English Cocker Spaniel
英國可卡犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The English Cocker Spaniel is a compact, silky-coated gundog bred to flush woodcock — 'the merry cocker', with a tail that rarely stops wagging. Upbeat in the field and mellow at home, English Cockers are affectionate, eager to please and easy to train with positive methods, but wilt under harsh handling. They need daily exercise, regular grooming, ear care and a watchful eye on their weight.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 38–43cm |
| Weight | 12–15kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: sporting FCI: 8 |
| Role | Sporting |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Kidney disease
Kidney conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about routine blood and urine checks.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma or lens luxation is reported in the breed; screening tests exist. Ask your vet urgently if an eye becomes cloudy, red or painful.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Behaviour
Merry, affectionate, eager to please
The CKC notes the English Cocker's intelligence and merry disposition, saying its love and faithfulness are characteristic of the breed; the AKC says it was developed to follow instructions in the field and is still very eager to please and easy to train — so long as only positive methods are used, since it reacts poorly to a harsh approach and must never fear its person.
Active outdoors, gains weight easily
The AKC says this upbeat sporting dog needs daily exercise such as long walks, hikes or ball games, on a lead because its hunting instincts remain strong; the CKC says it suits most accommodation and enjoys family life but needs regular exercise to keep trim because it tends to gain weight easily.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — English Cocker Spaniel
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Spaniel English Cocker (Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Spaniel Cocker
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — English Cocker Spaniel (standard no. 5, group 8)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]English Cocker Spaniel — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Spaniel English Cocker — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Spaniel Cocker — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]English Cocker Spaniel — FCI standard no. 5 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.