Spaniels are a fairly large group of breeds, which mainly includes hunting dogs, but there are also decorative dwarf pets.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a popular breed of hunting dog all over the world, working on small game birds.
But they are also known as companion dogs, regular participants in exhibitions or various shows.
Small stature, long ears, expressive dark eyes and a friendly, energetic disposition are the characteristic features of this breed.
What is remarkable about English cocker spaniels, what nuances need to be taken into account when keeping them in the house, and what do the owners of these dogs say about their pets?
Description of the breed
The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog with a beautifully set head of graceful lines and a slightly elongated rectangular muzzle. The eyes are large, expressive, oval-shaped, dark brown. The ears are long, hanging, low set.
The body is square in shape, the muscles are well developed, but the spaniel does not look massive or rough. The chest is deep but not particularly wide
The forelegs are strong, straight and parallel. The hindquarters are well muscled, the angles of the joints are well defined.
The tail is set below the line of the back and is usually docked.
The coat is medium in length, soft and silky. The hair should be straight on the body and head; slight waviness is allowed on the ears.
Various colors: one, two or three colors. Solid colors may have small white markings on the chest. There are also black and tan and brown and tan English Cockers.
The most popular colors are golden and black.
NOTE!
Many two-color and three-color cockers can also have markings of varying intensities.
How to choose a puppy
First, decide on the class of the animal and sensibly assess your own financial capabilities. Show-category American Cocker Spaniel puppies will cost more not only to purchase, but also to maintain (remember about salon grooming and constant travel to exhibitions). The gender of the dog is also an important selection criterion. Girls are usually softer and friendlier. They quickly get used to their new place of residence and household members, while boys can demonstrate leadership skills. However, if we are talking about buying a bitch with the right to breed, prepare for her behavioral tricks during the period of heat and regular expenses for matings.
Take seriously checking such points as the reputation of the kennel, the pedigree of the puppy and its living conditions. Visually assess the appearance of a potential pet: how well it corresponds to the breed standard. A normally developing American Cocker Spaniel puppy is neat, well-fed and cheerful. He has a cold and wet nose, pink gums and is always clean under his tail. Refuse to buy if they persistently offer you the smallest cocker of the litter. The animal will almost certainly have poor immunity and illness. Babies whose dewclaws have not been removed and their tails have not been docked are also not the most valuable acquisition.
Basic character traits
English cockers are cheerful, friendly and sociable dogs. They are energetic, love to play outdoor games with their owners and are excellent hunting helpers.
They treat strangers with distrust, but without aggression.
The cocker is quite friendly with other pets, however, due to its innate hunting instincts, it requires proper and timely socialization.
They work enthusiastically when hunting, they enjoy tracking down game and bringing back the shot bird both from the shore and from the water.
Cockers do not like rough treatment and if you offend your pet, it can become stubborn and refuse to follow the owner’s commands.
Activity
Previously, spaniels were known to be used as hunting dogs. That is, this breed was initially distinguished by its mobility and activity. Dogs had to be extremely resilient in order to follow their masters during the hunt and bring back the prey on time.
Today, spaniels are kept more often, of course, just as pets. But these dogs still need movement and space. You will have to walk your spaniel often. For those people who cannot devote a lot of time to walking with their pet, it is better not to buy a spaniel. This is especially true for English spaniels. If the American branch over time turned into almost a decorative breed, the English cockers still retained their working hunting qualities.
Many years ago, Bradbury predicted Russia's path to becoming a superpower, but on one condition
Shoulder-length wavy hair and a few more trendy medium-length haircuts
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Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- They look beautiful and elegant.
- Friendly to other pets, as well as people.
- They love children. Smart and savvy.
- Easy to train.
- Excellent hunting helpers.
- Can be kept both in the house and in the apartment.
- Energetic, active and playful.
Minuses:
- They require careful grooming, including periodic haircuts.
- They need a lot of physical activity.
- Prone to overeating and subsequent obesity.
- They like to beg near the table.
- They are so sociable that some people seem intrusive.
- Possessive instincts: the cocker will protect its food and toys from everyone, even from its beloved owner.
- They do not tolerate loneliness well: they howl, bark and spoil things if left alone for a long time.
