Want to learn how to transform your English Cocker Spaniel’s behavior? Click here to find out how.

The English Cocker Spaniel is a Welsh gun dog. Like the American Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel descends from a Spanish Spaniel. They were developed as a hunting dog that could flush fowl from hiding. Today they are still used as a hunting dog, however, they are also a popular family dog.

To care for this breed you will need to brush their coat at least three times a week. It is also a good idea to brush their coat after a hunting or training excursion. This will help to remove brambles, burrs, and insects that may have become entangled in their fur. They have long floppy ears so you will need to check and clean them regularly to reduce the chances that they will develop an ear infection.

English Cocker Spaniels are supreme companion dogs but they also excel in field work. They are very intelligent dogs with a balanced disposition that makes them ideal pets for any family.

Now we’re going to discuss 3 aspect of the cocker spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel Origin

One of the oldest spaniel breeds, the English Cocker Spaniel is a descendant of Spanish spaniels where most European spaniels came from.

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog. They where originally used by English hunters to retrieve game fowl, especially the woodcock, which is where the name “Cocker” came from.

Appearance and Abilities

English Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a compact build. They have long ears with dark oval eyes. They also have an endearing expression of intelligence.

They have dense coats with medium in length hair which is flat or slightly wavy and silky in texture. Their coats come in solid black, liver or red or partial color combinations of white with black, liver or red markings.

English Cocker Spaniels come in two types in terms of appearance. These are the show and field types. The main difference is the length of their coats. Field types have shorter coats so it does not interfere with their work as hunters. They are very capable of penetrating dense cover to flush and retrieve game.

They have powerful gaits and cover ground rather easily. Tracking and retrieving are their specialty. They also easily pick-up commands very easily and are therefore very manageable and obedient.

English Cocker Spaniels are durable workers and they seem balanced in all aspects; their appearance, movements, and disposition.

Temperament and Tendencies

English Cocker Spaniels are very intelligent dogs. They are merry and energetic. They are also, very affectionate and loving to their owners. English Cocker spaniels are a joy to be around and they are excellent with children.

They are very eager to please and highly trainable. They thrive in obedience training. English Cocker Spaniels are very sociable dogs, even towards strangers. In general, they are a very outgoing breed and they always seek human companionship.

English Cocker Spaniels are always enthusiastic and lively. They always seem to be playful, and are usually found wagging their tails incessantly. However, they are well-mannered inside the house. They are overly active on the field but seem to mellow when not in hunting activities. Because of this, they make great companions inside the house.

They are also good with other animals. English Cocker Spaniels can be mixed easily with cats inside the house.

Training and Care of the English Cocker Spaniel

Consistency in training and loads of positive affection is what the English Cocker Spaniels require most. They may have a tendency to become dominant, so it is imperative to have firm leadership over them. Do not let them believe that they are the alpha dog in you pack. Make them follow your rules and have a consistent way of giving directions.

Socialize early so they are will grow into amiable adults. House training is fairly easy. Consistency is the key with this breed.

English Cocker Spaniels may adapt well to apartment living as long as they are exercised daily. As field hunters, they need physical and mental stimulation to expend their energy and practice their natural instincts.

Regular combing and brushing of the coat is essential. Some coats are particularly abundant, cottony and prone to matting. Others are more silky and flat-laying. Coat type varies substantially within the breed. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.

Want to learn how to transform your English Cocker Spaniel’s behavior? Click here to find out how.