The English Cocker Spaniel is a small hunting dog. She used to help hunters. Now it is a popular pet, good-natured, intelligent and loyal. Unlike many other hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels live well in a city apartment and do not require high physical activity. Many dog experts consider them the best family dogs. They are neat, peaceful, cheerful. But before getting an English Cocker Spaniel, it is recommended to study the description of the breed, the pros and cons, and reviews from the owners.
- Head
- Features of training
- English Cocker Spaniel Grooming
Breed traits
Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)
| English cocker spaniel | |||
| Activity | in the house | 3.1 | |
| on the street | 4.1 | ||
| Obedience | training | 4.4 | |
| strangers | 4.2 | ||
| Domination | in family | 1.6 | |
| over dogs | 2.1 | ||
| Defending your territory | from people | 1.1 | |
| from dogs | 2.3 | ||
| Sociability | in family | 5 | |
| with strangers | 4.3 | ||
| with dogs | 3.9 | ||
| Concentration | in family | 1 | |
| in front of strangers | 1.7 | ||
| with dogs | 2.1 | ||
| Aggressiveness | in family | 1.1 | |
| to strangers | 1.3 | ||
| to the dogs | 1.9 | ||
| to cats | 1.9 | ||
| Family behavior | calmness | 4.7 | |
| demand for affection | 4.6 | ||
| excitability | 3.7 | ||
| playfulness | 4.3 | ||
| excessive barking | 2 | ||
| behavioral breakdowns | 2.3 | ||
| Tolerance for children | up to 4 years | 4.6 | |
| over 4 years old | 4.7 | ||
| Institutional use | watchman | 3.3 | |
| bodyguard | 1.3 | ||
This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: Beagle, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Dachshund.
Photos show what English Cocker Spaniels look like:
Characteristics of the English Cocker Spaniel breed
Cocker spaniels look attractive. Even a person not involved in dog breeding can easily distinguish them from other dogs. When describing the appearance of representatives of the breed, one can note a square muzzle, long fluffy ears and a muscular build.
Cockers were bred for hunting, this is reflected in the name of the breed, which translates as “woodcock”. Thanks to their attractive appearance, intelligence and good nature, these dogs are popular all over the world. They do not have watchdog or security qualities; they are friendly to all people. When properly raised, they make ideal companions.
Thanks to their keen sense of smell and endurance, representatives of the breed can work as rescuers and bloodhounds. And the ability to empathize, intelligence and cheerfulness make the dog a good nurse. Cocker spaniels are often used in canistherapy. This active dog is also suitable for agility and other sports.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Name | English cocker spaniel |
| country of origin | Great Britain |
| application | companion dog, hunting dog, rescue dog |
| life expectancy | 13-16 years old |
| height | males 39-41 cm, females 38-40 cm |
| weight | males 13-15 kg, females 12-14 kg |
| character traits | cheerfulness, friendliness, sociability, curiosity, sociability |
| aggressiveness | No |
| activity | very active, hardy |
| intelligence | intelligent, quick-witted, capable of independent decision-making |
| content features | complex grooming |
pros
This is a medium-sized dog, ideal for a city apartment. She does not require long walking or heavy exercise. And thanks to her high intelligence and friendliness towards people, she can be owned by inexperienced owners. Representatives of this breed have many advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- are easy to train, obedient and controllable, able to understand not only voice commands, but also gestures;
- In terms of intelligence, they are among the three smartest dogs;
- smart, inquisitive, love to learn and learn new things;
- neat, don’t spoil things at home;
- playful, cheerful;
- hardy, have a good sense of smell;
- treat children kindly;
- very friendly to all people, never show aggression;
- get along well with any pets.
Minuses
But representatives of this breed also have negative qualities. These dogs are very energetic and inquisitive. They are constantly on the move and cannot sit idle. Therefore, they are not suitable for a lazy person, a homebody or an old man. You can also note the following disadvantages of cockers:
- do not tolerate loneliness well;
- may be jealous of the owner of other pets and even family members;
- stubborn;
- often bark loudly;
- artistic, able to pretend and be cunning;
- do not have watchdog and security qualities;
- shed heavily;
- immoderate in food.
How is it different from American Cocker Spaniels?
