Learn what to expect from owning a Cocker Spaniel, including temperament, grooming, health issues and costs.
Cocker Spaniel Breed Facts
- Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Size: Medium (11kg to 14kg)
- Daily care needs: High – regular grooming and consistent training
- Exercise needs: High – around one hour a day, plus mental stimulation
- Costs: Ongoing grooming and vet care
Are you the right match for a Cocker Spaniel?
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and playful dogs who like to be on the go.
Many Cocker Spaniels keep that ‘puppy’ energy throughout their lives, rather than settling down in early adulthood. Even show-bred dogs are often more energetic than people expect.
An active household, ready for daily exercise, training and grooming, will find a Cocker Spaniel a brilliant companion. If you want a calmer, lower-maintenance dog, another breed may suit you better.
Cocker Spaniels come as working or show lines, and working Cockers have even higher energy. It's important to know which line a puppy comes from.
Temperament and behaviour
Cocker Spaniels are clever and energetic. Long walks alone often aren't enough to tire out their brain – they also need scent work, retrieval games or puzzle toys. If these needs aren’t met they can find it hard to switch off, which can lead to destructive behaviour.
Because they were originally bred to flush and search, working and show lines can have difficulty with recall, barking and resource guarding.
Cocker Spaniels thrive with plenty of training and enjoy activities such as agility and search games to keep them both physically and mentally engaged. Dedicating time to training early will help build a strong relationship and prevent any unwanted, more challenging behaviours.
Can Cocker Spaniels be left alone?
Cocker Spaniels love being around their family, but some can find being left alone challenging. Because of the way they were bred, they find it hard to fully settle down and zone out to what is going on around them. Teaching them to settle and making sure their exercise needs are met can help them cope.
Grooming and coat care
Cocker Spaniel coats need regular brushing to prevent matting, and things like grass seeds and burrs easily get caught in their fur. Puppies benefit from getting used to being groomed and handled early, as some Cocker Spaniels find it hard to keep still for grooming later in life. Many owners start visiting a professional groomer while their dog is still young which can add up in costs.
Not sure a Cocker Spaniel is the right fit? Try Woodgreen's Pet Explorer Tool to find out what breed is right for you.
Sid was a pandemic puppy. He couldn’t go to in-person training classes, so training was difficult. We have a dog walker twice a week and every weekend we go for long walks. We do brain games at home for mental stimulation. He's much calmer and better with recall now.
Cocker Spaniel health issues
Eye disease
Cocker Spaniels can inherit eye conditions such as glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These conditions can't be cured and may lead to discomfort, sight loss and a reduced quality of life. Medication can help manage the conditions.
Bone, muscle and joint conditions
They can develop problems affecting their bones, muscles or joints, including hip dysplasia and kneecap dislocation (patella luxation). These can start from an early age and cause varying degrees of pain and arthritis over time. Treatment often means lifelong management: regular vet visits and medication, and sometimes surgery, hydrotherapy or physiotherapy.
Ear and skin disease
Itchy, irritated or sore ears and skin are common, often linked to allergies that can be managed but not cured. Ear infections are common too. Sensitive ears can make some Cocker Spaniels reluctant to have them handled, so getting them used to this early helps. These conditions are usually lifelong, needing regular medication, ear cleaning, baths and vet check-ups.
Immune disease
Cocker Spaniels can be more prone to immune-mediated conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. These conditions can be costly to diagnose and manage. Prompt treatment is critical.
Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to several common health issues, which can impact their wellbeing. Owners may need to dedicate time and financial resources to managing these conditions.
Costs to consider
Owning a Cocker Spaniel is a long-term commitment, with ongoing grooming on top of usual pet costs. RSPCA estimates potential costs of £77 - £241 a month.
How to find a Cocker Spaniel responsibly
Choose a breeder who health-tests both parents for known conditions and can tell you about their line, including whether they're working or show-bred. Reputable breeders will be happy to answer questions about temperament and health.
Adopt a Cocker Spaniel
We often see Cocker Spaniels given up to Battersea, usually because people underestimated the time, training and grooming this breed needs. Adopting gives them a second chance, with our team by your side.
Find the right breed for your lifestyle
Choosing a dog is a big decision. Woodgreen's Pet Explorer helps you discover which breeds suit your home and routine, in just a few minutes.
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Battersea’s Canine Animal Behaviour Team are experts in dog behaviour and welfare. The team is made up of trained professionals with decades of combined experience. They specialise in assessing, rehabilitating and supporting dogs using positive, evidence-based methods.
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