Dog English Cocker Spaniel - reviews about the breed
- + Leave a review
Lena
03/26/2021 at 23:03Answer
I read about cockers and am surprised at how many negative reviews there are. I have a 3.5 year old English Cocker girl. I adopted her at 1.5 months. I raised him like a child - training, walks, food. I paid a lot of attention to her, but the return was beyond my expectations. Smart, friendly, easy to train. brings slippers, towels, distinguishes different names of toys, understands everything at a glance. Loves to pose for photos. The doctor is very patient. In general, no hysterics ever. Sometimes it can kill dry bread or an old bone on the street, although mostly it carries out the FU command. She loves to play with children and loves everyone. In the car and public transport he behaves very dignified. You just need to get used to order. Protects things - bags on the beach, jackets on the sports ground. She never barks or howls at home if she is left alone. Until a year ago, she chewed on shoes, but now, apart from wool, there is no mess in the apartment from it. In general, it’s like this: don’t chase cockers if you are not ready to deal with the dog. This is the child in the house. Moreover, this is a hunting breed, walks to the sea, trips to nature are mandatory! If you don’t want to go for a walk or pay attention to your dog, get some fish. But, if you need an active, intelligent, loving friend, you can’t find a better cocker. And, by the way, the parents in our yard ask me to go out with the dog so that the children can play with it. So this particular breed is a friend for children after 5 years.
Leave a review Reset
Elena
I had an English cocker dog. A wonderful girl. I understood everything from a word and a glance. She lived with us for 9 years. It was only due to my stupidity that they lost her. I bought a Biovax flea and tick collar. The dog was severely poisoned and developed toxic hepatitis. It was not possible to save. Yes they are very playful. We need to walk a lot. And the disadvantage is that ears need to be washed after eating. She is not fussy about food. She ate everything from meat to tangerines (which she adored very much). She also loved going to the bathhouse, especially sitting in the steam room. Recently we adopted a dog of this breed again. For me, cocker is my love forever. Although I like other breeds too.
vanilla
https://dogster.ru/response/906/
The English Cocker is an energy generator, endless energy! It requires a lot of time, love and attention. Grooming, cutting and combing. Training for dogs prone to aggression is mandatory. She is very affectionate and sweet to those she really loves. But the dog gets stuck periodically. Very beautiful, and despite her shortcomings, very beloved.
Advantages:
Smart, active, energetic dog. Cunning. These dogs belong to the category of good psychologists. She will read everything in your eyes. And if, while punishing a dog, only the slightest smile appears on your lips or your stern look disappears, consider that at that moment you have lost:) There is a lot of joy and positivity in her.
Flaws:
Aggressive. I have talked with breeders more than once, and they tell me that aggressiveness in a cocker is like a defect. Perhaps the wrong, aggressive dogs were allowed into the breeding. But in any case, the cocker has it! In the house she will not let anyone near her who came to you for the first time. She will growl, bark, clatter her teeth in front of your fingers and frighten you in every possible way. Especially young children. In this breed, everything is divided into two clans - their own and others. A dog is not loyal to any one owner. She will sell everything for a piece of meat or a slice of sausage:) To keep a cocker in the house, you need a lot of patience and a very strong character. Even at the moment when your dog tries to scare you with his wild eyes and wild growl, you must remain your ground! It is necessary!
Tanya
I also do not recommend this breed. Not only that, the eternally stupid expression on his “face” also stinks forever. Plus, on top of that, it eats crap, any kind of crap!!!! Our cat is shocked by it. The dog is always hungry, eats more than a big dog (we have another one, a big dog). I took the child to a home, so to speak, closer to myself, but now I have to put up with his character. One thing saves him, he can’t climb to the second floor, we’re taking a break from him there!!!! It would be better if they took a yard worker from the street who are truly loyal and smart. I give a huge minus to the American -
Irina
I adopted the puppy when she was 2 months old. A very playful, gentle and intelligent dog. This year marks three years. I agree that she doesn’t like children, gets covered in all sorts of nasty things, and grooming is annoying. As for anger and biting... I would say that she’s just talkative... she even follows commands while grumbling) she’s trained to use the toilet in the house, she goes to one place, but until she was a year old she had punctures, but only about peeing... I love this stinky one! Yes, I agree, he doesn’t single out one owner, he really loves the whole family to be together... and if someone is minding their own business, they won’t rest until they bring them to the rest. I would note that this breed respects other people's things... it doesn't chew or spoil anything.
