Cocker Spaniel Info & Cocker Spaniel Breeders

The English Cocker is no doubt one of the oldest types of land spaniel. Their origins can be traced back to 14th century Spain. Prior to the 1600's all types of spaniels were categorised together; the larger ones being used to spring game and the smaller ones to flush out woodcock. Hence the names Springer and Cocker were derived. In 1892, the Kennel Club of Great Britain differentiated the two breeds separately. In the 1930's, the Cocker was the most popular breed of dog in Britain and there he stayed for almost 20 years! On the other side of the Atlantic, Americans were using the same breeding stock to develop a slightly different Cocker.

 

 

Cocker Spaniel Temperament

The AKC Standard says, "His enthusiasm in the field and the incessant action of his tail while at work indicate how much he enjoys the hunting for which he was bred."   When well socialized, the English Cocker Spaniel has a merry tail-wagging nature and is sweet and gentle with everyone. Some are on the reserved side, and there is timidity and excessive submissiveness in some lines.  Cocker Spaniels have a very sociable character and love nothing better than to be with their family which means they can be prone to separation anxiety and do not make good guard dogs.

 

Few are used today as gundogs. Cocker Spaniels enjoy work and mental stimulation, making an excellent pet for active families and they also excel as sniffer dogs.  That pleasure is closely rivalled by the pleasure the dog derives from being close to family members. This is a breed that likes to be part of every family activity. He is cheerful, biddable, loyal, sensitive and playful; in short, a perfect companion for a considerate child or an adventurous adult.

 

This is a friendly dog, whether to other dogs and pets, children, strangers, and even burglars. The English cocker spaniel is a pretty good watchdog, but a poor choice for a protection dog.

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The ideal owner for a Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a good “all round” Dog, they are excellent with Single person families, larger families, young and older people, they are even good with young children as long as the children have been taught to respect the dog. They are adaptable and robust enough to cope with school-aged children but may not tolerate toddlers or pre-schoolers.

 

Cocker Spaniel training and socialisation

Puppy socialization is the gradual process of gently exposing your new puppy to everyday sights, sounds, and situations, in a positive and non-threatening way to help him get used to his surroundings.  You might ask if socializing a puppy is a necessary part of his training. Well, yes, because a properly structured socialization strategy is necessary for all puppies to help them to integrate successfully, not only into our human world but into theirs too.

 

Under-socialized puppies often end up being frightened and confused by the simplest of situations or noises and are often nervous about what's going on around them.

 

In general, Cockers can be trained easily.  They are even-tempered, eager to please and enjoy learning.

 

How much space and exercise do Cocker Spaniel's need?

Cocker Spaniels don’t need much space and are good for apartment living, or small houses.   If living in an apartment, they will require a walk every day.

 

Cocker Spaniels and grooming

Cocker Spaniels can be prone to matting and are high-maintenance. Their long wavy coat needs to be brushed every second day, their ears checked, and their coat trimmed on a regular basis (4-6 weekly). During shedding season, you should groom your Cocker every day.  Grooming helps to develop and strengthen the bond between owner and dog.  Grooming also allows you to look for fleas and ticks, sores, grass seeds, matting, lumps, skin problems, and cuts, so you can treat them before problems develop.

 

 

 

Potential health issues in Cocker Spaniels

English Cockers have some health conditions that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t cautious about who you buy from. They include progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia, juvenile-onset renal failure, hypothyroidism and, in particular, hearing loss.

 

Ask the breeder to show evidence that both of a puppy’s parents have hip, knee and thyroid clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, OFA BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test results for hearing, and eye clearances from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

 

All purebred dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems.  Do not proceed with a breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in their lines.

Cocker Spaniel FAQ's

 

How big do Cocker Spaniels get?

A Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized breed weighing between 12-14.5kgs, with a height between 38-41cms.

 

How much energy do Cocker Spaniels have?

Cockers have loads of energy, particularly when they're young, and are very excitable, fun, playful dogs.  The equivalent of a gym-bunny: they love to play but also love to relax afterwards. 


How difficult are Cocker Spaniels to train?

Their high level of intelligence and desire to please makes them very easy dogs to train.

 

Are Cocker Spaniels suitable for families?

They make a great pet for all households; they are a loyal companion, a great watchdog, and a perfect family pet.

 

Are Cocker Spaniels compatible with other dogs and animals?

Cockers usually get on well with other pets.  They are gundogs though, and in some instances care should be taken around chooks and pet birds.  

 

How much company do Cocker Spaniels need?

Cocker Spaniels love attention and company. They can be prone to separation anxiety, and generally don't do well left alone for long periods.  They are often called "velcro dogs" due to their tendency to follow you around the house.

 

Are Cocker Spaniels a hypoallergenic dog breed?

No.

 

Do Cocker Spaniels shed?

Cocker Spaniels are moderate shedders.

 

Do Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to bark?

Cocker Spaniels have a moderate to high tendency to bark.

 

Special thanks to Vicki McDowall - Kwolatee Cocker Spaniels, and Cocker Spaniel Rescue Australia for contributing to this breed information.

 

If you are a small scale ANKC registered breeder and would like to be listed here, just contact us or follow a few simple steps .

 

We welcome helpful comments and contributions to information about this breed by email or below...

