So, your puppy is clever, charming, and full of energy. But as you may know, Cockers aren’t all the same. Some are Working lines, some are Show lines, and some are a mix of the two. And it’s not just about looks - it’s how they think, play, and interact with the world.
Working Cockers
These are go-go-go types. Really smart, high-energy, always ready for a ‘job’ (even if it’s just chasing leaves). Shorter coats, big brains, and sometimes they push boundaries just to see what happens. They have higher set & shorter ears, flatter skulls, finer & shorter coat with less feathering.
Show Cockers
These are generally more laid-back and affectionate and sometimes take a bit longer to warm up to new things. Longer, fluffier coats mean lots of grooming. Still clever and curious, but can be more sensitive and find it harder to be away from you. They have large & long ears, domed skull, long, silky coat, higher grooming needs.
Want to check your spaniels background? Look for pedigree clues:
FtCh = Field Trial Champion → working line
ShCh = Show Champion → show line
Cocker Spaniel Crosses
If your puppy’s a cocker mix, you might see traits from both lines. Watch how [puppy name] behaves — do they have the high drive and energy of a worker, or the gentler, more sensitive nature of a show type? Noticing these clues helps you tailor training, exercise and enrichment to suit their personality.
Whatever type your puppy is, they’re smart, sensitive and full of energy. Knowing what makes your puppy tick makes life a lot easier.