Anastasia Wolf
https://irecommend.ru/content/otlichnaya-poroda-dlya-aktivnoi-semi
I can’t speak badly about the breed of dog that I have. I will name just a few disadvantages: prone to being overweight, not always obedient, stubborn, impatient, not a guard, will leave the owner for cookies, problems with the ears, some individuals are prone to aggression. pros
:
companionable, easy to groom, eternally positive, long-lived, active and cheerful, loves children. Honestly, if I had known about this before, I would never have started it. But my spaniel has been living next to me for almost 3 years. Of course, I can’t give her away somewhere or sell her because she’s a family member. She is very active and can walk outside all day. For this reason, it is necessary to get out into nature with your dog.
Dovnarlera
Advantages:
Smart, good for family, balanced character
Flaws:
Gluttonous and prone to obesity, grooming
Once upon a time we kept a whole kennel of English cocker spaniels. We worked professionally with this breed. I can say, as a person who lived side by side with cockers for 15 years, that this is a very smart dog with a balanced character. The spaniel is ideal for a family, especially with children - so good-natured and conflict-free.
But when there are several of them in the nursery, this is where the battle for the owner’s attention begins and conflicts flare up.
The dog of this breed is beautiful, with an expressive, intelligent muzzle. But long hair must also be properly cared for so that it does not become tangled! But I’ll tell you from experience - neither a cone bowl nor tying up the ears can help - the ears “rinse” in the bowl all the time.
And they are “eternally hungry” beggars who extort scraps from the master’s table. Don't give in, otherwise your dog will become much fatter - he grows fat easily.
syster
https://dogster.ru/response/1366/
After the death of our pet, we decided to get an English cocker. After reading enthusiastic and fluffy reviews, we started looking for a puppy. As a result, out of arrogance, they committed a great stupidity, taking an eight-month-old puppy from fourth hand. From the first minutes in the house, he showed all his “charm” of a cocker character. And every day everything only got worse. At home, in our presence, he behaved even more or less well. But as soon as we walked out the door, the systematic destruction of the apartment began. We hid everything he might show “interest” in, except his toys. We sealed the cabinets with tape. As a result, out of revenge, every time we arrived, he piled up a pile and left a puddle (this was after a walk, by the way). He reacted to all attempts to comb and wash by attempting to bite. I had to wear a muzzle. It was possible to stroke only with his full favor. It was generally a shame to go out into the street. Incessant hysterical barking at everything that moves and does not move. He attacked children, adults, and did not find a common language with dogs at all. Now imagine an eight-month-old puppy in a grinder and a muzzle (it would be nice to have an aspen stake, a silver bullet and holy water in the kit, because it’s like there were demons in the dog). During his stay with us, he mastered as many as two commands (with great difficulty)! Result: in the first days we condemned people who refused it. After a week we understood and sympathized, after a month we felt sorry for ourselves.
Advantages:
Beautiful, active, brave dog
Flaws:
Requires very tough upbringing. If you give a little slack, it will sit on your neck. Grooming (although compared to the character of a cocker, this is just fun)
Olga
https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/petsandcats/3055199
I had 2 English cockers at different times. Active, kind, they know how to pity anyone with their gaze. We grew up with children, coming to me only for food, and in all activities and games only with them. They were ready to lick strangers and children to death. But like all breeds, they have their own care needs. For example, after the fur, brush regularly so that tangles do not form, wash the tips of the ears, which they use to get into food and sweep the roads on the street. Regularly trim the hair between the toes and pads on the paws, because after walking you wash your paws, but the long hair does not dry out and begins to rot, and diaper rash can form under it and on the skin. Also, keep an eye on your ears, clean them constantly, and specially for tick prevention. drops drip. Through long ears, all sorts of blood-sucking creatures can easily penetrate into the ears. But I generally clip mine in the spring for the summer, and it’s easy and easier for the dog to wash and dry. And by winter they grew again. Keep an eye on the dog on the street, and walk further away from the garbage dumps; the dog is a hunting dog and will not smell of your shampoos; it will definitely find some kind of rotten meat and roll around in it; the more often you wash it, the more often it will give you a fragrant surprise.
vyt1999
https://dogster.ru/response/1256/
My spaniel is 1 year 5 months old. And I’m just happy that I have this dog! There are times when he plays pranks and pisses me off, but in my heart I always love him. And how beautiful they are... I have never seen a more beautiful dog than this one.
