Cocker Spaniels make wonderful pets in the right homes. However, we frequently see them given up to Battersea. This is because people often underestimate the complexities of the breed and whether they are compatible with their lives.
What you need to know
- Average lifespan: 10-14 years
- Size: Medium (11-14kg)
- Time: You’ll need to commit plenty of time to daily training and exercise. Cocker Spaniels are smart, active dogs that get frustrated without enough mental and physical stimulation.
- Cost: You will need to consider investing in training classes as Cocker Spaniels particularly benefit from structured guidance. You’ll need an insurance plan and/or a healthy budget to cover any veterinary treatments as Cocker Spaniels are prone to some health conditions.
Behaviour, training and exercise
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You’ll need to be physically capable and prepared to give your Cocker Spaniel plenty of exercise.
A healthy, full-grown Cocker Spaniel will typically need 1 hour of exercise a day (depending on their age and health).
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You'll need to provide plenty of play and mental stimulation like trick training, scent and retrieval games or puzzle toys. Without enough mental stimulation Cocker Spaniels, especially from working lines, can become bored and begin stealing household items or showing destructive behaviour.
- You'll need to dedicate lots of time and effort to training from a young age.
- Cocker Spaniels, especially those from working lines, can particularly struggle with recall. Without dedicated recall training you may need to keep them on the lead which can then lead to frustration.
- Cocker Spaniels can be prone to unwanted guarding behaviour without dedicated training. Practicing a drop and exchange when they take household items helps to prevent this.
- Being an active breed, they can find it hard to switch off which can lead to unwanted barking and destructive behaviour. Owners will need to teach a settle to help them relax in the home between exercise.
Good to know
While a dog’s breed may influence how they behave, their behaviour will be shaped by all kinds of factors, from their age to their life experiences.
Health
Cocker Spaniels can develop ‘dry eye’ (also called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or KCS). This is when they don’t produce enough tears, causing sore eyes or ulcers if left untreated.
Treatment and costs
Managing dry eye usually requires daily medication and regular vet check-ups. Sometimes surgery is needed, which can be expensive.
Cocker Spaniels can develop problems that affect their bones, muscles or joints, including hip dysplasia and kneecap dislocation (patella luxation). These can occur from an early age and cause varying degrees of pain and arthritis over time.
Treatment and costs
Bone and joint problems need lifelong management and treatment. This can include regular vet visits and medication to manage mobility, pain and quality of life. Expensive surgery or hydrotherapy/physiotherapy may also be needed.
Cocker Spaniels can have itchy, irritated or sore ears and skin. This is often caused by underlying allergies. Their ears can also be prone to ear infections.
Treatment and costs
These are often lifelong conditions with regular, ongoing vet costs and consistent management required by the owner. Allergies can only be managed rather than cured. Some dogs need regular medication, ear cleaning and baths, with regular vet checkups, to keep their condition controlled.
Good to know
Some reputable breeders will screen parents for certain health issues to reduce the chance of puppies developing them.
Costs to consider
The cost of owning and keeping a dog healthy and happy is a long-term financial commitment. For an estimated breakdown of how much it costs to own a Cocker Spaniel, check out this calculator from the RSPCA.
As there are common medical issues associated with Cocker Spaniels which can be expensive to treat, it’s important to consider how you would fund this. Pet insurance doesn't always cover all medical treatment, so you may need to pay some costs yourself.
Good to know
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Check out this helpful guide on what to look for in a breeder and questions to ask.