There are several dozen varieties of spaniels in the world. In appearance and character, differences from each other are clearly visible. The closest to the English are the American ones, which are derived from them. The breeds are very similar, the difference is visible only to those who are familiar with them.
American cats, unlike their ancestors, are slightly smaller in height and weight, and they do not have such a massive muzzle. They are also distinguished by their long, silky hair. This is more of a decorative dog. Another difference between them is that the British better preserved their working qualities and hunting instincts.
The video complements the characteristics of these dogs:
Video: English Cocker Spaniel. Pros and cons of the breed
Video: English Cocker Spaniel - All about the dog breed
Video: English Cocker Spaniel - Interesting facts about the breed
Health and illness
The Russian hunting spaniel is a healthy and hardy animal, but these individuals are also susceptible to some diseases. Diseases they can get:
- Otitis. Inflammation of one or both ears.
- Leptospirosis. Infection. Caused by ingestion while swimming in a body of water inhabited by Leptospira parasites. Causes fever, vomiting and muscle tremors. If immediate action is not taken, death may occur.
- Ringworm.
- Toxoplasmosis. Caused by parasites and affects many organs.
- Scabies. Caused by scabies mites.
- Food allergies.
Vaccination helps prevent infectious diseases. If there are feeding errors, obesity can occur.
How long does a Russian spaniel live?
The Russian spaniel has a life expectancy of 14 to 15 years . As an exception, with particularly good health and care, spaniels can live up to the age of 20 years.
Origin story
The English Cocker Spaniel breed was artificially bred in the 19th century. Breeders tried to create the ideal hunting dog. Local spaniels were used for breeding. According to one version, this name comes from a word that translates as “Spanish dog.” Although English breeders believe that this breed has long lived in the British Isles. And they translate the word “spaniel” as “one who jumps high.”
At the beginning of the 19th century, interest in hunting dogs increased. Breeders began to improve the breed to make it more suitable for gun bird hunting. Local dogs began to be crossed with Japanese spaniels to reduce their size.
The breed was recognized in 1902, and registered in the FCI in the middle of the 20th century. Strict standards were established; not all individuals were allowed to breed. But the dogs quickly became popular in other countries. In America, standards were not so strictly observed, so the dogs bred there differed from their ancestors. And in the 30s of the 20th century, the breeds were divided. English cocker spaniels became popular among Russian dog breeders in the 70s and 80s.
Differences between the Russian Spaniel and representatives of the breed group
The spaniel group includes the following breeds:
- English;
- American;
- Russian spaniel.
The difference between Russian Springer Spaniels is their size and hunting skills. The British are more family-oriented, while Russian spaniels recognize one person as their owner. Domestic breed dogs are easier to train.
English Cocker Spaniel Standard
English Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs. They have a strong physique and developed muscles. Males are about 40 cm tall and weigh up to 14 kg. Bitches are slightly smaller and have a graceful build. Their height at the withers is 38 cm and they weigh 11-12 kg.
Head
The head is proportional to the body. The muzzle is almost square, the stop is prominent, but not sharp. The jaws are massive and have a scissor bite. The cheeks are fleshy, close-fitting, and do not droop. The nose is large. The lips, eye rims and earlobes of an English Cocker Spaniel should be black.
The eyes are large, dark - chocolate or brown. Chocolate colored dogs can be light brown. The look is smart, friendly, a little sad. The ears are long and oval shaped. Set low, hanging down to the chest.
Torso
The physique is harmonious, the body is rectangular in format. The neck is strong, of medium length, smoothly blending into the withers. The chest is deep, but not prominent. The back is straight, the croup is short. The tail is long, continues the line of the back, the tip is curved. In its homeland it is customary to dock it.
Limbs
The limbs are straight and parallel. The joints are well defined, the thighs are muscular. The paws are rounded, the toes are gathered into a ball. The dog moves easily and freely, even gracefully. It can develop great speed and pushes off strongly with its hind legs.
Coat and color
The fur is soft and adheres to the body. It is of medium length and does not curl. More length on the paws, belly, ears.
The English Cocker Spaniel has different colors. At the beginning of the 20th century, the standard provided only red and black colors. Nowadays, different solid, spotted, and speckled colors are allowed. The most common are:
- golden;
- red, red and white;
- black;
- gray with white;
- chocolate;
- liver with tan marks or white spots;
- pale yellow.