Advantages:
intelligence, devotion, beauty, grace.
Flaws:
I think it's excessive activity and long hair.
Alla
https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/petsandcats/3055199
I don't recommend a spaniel. Especially with children. In my childhood we had an adequate Russian spaniel, but my dad raised him quite harshly. My sister had English cockers. One was particularly evil, biting her owners as well. The other is simply harmful in character. They have a lot of hair, they need to be scratched every day, but many dogs don’t like it, they need to be trained from puppyhood. Both dogs had mammary tumors (malignant). Those gluttons also get fat quickly.
IrinaPif
https://2009-2012.littleone.ru/archive/index.php/t-3973039.html
I now have two English dogs. I bought my first one in the 90s, when the breed was very popular. This is my first dog, I have no experience. In general, he also gnawed at everyone’s house if something didn’t go his way. This is a defect of the breed, but unfortunately it occurs very often. But despite this, after his death, they still bought a puppy of the same breed. And the second one was already picked up from the street, apparently he was also thrown out because of its character. The dog is very smart, loyal, but wayward. In general, weigh your options, because there is also a material side - regular haircuts, about once every 3 months (1500-2000 rubles), cockers often have problems with their ears. But despite everything, I adore these eared beauties!!!!!!!!!!
JuliaKrause
https://irecommend.ru/content/moya-ushastaya-lyubov
Advantages:
kind, friend for children, friendly, companion, beautiful, loving, excellent companion! , handsome, beauty, loves children, very smart, devotion, devoted, wonderful friend and best comrade, smart, clean
Flaws:
loves to eat and is a beggar, but this can be forgiven, problems with the ears, prone to obesity, careful grooming, stubborn, but this is even more touching)
The story will be about my favorite creature. My faithful friend. About my dog! His name is Louis. And our love story began a long time ago.
I always dreamed of a spaniel and let’s face it, I didn’t care what kind of spaniel it would be. And one fine day, my dream came true! I bought a puppy because I wasn’t working then and it took me a long time to collect the money to buy it, depriving myself of school snacks during the big break! Unfortunately, for this reason my puppy was not purchased from the breeders. Although, then I didn’t care.
But the story is different... Louis was 2 years old at the time. He and I went to visit our grandmother in the village. River...air...sun...July! Beauty... But for me it almost turned out to be the last summer... I swam in the river and... I felt that I was starting to drown... I couldn’t do anything, my leg cramped... I screamed and I heard Louis barking... Perhaps this would be the last thing I I heard. Then I heard the voice of my older sister...
This story ended well, thanks to my Luis. To my beautiful spaniel. Thank you that there are creatures like our dogs in the world! Who love us despite our shortcomings, who love us for who we are! Isn’t this a reason to give them love in return!
LoveMotya
https://irecommend.ru/content/dlya-aktivnyi-lyudei
Advantages:
kind, friendly, loves children, loyal, wonderful friend and best comrade
Flaws:
active, but that’s a plus), picky eater
I have personal experience with this breed! A cheerful and very active breed! They love to go for walks a lot and are very playful! Affectionate, kind, love children! They are also very devoted to their owner; if they part with him for a while, they become very sad and bored! If you want to buy yourself a dog of this breed, keep in mind that you need to walk and play with them a lot! Perfect for those who live in the house!
t2246
https://otzovik.com/review_1465185.html
Advantages:
beautiful and friendly when young
Flaws:
warts, tendency to allergies
My parents have an English Cocker Spaniel, he is now old.
It is difficult to say whether a dog of this breed is good or bad. I personally only like German Shepherds, Huskies and Fox Terriers.
This one was very spoiled from childhood, he was begged to eat a piece of diet turkey, the freshest meat - he willingly ate only bagels and candy. On the street everyone felt sorry for him, stroked him and kissed him, I think because this breed always has an unhappy expression on its face, and everyone feels sorry for them and tries to console them.
In his youth, his fur was smooth, shiny and silky, but now it comes out in clumps, and he itches all the time and catches something on himself, although there are no fleas.
A very unpleasant feature of this breed is warts. In his youth, one was removed; it was on his lip; now they have begun to appear all over his body, but surgery with anesthesia is contraindicated at that age.
