The English cocker spaniel is a loyal friend that may work hard or enjoy a comfortable home life.
Although all spaniels were bred from the same lines in the beginning.
The English cocker spaniel stands out today for its well-proportioned beauty and affable demeanor.
The English cocker spaniel is a fantastic family pet since it has a lot of energy yet a calm attitude.
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Table of Contents
Do cocker spaniels originate in Spain?
The cocker spaniel is a breed that originated in Spain and has been documented since the 14th century.
They were separated into two categories by the 1800s: toys (for companionship) and hunting dogs.
They were classified as an official breed in England in 1892 for their proficiency in field hunting the woodcock.
The English Cocker Spaniel : Long and Illustrious History
The English cocker spaniel is descended from a larger group of hunting dogs.
They are developed to be dependable and loyal field companions in Britain and beyond other countries.
Spaniel were esteemed for their ability to assist in the hunting of game birds and ducks, and their early beginnings may date back to the 16th century.
Cocker spaniels are smaller canines effective at hunting woodcock birds.
While springer spaniels were recognized for their ability to cause birds to get out of their hiding places.
So, it could both be born from the same litter.
The only distinction between the two groups was initially based on the dog’s size.
The spaniel family was split in two in the year 1890.
With recognition for both the cocker spaniel and the springer spaniel dog.
Breed began to be developed and bred independently.
Within the cocker spaniel breed, there was more type differentiation.
A smaller, slightly blockier, and furrier form of the spaniel gained favor in the United States.
The American cocker spaniel is a somewhat larger English spaniel with longer legs, a shorter back, and less fur than the English spaniel.
The split was formalized in 1935, when the AKC recognized the English cocker spaniel as a distinct breed.
This faithful pet is still a popular breed on both sides of the Atlantic today.
Even England’s royal family recognizes the breed’s grandeur.
Lupo, the English cocker spaniel owned by Prince William and Kate Middleton, was bred from a dog owned by her parents.
Care for an English Cocker Spaniel
Although the English cocker spaniel is not a high-maintenance dog, it does require some specific attention in order to be a happy, healthy pet.
As members of a sporting group, these dogs have boundless energy and require a way to channel it.
Plan to take your English cocker spaniel for a long walk or a run every day.
They can get anxious or destructive if they don’t get enough exercise.
While these dogs can keep up with you for hours on end outside, they prefer to rest and relax inside.
Because they are eager to please their owners, this dog breed is usually easy to teach.
They are, nonetheless, delicate creatures who require a lot of positive reinforcement.
Harsh training methods can produce fear and anxiety, as well as unwanted habits such as submissive urination and separation anxiety.
If you’re a hunter, these sporting dogs appear to be naturals at their profession and have a good understanding of their position.
Regular grooming is perhaps the most time-consuming investment you’ll make in your English cocker spaniel, aside from daily exercise.
The smooth medium-length hair that gives these dogs such a lovely coat can quickly mat.
It is also prone to shedding.
Excessive shedding is simpler to regulate the more you brush and maintain the coat.
Most English cocker spaniel owners take their dogs to a groomer on a regular basis to maintain their coat looking its best.
To avoid becoming unmanageable, the hair around the legs and torso is frequently clipped.
You should also inspect your spaniel’s ears for unusual scents or excessive wax accumulation on a regular basis.
As a result of dirt and bacteria becoming trapped inside the ear canal, these dogs are prone to ear infections.
Typical Health Issues
English cocker spaniels are not immune to the health issues that might affect purebred dogs.
Keep an eye out for the following traits in this breed:
- Allergies
- Tumors that are benign
- Cataracts
- Retinal atrophy is a condition that occurs over time.
- Ear Infection
- Hearing loss is a common problem (in parti-color dogs)
- luxation of the patella
- Hypothyroidism
Look for a breeder who can offer clean test results for the hips and knees from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and clear eye findings from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation for each parent dog to reduce the chances of having a dog with one or more of these health issues.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals offers a hearing test that assesses brainstem audiotry evoked response (BAER), which may be relevant if you’re thinking about getting a parti-colored English cocker spaniel.
Nutrition and Diet
For best health and well-being, feed your dog a well-balanced and nutritionally complete dog food.
Whether you feed a traditional kibble diet, wet food, or a raw diet, keep an eye out for signs of an allergic response, which can affect some spaniels.
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities that may result to heart disease, a limited-ingredient diet may be the best option.
Keep a tight check on your English cocker spaniel’s weight.
If overfed and under-exercised, the breed is prone to obesity and pet insurance is much more higher than the
maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Woodcock is the source of their name.
Originally, these little spaniels were developed to chase birds.
They were particularly adept at hunting a species of bird known as the woodcock. This is how the Cocker Spaniel got its name.
The Cocker Spaniel is a delightful companion and a loyal family member.
The Cocker Spaniel is a pleasant family companion and one of America’s favorite breeds.
With an average lifespan of 13-16 years, the Cocker Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed.
Because Cocker Spaniels love to spend time with their people, they often experience separation anxiety when they are left alone for extended periods.
The dogs most often express their anxiety with excessive barking and destructive tendencies such as shredding, chewing, or digging.
![Do Cocker Spaniels Bark A Lot? [Answered]](https://spanielking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Old-Cocker-150x150.jpg "Do Cocker Spaniels Bark A Lot? [Answered]")
