English Cocker Spaniel is a breed originating in England, whose history dates back to the 14th century, when they were bred as hunting dogs. One of the most distinctive characteristics of this breed are their long, low set ears and their eyes with a sweet and cheerful expression. They are also known for their docile and affectionate character.
General details
Dogs of this breed are medium-sized and compact. The weight ranges between 13 and 15.5 kilograms in males, while in females it is between 12 and 14.5 kilograms. The height varies between 40.5 and 43 centimeters in males, and between 38 and 40.5 centimeters in females. The life expectancy of this breed is 12 to 14 years. They belong to Group 8 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups hunting retrievers, game and water retrievers.
Breed history in brief
The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed with a long history, dating back to the 14th century in England, where it developed from Spanish dogs. Formerly, Spaniels were classified according to their size, differentiating the large Spaniels (Springing Spaniel and Field Spaniel) from the small ones (Cocker Spaniel).
Nowadays, the smaller variety, known as the English Cocker Spaniel, is appreciated both for its hunting ability and for its loyalty and affection as a pet.
Breed characteristics
English Cocker Spaniel is a dog of robust and strong constitution. Its skull is arched and somewhat flattened, while its eyes are medium sized, slightly oval and wide apart. The eye coloration is usually dark brown or dark hazel. The ears are long and low set, and the tail is slightly curved, of medium length and tapering as it reaches the tip. In movement, the tail can reach the topline.
Its coat is soft and smooth, with bangs on the forelegs, body and above the hock on the hindquarters. Coloration varies in solid patterns such as black, red, gold, gold, chocolate, black and tan, liver and tan; and bicolor, tricolor or roan patterns, which combine these colors with others such as orange, white, lemon and blue, sometimes with mottling.
The English Cocker Spaniel breed is friendly, cheerful and playful. They are active and energetic dogs, but also affectionate and loyal to their owners. They tend to be outgoing with strangers, maintain a good relationship with other pets and adapt easily to new environments and situations. In general, they are very sociable dogs suitable for families with children.
Common health problems
The English Cocker Spaniel, with optimal care and attention, can enjoy long healthy lives, although they are predisposed to certain health problems. Among the most common diseases or disorders are chronic hepatitis, cataracts, dilated cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, familial kidney disease and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
In addition to the aforementioned disorders, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends an eye and hearing screening examination, as well as tests to assess the following diseases: autoimmune thyroidits, patellar luxation and adult-onset neuropathy.
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