A cocker spaniel is a dog that will follow you anywhere, and will always be happy to see you when you come home. They have a natural ability to read people's emotions and can often sense when you need a little extra love and care. That's why the cocker spaniel is also a popular companion and therapy dog. It makes a loving and friendly family member who loves to play, and has a good disposition. A cocker spaniel puppy is fully grown, mentally and physically, only when it is about 2 years old.

Thanks to its history as a hunting dog, it usually gets along well with other dogs. The Cocker Spaniel is also a very child-friendly breed. However, remember that young children should never be left alone with dogs.

Despite the fact that the Cocker Spaniel is generally very docile and kind, like other dog breeds, it needs daily activity and exercise. After all, it has a long history as an active hunter! To have a happy, healthy and content dog, you should make sure to offer it varied activity - and feel free to take it on adventures and explorations. Then you will also have a cuddly and calm dog that you can relax with on the sofa afterwards.

The Cocker Spaniel's natural hunting instinct means that it tends to chase small animals or birds if it gets the chance. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the dog on a leash when out for a walk. The breed is both intelligent and easy to train. However, some have noted that this breed can also have a rather sensitive soul. It is therefore important to train the dog with patience and positive reinforcement methods, and to avoid harsh punishment methods that can weaken the dog's trust in you. This applies to all dog breeds.

Weight and size

Cocker spaniels are categorized as a medium-sized dog breed. Their bodies are compact and powerfully built, and they usually weigh between 13 and 15 kg. Male dogs are approximately 39 to 41 cm tall, and females are 38 to 39 cm.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a cocker spaniel is 10 to 15 years.

Hereditary diseases

Cocker Spaniels are generally considered a relatively healthy breed of dog, but as with all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. A common challenge for this breed in particular is the ears, which are due to their unique anatomy. Recurrent ear infections are not uncommon.

In addition, cocker spaniels may be susceptible to other hereditary diseases, including:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Hip dysplasia (HD)
• Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
• Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
• Familial nephropathy (FN)
• Hereditary phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency
• Xanthinuria

Cocker Spaniels are known for their beautiful, smooth and silky coat, and come in a variety of colours. These include black, red, chocolate brown with or without reddish-brown tan markings, multi-coloured or roan. Caring for a Cocker Spaniel's coat requires some effort. The dog needs regular brushing, bathing and clipping to maintain a tangle-free and well-groomed mane. The dog's well-being is always paramount, and if you have a family dog ​​that is not used for shows, for example, it may be a good idea to cut the coat into a shorter hairstyle to make it easier to keep it clean and tangle-free.

Cocker Spaniels often have big appetites and can overeat if given the chance. It is important not to be fooled by those cute doe eyes that beg, as this can lead to an unhealthy and overweight furball. We always recommend adjusting the amount of food according to your dog's activity level, size, age and build. You should also consider these factors when buying dog food .