Very cunning and has his own mind. I remember how once they invited me to swim in the lake - at first I stuck my head in the water, I didn’t like it, and he pretended that he didn’t hear, as if he was distracted and rushed after a butterfly. Despite the fact that this breed is intended for duck hunting, if I’m not mistaken.
He doesn’t protect his owners from strangers, he “loves” all people equally, he wags his tail at everyone, although no: he can bark angrily at some for no reason.
General impression:
capricious, cunning dog, although peaceful
Unknown
https://tvoipitomec.pro/sobaki/koker-spaniel/angliyskiy-opisanie-porodyi-otzyivyi.html#otzyvy-vladeltsev
I got the spaniel when I was seven months old. I don't know how to tolerate him anymore. He is stubborn, disobedient, if he doesn’t like something, he runs to bite. Apparently the previous owner did not raise the dog at all
Guest
https://www.woman.ru/home/animal/thread/4080295/
Yesterday we put our dog Steshka, an English cocker, to sleep. Piroplasmosis. Stage 3 chronic renal failure. I couldn't cope. The breed is wonderful, kind, smart dogs. Very sociable. For lonely people - a godsend. Our Styosha didn’t spoil a single thing, so these are more likely the characteristics of each specific dog, and not the breed. No downsides. The only thing is that long ears require additional care, otherwise they will smell. Wonderful dog. But this breed has a peculiarity, a vulnerable spot - the kidneys. Do not accustom your dog to only meat and protein foods. Chronic renal failure is common. She ruined us. Get spaniels - they will be companions for life.
Elena.
https://sobaki.guru/porodyi/angliyskiy-koker-spaniel#i-8
My cocker is already 8 years old. A dog lives in an apartment. As for care, the pet is not particularly demanding, but most of the time has to be spent on its fur. I bathe my dog 3 times a month. Previously, the hair shed a lot, but the veterinarian advised the use of special products, after which the problem disappeared.
WOLAND
https://2009-2012.littleone.ru/archive/index.php/t-3973039.html
My friend has had an English cocker for 11 years. In fairness, I want to note that not only does he not have aggression towards strangers. On the contrary, he greets everyone and licks them from head to toe. I just adore him. He is so positive - jumping and jumping, always such a bundle of energy and love, despite his advanced age. Apart from him, they have 2 more cats, a parrot and a guinea pig. So, he is everyone’s nanny for them! They had an English cocker before, only a girl. And they don’t even think about another dog, in the sense of another breed!
Marisha is the best
https://otzovik.com/review_5725031.html
Advantages:
Active
Flaws:
Aggression towards children, unaffectionate
We had a boy of this breed.
pros
- very active, he needs to walk for a long time so that he can run out and at the same time walk us. Unpretentious when it comes to food.
Minuses
- dislikes children, twice bit the youngest hand when trying to pet him. I wrote at home until I was almost a year old. I tried to caress him, hug him - complete rejection of affection. Everything is individual, but our boy with a black mouth took my sympathy for this breed.
General impression:
wayward, does not like children
Di1984
Advantages:
Kind, playful, not picky about food.
Flaws:
She gets sick often and needs to constantly look after her coat. Puppies up to a year old can crap in the house.
Half a year ago we bought a spaniel girl at the age of 4 months. She settled down well in our family with a one-year-old child and a Persian cat. The dog is simply adorable, but don’t forget that the English Cocker Spaniel is a hunting breed. They constantly need to run, walk outside and not just on a leash, but in a spacious area, in the forest, in the field. Her husband takes her fishing with him, and we often take her to her mother’s private house. If you don’t give her the opportunity to walk, and keep her only in the apartment, the spaniel will be sad and feel uncomfortable. She also has enough worries at home. The dog cannot be left alone in the apartment for a couple of hours, it whines and howls, and turns the apartment upside down. I've been left a couple of times - it's terrible! . Now you have to take it with you everywhere, and sometimes it’s not very convenient. Spaniels don’t know how to ask to go to the toilet until they’re a year old; if you manage to take them out for a walk, that’s good, but if not, they’ll do it right in the house. After a walk, you need to check the paws and ears so that the burrs are not stuck, otherwise it may fester. After a walk in the forest, check that you haven't picked up a tick. And the English Cocker Spaniel is a sickly breed; this is not the first time we have been treated for a cold or some other illness. Although we look after the dog very well.
karinkp
https://otzovik.com/review_1502769.html
Advantages:
friendly, affectionate, loyal, active, sporty, loved
Flaws:
fur mats, eats a lot.