Registered Cocker Spaniel Breeders

Alinta Kennels - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Ross Creek - VIC
Dogs
Alinta is a small kennel and the owners have had a lifetime of love for Cocker Spaniels, their amazing temperament and devoted affection make ... read more
BFFUREVER Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
BFFUREVER is a small breeder of Cocker Spaniels producing sound and true to type puppies with lovely temperaments. Our grown dogs are adored and ... read more
Dogs
I have had dogs all my life and Cocker Spaniels for over 40 years I have done different sports with my Cockers from showing, non slip retrieving and ... read more
Brayroan English Cocker Spaniels - Deception Bay, QLD
Dogs
Brayroan Cocker Spaniels has been established since 2010.
Successfully Exhibiting and Breeding since 2010.
As a retired Veterinary Nurse and a ... read more
Cariadwalnut Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
CariadWalnut Cocker Spaniels Est. 2022. We're very passionate about our dogs being an integral part of the family. We feel it's extremely important ... read more
Charlisangl Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
I am a small breeder focussed on the well-being of my animals. I value ensuring my dogs are loved, live with me 24/7 and are provided with a balanced ... read more
Cleemist - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Batemans Bay, NSW
Dogs
Since 1977 we have owned & produced some wonderful cockers-several gaining such levels as AUSTRALIAN SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION, AUSTRALIAN GRAND ... read more
Cobalt Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
My name is Sue Bruno, and I live in Brisbane with my husband John , 7 Cockers and a German Shepherd who thinks she is a large Cocker. In my earlier ... read more
Frostspark Kennel - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Gippsland, Victoria
Dogs
Frostspark is a small kennel selectively breeding for sound type, great temperament, health and longevity. Puppies are raised in a loving home ... read more
Glenbrook Cockers - Breeder Cocker Spaniel (English)
Dogs
GLENBROOK COCKER SPANIELS : Glenbrook Cocker Spaniels is on the Mornington Peninsula, in Safety Beach.
I ventured into the show ring in 2006 and have ... read more
Grenadi Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
Grenadi Cocker Spaniels are all raised in a relaxed family environment, home reared and well socialized with the other house couch and bed dogs - not ... read more
Innana Cocker Spaniels - Glenbrook, NSW
Dogs
Innana is a small kennel situated at the foot of the Blue Mountains. We breed lovely healthy dogs with fantastic temperaments. They are fed a high ... read more
Jyndel Kennels - Cocker Spaniel Breeder -  Adelaide, SA
Dogs
We are a small home based kennel. We have been showing and breeding cocker spaniels since 1987. We pride ourselves on our ability to breed the type ... read more
Kaybow Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
Kaybow is a small home-based kennel located in Southwestern Sydney. My love affair with Cocker Spaniels started when my family bought a black pup ... read more
KIRKMOOR COCKER SPANIELS
Dogs
We are a small home based breeder in Perth and have owned and loved Cocker Spaniels for almost 40 years. First and foremost our dogs are our much ... read more
Kwolatee Kennels - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Maitland, NSW
Dogs
Breeders Of Quality English Cocker Spaniels. I have been a member of Dogs NSW since 2005 as a Breeder of Pure English Cocker Spaniels. I am also a ... read more
Landmark Cocker Spaniels - American Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Canberra, ACT
Dogs
American Cocker Spaniel Breeder - that shows dogs and is active in agility / obedience training. read more
LAVINTO English Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
** Initial enquiries via email to: lavintokennels@gmail.com ** Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and home and a little bit about your ... read more
Linhope - Cocker Spaniel and mini dachshund breeder Geelong, VIC
Dogs
We breed Mini smooth hair dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels to the ANKC standard. We are passionate about the breed and also show our dogs!

We breed ... read more
Ltrend Maine Coons and American Cockers
Dogs
Cats
Hi we breed and show Maine Coons and AMERICAN Cocker Spaniels. Our dogs and cats are raised in a loving home environment. They have the relevant ... read more
Maggoldie Cocker Spaniels - East Brisbane
Dogs
We are a caring breeder in Brisbane, Queensland active since 2021. We adore our cocker spaniels which are carefully matched for breeding, DNA tested ... read more
Occuli Kennels - Pedigree Cocker Spaniels, Culcairn, NSW
Dogs
Occuli Kennels specialise in breeding Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels with excellent temperaments. DNA tested for FN and PRA - ... read more
Ravensnite - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Brisbane, QLD
Dogs
Concentrating on Breeding mostly solid Blacks, Golds and Black and Tans from quality Imported and Australian lines. Temperament and Type being of ... read more
RUEBETHAN Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
We are a small recreational breeder in South Gippsland. Our dogs are bright and playful in nature and love being your companion.
Potential buyers ... read more
Shelpin Cocker Spaniels - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - QLD
Dogs
Shelpin is a home based kennel operated by Shellie Galpin. We are based in the Northern region of Brisbane with only occasional litters of puppies ... read more
Silverblue Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
We breed beautiful, purebred Cocker Spaniels, all of our dogs are dna tested for hereditary diseases and none of our puppies will be affected with ... read more
Sunlore Kennels - Cocker Spaniel Breeder - Ningi, QLD
Dogs
Sunlore Cocker Spaniels - a small and selective kennel striving for soundness,quality and temperament. Dedicated to the breed for more than 40 years ... read more
Tanilbalake Cocker Spaniels - Brisbane, QLD
Dogs
Tanilbalake is a small home based kennel operated by Ruth Jones. We are based in the Logan region of Brisbane with only occasional litters of puppies ... read more
Tarrendayle English Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
Successful Breeders and Exhibitors of consistent winning Champion English Cocker Spaniels, both solid & parti colours, based on quality ... read more
TOBLEROAN Cocker Spaniels
Dogs
I've owned cocker spaniels for 22years,breeding with Dogs Qld for 13 years now. Quality mums, dads and puppies, all DNA tested.
Sammy was son of one ... read more