Among the multi-colored colors, black and white or with tan, liver and white or with tan, and speckled are common. The roan color looks beautiful in red, blue or liver colors. This means that hairs of different colors are evenly distributed throughout the body, and they also alternate with white ones. With two or three colors, the spots should be evenly distributed, usually the head, ears and paws are darker, sometimes there is a mask on the face. Single-colored individuals are not allowed to have white spots on the chest.
Photos complement the description of the appearance:
Character of the English Cocker Spaniel
These dogs are energetic and cheerful. They love to run, look for hidden objects, fetch a stick or a ball. They become very attached to the owner; if they recognize his authority, they will obey unquestioningly. They are friendly and affectionate with other family members, but may ignore their commands. Cockers love children, spend time with pleasure, and participate in all games. But rudeness is not tolerated, so it is better not to leave the dog alone with children.
These pets cannot stand loneliness. They need the attention of their owner, they are ready to follow him everywhere and participate in all matters. From boredom, a dog can become depressed or become aggressive, chew things, bark a lot and loudly.
Cocker Spaniels live quietly around other pets. They even get along with cats and rodents, but they can only start hunting birds. They love to play outside with other dogs and never get into conflicts. This peaceful dog treats all animals well.
Features of training
Cocker spaniels are very intelligent, and if trained correctly, problems rarely arise with them. But from an early age, the puppy must be taught the rules of behavior in the house and on the street. Already at 3-4 months, a cocker can respond to a nickname and know its place. Then you need to accustom the dog to walks on a leash, to strangers, street noise, and cars.
Training an English Cocker Spaniel is not difficult. But it is better to conduct classes in a playful way. They should not be long or monotonous, as the pet will quickly get bored. Basic rules of training: firmness, consistency, perseverance. You should not go to extremes; both excessive severity and gentleness are not suitable for these dogs.
Cockers are stubborn, it is impossible to force them to do something, but they can easily be captivated by the game. They have a good memory; with the right approach, they will quickly remember all the owner’s requirements and learn different skills. Even an inexperienced dog breeder can teach a pet the following commands:
- near;
- sit;
- lie;
- to me;
- it is forbidden;
- ugh;
- voice;
- stand;
- give me your paw;
- bring it.
If the dog will help in the hunt, it is better to train it under the guidance of an experienced dog handler. It is recommended to start this type of training at 3-4 months. Accustom the puppy to loud sounds and the smell of gunpowder. He must be able to find and bring the hidden object to the owner. Typically, Cocker Spaniels are trained to hunt wading birds or great snipes.
Price of a dog
In Russia, buying a purebred puppy from good parents is not so difficult. This is usually done through the National Club. The main thing is to choose trusted breeders, about whom there are only positive reviews. When choosing a puppy, focus on its color, shiny coat, and healthy appearance. A healthy cub is cheerful and active, but may be suspicious of strangers. The price for a four-legged friend with a pedigree will start from twenty thousand rubles .
Caring for an English Cocker Spaniel
These dogs are unpretentious and live quietly in a small apartment. But they feel better in a country house, where they can frolic on the site. Just remember that cockers love to dig. With any method of keeping, the pet requires walks 2 times a day.
These dogs are easy to care for. Basic hygiene procedures are the same as for representatives of other breeds. It is necessary to inspect and clean the ears several times a week, as cockers are prone to ear infections. It is recommended to pluck out hairs from the inside, which attract dirt and limit air flow. To clean, use veterinary lotion. To reduce the possibility of contamination, it is better to lift the ears up and secure them with an elastic band during feeding.
Every day you need to examine and wipe your eyes from discharge. If the claws do not grind down during a walk, they are trimmed with a nail clipper. Dogs are given chewing bones to clean their teeth.
Cocker spaniels shed heavily; if kept in an apartment, shedding can become permanent. Therefore, they need to be combed daily. Use a long-toothed comb and a stiff brush to do this. You will also need a tangle cutter and a slicker.
You need to bathe your pet when it gets dirty or once every 1-2 months. It is recommended to use a special shampoo for long-haired dogs. After bathing, it is advisable to dry your pet with a hairdryer, as wet fur quickly becomes tangled.
