How would you like a loyal companion for life? Would you prefer a merry dog that is good for sporting activities? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you’ll definitely want to consider adding an English Cocker Spaniel to your family. By doing so, you’ll give yourself a friend for life. Just remember that you should learn a great deal more about this specific breed before diving in head first. Below, you’re going to learn all about the English Cocker Spaniel.
History
First and foremost, you should take the time to learn more about the history of the English Cocker Spaniel. You should know that this breed was developed for one specific purpose. It was primarily utilized for hunting back in the day. These dogs were used to find, flush out and retrieve game birds. They were popular for this purpose because they always have enough energy to make it throughout the entire day without getting exhausted. Since then, the purpose of the English Cocker has changed a bit. They’re still sometimes used for hunting.
However, it is very common for this type of dog to be kept as a house pet. If you’re looking for an affectionate companion, you really cannot go wrong with the English Cocker Spaniel.
Temperament
One of the best things about the English Cocker Spaniel is the dog’s temperament. While it may vary from one specific dog to the next, most dogs from this breed tend to be very kind and loyal. In fact, they are usually friendly towards other dogs and other pets too. They might be a little cautious towards strangers, but they’re usually going to be open and willing to be rubbed on eventually. Still, this is not going to happen overnight. All dogs are going to require some training before they can be taken outside without extreme supervision. Nevertheless, the English Cocker Spaniel is a good choice for people who intend to take their dog out in the public often.
Maintenance Requirements
Before bringing an English Cocker Spaniel into your home, you need to make sure that you can actually accommodate their needs. The good news is that caring for an English Cocker Spaniel will not be too tough. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the dog gets plenty of exercise. Allowing them to run through an open field is definitely a good choice. You can also take them for a long walk on a leash. Brushing is also a must. You need to make sure that the dog’s coat is brushed at least two times a week. You should also clip the hair around the head and ears. Finally, it is pertinent to pay close attention to the dog’s ears.
Make sure that the ears are cleaned on a weekly basis.
Health And Lifespan
All dog breeds are going to have some problems. Some are more prone to certain illnesses than others. With English Cocker Spaniels, you have to worry about PRA and patellar luxation. These are the two biggest problems linked to these dogs. Other concerns to take into account including kidney disease, hypothyroidism and cataract. Cardiomyopathy is possible, but it is generally very rare. When getting one of these dogs, you should make sure that you get the dog’s hearing tested. In particular, deafness is very common. Also, be sure that your vet checks the dog’s eyes, hips and knees.
Finally, you should know that the average lifespan for an English Cocker Spaniel is roughly 12 to 14 years. Their final age can be impacted by a handful of factors, but most will live to at least 12.
Size And Weight
It is vital to make sure that you’re going to be able to handle your dog. If you choose a dog that is too big, there is a possibility that you won’t be able to control it. The English Cocker Spaniel is not the biggest dog out there. Nevertheless, it might be too big for an elderly individual. On average, these dogs are going to weigh anywhere from 26 to 34 pounds. They can grow as tall as 15 to 17 inches tall. Most people will have little to no trouble handling their English Cocker Spaniel. If you have mobility issues, you may want to hold off.