Good day!
From a very early age I had a wonderful friend whom I loved madly, my spaniel came to me as a very small puppy, when I was only 5 years old, and until his old age (20 years old) we were inseparable! My friend's name is Milan!
This breed was bred artificially; when breeding this breed, scientists wanted to get an ideal hunting dog.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog, athletic, because its energy does not allow the dog to sit still calmly. To be honest, we were a big coward, we didn’t get out of the car the entire hunt, and in winter we had to turn on the heater even in the car, because the dog categorically refused to go outside in the cold!
The dog is very independent and friendly! The English Cocker Spaniel is well built, long curly ears, large head, large eyes, quite active dogs, with highly developed muscles. The height of this breed is up to 40 cm, weight up to 20 kg. The coat is medium length, curly, soft, silky! You constantly have to scratch with a special brush to prevent pellets from forming.
The paws are webbed, which allows the dog to swim perfectly! perfectly developed sense of smell and hearing! My favorite pastime is running outside, swimming in the pond, and in winter, lying in the snowdrifts!
The dog is absolutely omnivorous, never had a headache - what to feed him! I ate everything - from porridge to regular soup! I loved gnawing on bones! (Tubular poultry bones should not be given).
When a baby appeared in our family, the dog was already 15-16 years old, the dog turned out to be an excellent protector and teacher, when the child learned to walk, Milan provided him with great help, providing all of himself as an irreplaceable support!
This breed is very sensitive to a person’s mood, and it is also very trusting, which can often turn against it.
The best breed of dog for a home with a small child! The dog will not only become an excellent and loyal friend, but also a true protector of your family!
I recommend!
General impression:
The kindest and most faithful friends!
How active is the breed? What kind of people is it suitable for?
The English Cocker is very active and energetic. He loves to run, play and needs quite long walks in order to get rid of his overwhelming energy. Such a dog may even seem hyperactive to some people.
At the same time, the cocker is not averse to relaxing on the carpet in front of the fireplace or on the sofa. But in order for the pet to behave calmly in the absence of the owner, he needs to be given the opportunity to run around and play enough during a walk.
IMPORTANT!
Ideally, the owner of an English Cocker should be a hunter, since during work the dog will be able not only to move to his heart’s content, but also to realize his innate hunting instincts.
But the cocker is also suitable for a young couple, families with children or a single person leading an active lifestyle.
It is not recommended to have such a pet for too busy people and those who are constantly on the road.
History of appearance
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/american-cocker-spaniel-dog-755781/
The ancestors of American spaniels are English. In turn, the English originate from long-eared hunting dogs that lived in Spain. How exactly and when they came to Great Britain is not known for certain. But the dogs were simply extremely popular among hunters.
1960 is the year of the first mention of dogs similar in appearance to cocker spaniels. But paintings with images of similar dogs appeared much earlier: in the 14th-17th centuries.
English spaniels most likely came to America along with immigrants. There is information that these dogs were imported into the country back in the 18th century, but then there was no talk of breeding a new breed. It was only in the 19th century that professional breeders began working on dogs to improve their appearance.
The result was a cute and friendly dog that attracted the attention of not only people involved in hunting, but also ordinary connoisseurs of four-legged friends.
A breed standard began to be developed for new dogs, which was adopted in 1945.
How do you feel about loneliness?
English cockers are very loyal to their owners and simply adore them. However, this feature also has another side: dogs feel abandoned forever, even if the owner has left the house for a few minutes.
Out of despair and boredom, they begin to howl and bark loudly, or they chew furniture, wires, and tear wallpaper off the walls.
But, usually, only dogs that were not accustomed in childhood to stay alone in a house or apartment behave this way. If you teach your pet to behave correctly during the absence of its owners, and also provide it with various toys, then it will have something to do and it will not look for entertainment for itself.
NOTE!
Another reason why an English Cocker Spaniel may not tolerate loneliness well is lack of physical activity when the dog does not know where to put its energy.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
All spaniels are cheerful and positive. If they are sick, they lose their appetite, become sad and seek the company of the owner or household members. Some of them are prone to hip dysplasia. These dogs often suffer limb injuries while hunting.