English Cocker Spaniel Grooming
An adult Cocker Spaniel requires regular grooming. Grooming for this dog is carried out 3-4 times a year. The rest of the time you need to trim the hair on the paws, head, and under the tail. If the dog does not show, you can cut it yourself. In the summer, many owners cut their pets short; this makes it easier to wash, comb, and protect them from parasites.
Show dogs require professional grooming - when they are cut according to certain rules. The hair on the head becomes shorter. The length remains on the bottom of the ears, back. On the belly and paws, the fur is just being trimmed, leaving a skirt and feathers.
If grooming is done at home yourself, you need to purchase the necessary tools. It is recommended to accustom your pet to a haircut from puppyhood.
This video will help you understand how to care for the coat of an English Cocker Spaniel:
Video: Correct breed haircut for the English Cocker Spaniel
Video: Grooming an English Cocker Spaniel, haircut, dog trimming, dog grooming
Video: English Cocker Spaniel ears. A haircut.
Nutrition
Your pet's diet must be monitored carefully. Cockers are prone to weight gain, so they should not be overfed. You can feed your pet dry food or natural food. In the first case, it is easier to dose the portion. An adult dog requires 200-250 g of food per day. You just need to choose premium or super-premium food that contains all the nutrients your dog needs.
If you feed your pet natural products, the basis of the diet should be lean meat. The amount depends on how much the dog weighs. It is recommended to give 50 g per kg of body weight per day. The meat is supplemented with cereals, vegetables, and herbs. It is useful to give fermented milk products, eggs, sea fish, fruits.
Sweets are prohibited, especially chocolate, pastries, sausages, fatty, spicy foods. You cannot feed your dog from your table; cocker spaniels love to beg for food and look with pleading eyes. But you need to feed your pet strictly according to the schedule. The number of meals depends on age: a puppy is fed 3-6 times a day, an adult dog - twice. Clean water should be freely available at all times.
Health
Cocker spaniels have strong immunity. With proper care, your pet can live 13-16 years. But you need to take into account that these dogs may have the following diseases:
- allergic reactions;
- otitis;
- joint dysplasia;
- eye diseases;
- entropion of the eyelid;
- deafness;
- epilepsy;
Decorative (mini)
Cavalier King Charles
They were in great demand as boudoir dogs back in the 15th and 16th centuries, but the breed’s heyday came in the second half of the 17th century and is associated with the reign of King Charles II Stuart in England, from whom they got their name.
In the old days, Cavalier King Charles had another purpose - they were used as living heating pads, protecting their owners from the piercing cold in the premises of ancient castles or while traveling in carriages.
How to buy an English Cocker Spaniel puppy
Buying a puppy of this breed is easy, it is quite popular. But it is better to contact a nursery. In Moscow, such a dog costs from 12 to 30 thousand rubles. You can buy a puppy cheaper, but there is no guarantee that you will get a purebred cocker.
When visiting a breeder, it is important to study the living conditions of the animals, documents of the parents, and certificates from the veterinarian. When choosing the gender of a puppy, you need to take into account that females are calmer, more obedient, and smarter. Dog handlers recommend choosing them for hunting. Males can be stubborn and obstinate.
It is recommended to choose an active, healthy puppy. He has clear eyes, clean ears, smooth shiny fur. The baby is not cowardly or aggressive, he easily makes contact. Puppies for sale at 1.5-2 months. At this age, deviations from breed standards are already noticeable.
The photo shows what the puppies look like:
To understand whether it is worth getting an English Cocker Spaniel dog, watch the video:
Video: English Cocker Spaniel. Character, content, education
Video: English Cocker Spaniel. Pros and cons, price, how to choose, facts, care, history
Video: Keeping an English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful small dog. It is suitable for single active people or large families with children. Gets along well in a city apartment. This cheerful, loyal and friendly dog can become your best friend and faithful companion.
Owner reviews
Many owners speak positively about their pets - they are cheerful, friendly and playful. Lonely owners complain that they cannot leave their pet alone for a long time - he is very sad and sad. There are many positive reviews from those who have children - animals become real friends of children and have fun playing with them. Some believe that it is better to keep animals outside the city so that you can walk with them for several hours in nature. But owners living in ordinary apartments are confident that their furry companions feel good in an urban environment.
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