a little bit stubborn, and do best with an owner who’s willing to set proper limits.

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, ranging from 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 26 and 34 pounds. The breed’s many acceptable coat colors include solid black, red or liver with or without tan markings; white with black blue, liver or red markings and/or ticking (small spotty-looking markings). The dog has long drop ears and a docked tail.

The English Cocker responds well to gentle, positive training, but also needs to know his limitations. Puppy kindergarten and obedience training are essential to bringing out the best in this breed’s temperament. Owners who want to train their dogs beyond the basics may enjoy hunting, competitive obedience, agility and/or therapy work.

Many English Cocker Spaniel owners choose to have a grooming professional deal with the clipping and trimming that keeps these lovely dogs looking their best. That said, owners still need to clean the ears regularly to prevent infections and brush the coat at least once a week to control shedding. Weekly nail trims and clipping of the hair around the paw pads will keep the feet looking neat. Their penchant for physical activity means that they’ll be happiest by getting plenty of exercise: at minimum, several brisk walks each day.

Like any purebred dog, the English Cocker Spaniel has his share of inherited health issues. Among the chief health concerns are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, kidney disease, cataracts and deafness. Dogs intended for breeding should receive OFA clearance for sound hips and CERF clearances for healthy eyes first, so ask your breeder for the results of these tests.

Flush, cherished pet of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and protagonist of the classic novella Flush by Virginia Woolf, was an English Cocker Spaniel. So was Flossey, British novelist Anne Bronte’s black and white Cocker Spaniel (Anne is lesser known than famous novelist sisters Jane and Charlotte Bronte). More recently, when Elton John and David Furnish celebrated their civil-partnership ceremony, they were informed their black and white English Cocker Spaniel, Arthur, wouldn’t be allowed in the building. The happy couple dubbed the dog the "best man," and the dog was allowed to join in the festivities.