In this case, they need to provide medical assistance. Hospitalize the supposedly sick dog, then a doctor will take care of it. If a limb is fractured/dislocated, you will have to take care of it at home.
Representatives of the breed in question have an excellent appetite, so they often beg their owners for feeding. They often succumb to manipulation and agree to feed their charming dogs. This cannot be done, because regular overeating by dogs is fraught with the appearance of digestive problems.
Who to choose - a boy or a girl?
Males are larger and have better conformation, therefore, if you need a show cocker, and the issue of gender is not important, then it is better to opt for a male.
But we must also take into account that boys are more stubborn and, growing up, often try to take the place of leader. In addition, they can run away from their owner after the first bitch they come across and get lost.
Girls are more affectionate and affectionate, they sense the owner’s mood more subtly and, usually, are more obedient than males.
If a puppy is purchased as a gift for a child, then it is better to opt for a bitch that is more affectionate and soft in character.
Dog health
Representatives of the breed are not known as very sick animals, but they are also prone to certain diseases.
Among them are the following:
- eye diseases;
- otitis;
- dermatitis;
- hereditary skin disease (Ehlers-Danlors syndrome);
- heart diseases;
- thyroid disease;
- epilepsy;
- urolithiasis disease;
- seborrhea;
- food allergy.
A predisposition to these diseases does not mean that the dog will definitely get sick, but it is better to be prepared for anything. After all, it has been said more than once that any disease is easier to prevent than to treat.
For his part, the owner must provide proper care and a balanced diet, and promptly worm the pet and vaccinate it.
Good or evil? How does he treat children?
English cockers are considered kind and affectionate pets. They get along well with children, including the youngest.
But you need to take into account that cockers are big owners and, moreover, do not tolerate rude treatment.
To eliminate the possibility of conflicts, you need to explain to children before purchasing a puppy that they should not touch the pet’s toys or approach the bowl when he is eating.
IMPORTANT!
If children are too young, it is necessary to supervise their play with the spaniel so that they do not accidentally harm the pet or provoke defensive aggression in it.
Stubbornness
Spaniels are described as very smart dogs. And indeed it is. Even an owner who has absolutely no experience in this can cope with training a spaniel, for example. Spaniels are one of the three breeds with the highest level of intelligence. However, representatives of this breed are unusually stubborn dogs. This applies to both puppies and adult animals. Anyone who wants to raise a good, easy-going dog from a wayward cocker puppy will have to try very hard.
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How picky are you when it comes to feeding?
The English Cocker Spaniel is an unpretentious eater and can eat both ready-made food and food prepared at home. These dogs willingly eat whatever is offered to them and simply love to beg near the table.
Because of this, cockers are prone to obesity, especially if they do not get enough exercise. Therefore, you need to make sure that your pet does not overeat and moves a lot.
You should not treat your cocker to treats between feedings or allow him to pick up pieces of abandoned food during walks.
Care and maintenance
Such a dog cannot live on the street. Yes, he is a hunter by passion and calling, but he may not be in the fresh air all day long. At heart, a cocker is like a Yorkshire terrier, a typical decorative dog. He likes to sleep near the owner, eat next to him, relax, etc. Therefore, even if you live in the house, give your pet a sleeping place not far from you.
Advice! Sometimes indoor dogs refuse to sleep where they are placed. Therefore, we recommend that you give them the right to choose their own room to sleep. This is where their bed should be placed.
The dog in question should have a comfortable sleeping place, preferably soft and spacious. This is where he will put his toys, including balls and teddy bears. Be sure to take him for a walk every day, preferably at the same time.
This will allow the dog to be more disciplined. Use a long leash with an adjustable clasp. If the cocker behaves well, you can give him freedom, for example, unfasten him from the collar and invite him to run.
You need to bathe your spaniel every year, maybe 1-2 times every six months. Use a quality shampoo recommended by your veterinarian. You should also regularly take flea drops for him. They should be used to treat the animal’s withers. The parasites quickly leave his body due to the unpleasant and deadly smell for them.
The dog's nails are ground down as they grow back. The fur is combed regularly. After bathing, it should be dried with a hairdryer and laid down. It is also necessary to wash her face and ears at least once a week. And lastly, you should brush your cocker’s teeth so that the plaque that periodically forms on them does not corrode the tooth enamel.
