How long do Cocker Spaniels live?

Usually, a Cocker Spaniel will live to 10 years old or over. They’re considered an overall healthy breed.

When do Cocker Spaniels stop growing?

Growing tends to stop or slow down by 12 months old. This can vary depending on gender and genetics.

Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?

They’re considered a family-friendly breed and suit those who have an active lifestyle.

Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?

No, these dogs aren't <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/hypoallergenic-dogs/" target="_self">hypoallergenic</a>. They do shed their fur and will require regular grooming.

How to train a Cocker Spaniel?

Cocker Spaniels are considered an easy-to-train breed and are often used as <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/types-of-service-dogs/" target="_self">service dogs</a>. Start while they’re young puppies and introduce training basics such as <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/how-to-train-dog-to-sit-down-wait/" target="_self">sit, lying down and waiting</a>.

Do Cocker Spaniels need a lot of exercise?

They'll need <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/puppy-walking-and-exercise/" target="_self">one hour plus per day</a>. This doesn't have to be just walking or running, you could also try scent detection practice, recall training and other enriching activities to get their brain going.

How far should I walk my puppy Cocker Spaniel?

As they’re not a large breed, any amount of exercise is generally deemed okay. However, as Cocker Spaniels are prone to developing <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/dog-illnesses/" target="_self">lameness</a>, it's wise to make sure they're not over-exerting themselves while they’re less than a year old.

How to groom a Cocker Spaniel

Usually, you’ll need to <a href="/pet-insurance/guides/dog-grooming-at-home/" target="_self">brush them</a> once or twice a week. Regular nail trimming, once or twice a month, is also needed.

How often do Cocker Spaniels need haircuts?

They need their coat trimming regularly as it can easily get dirty. If you’re not sure how to do this at home, seek advice from a dog grooming professional or your vet.

Do Cocker Spaniels shed?

Yes, however regular brushing and coat trimming should help to keep the amount they shed reduced.

Why are Cocker Spaniels' tails docked?

Only really relevant to working Cocker Spaniels, this is usually to prevent damage or injury while carrying out their duties. Tail docking is illegal in the UK unless it’s medically necessary or for specific working dogs.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is full of life and energy, making them a perfect match for those with an active lifestyle.

At a glance

1+ hours of exercise a day

Life expectancy of over 10 years

Medium, between 13kg and 15kg

Easy to train, athletic, obedient

Silhouette showing a Cocker Spaniel can be between 38 and 41cm tall

1+ hours of exercise a day

Life expectancy of over 10 years

Medium, between 13kg and 15kg

Easy to train, athletic, obedient

The Cocker Spaniel – bundles of energy and hearts of gold

Originally bred for hunting, Cocker Spaniels are a super-agile working breed with a loving heart. Their intelligence makes them loyal and obedient. They’re sociable and friendly meaning they tend to enjoy being around people and other pets in the household. It’s easy to see why Cocker Spaniels are such a popular breed.

Buying or rehoming a Cocker Spaniel

Getting a new dog, whether you buy or adopt, is a huge commitment and there’s lots of preparation you need to do to be ready. Some things to consider are:

Prepping your home

Figuring out what to feed them, and buying the food
Buying the essentials, such as leads and collars
Prepping your family, especially any young children
Securing your garden
Understanding grooming routines and techniques
Knowing how much exercise they’ll need
Considering pet insurance

Fun fact

The name Cocker Spaniel originates from the type of bird they were bred to hunt – the woodcock.

What's it like to own a Cocker Spaniel?

Video duration: 0:35

Top 5 health conditions in Cocker Spaniels

We’ve put together the most common claimed for conditions, based on MORE THAN pet insurance customer claims.

Condition	Number of claims	Average paid out
	369	£1,204
	335	£1,017
	329	£79
	316	£487
	255	£1,066

Condition

Number of claims

369

Average paid out

£1,204

Condition

335

Average paid out

£1,017

Condition

329

Average paid out

£79

Condition

316

Average paid out

£487

Condition

255

Average paid out

£1,066

Based on MORE THAN data 1 January 2021 to 1 March 2023. Average cost paid out includes excess.

Common health issues and problems in Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are overall considered a healthy breed, with a usual lifespan of over 10 years.

Some health conditions in Cocker Spaniels can be down to their genetic history, and commonalities within the breed.

Click on the hotspots to find out more about the most common health issues affecting Cocker Spaniels, as provided by our in-house vet team (October 2022).

When your dog is unable to use one or more limbs due to pain or previous injury, they can develop lameness.

Symptoms:

Signs of pain
Swelling of limbs or joints
Loss of muscle mass
Changes in posture
Reluctance to walk, run or stand
Limping

How to prevent it:

If your dog has an injury, make sure they’re fully recovered before exercising again
Try not to over-exercise your puppy while they’re young

If you think your dog might be suffering with or developing lameness, seek help from your vet

Ear infections (or Otitis Externa) is when your dog’s ear or ears become infected and require treatment. Underlying allergies can be a common cause of recurrent or chronic ear issues. Other causes are trauma, injury, or bacteria. Your vet may recommend ear flush, drops or antibiotics to help clear any infection.

Symptoms:

Redness and inflammation on the underside of the ear
Head shaking
Scratching and rubbing the ear
Waxy discharge
Unpleasant smell from affected ear
Pain
Off their food

If you’re concerned about your dog’s ear health, it’s important to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Some dogs require a special diet due to an underlying stomach problem. Often, dogs will eat things that aren’t food, and this can cause stomach issues too.

Symptoms:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Discomfort in the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Losing or gaining weight

How to prevent it:

Try to ensure your dog can't access any food they shouldn’t be eating. Some human foods are toxic, such as chocolate and onions
Feed your dog a diet that agrees with them – there are lots of choices from wet to dry foods

If you’re not sure what diet is best for your dog, your vet should be able to advise.

If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, seek help from your vet.

Lameness

Ear infection

Stomach problems

"Cocker Spaniels have bundles of energy that needs burning off. Ensure you’re exercising your dog every day but also mentally stimulating them as well. Cocker Spaniels are a fantastic breed for mentally challenging tasks such command training, puzzle toys, hide and seek and agility."

Luke Mangion, MORE THAN Vet

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Cocker Spaniel in mid air jumping over a log

Cocker Spaniel being petted by a woman on sofa

Cocker Spaniel temperament and family friendliness

Cocker Spaniels are known to be great family pets due to their obedient and loyal nature. They suit those with an active lifestyle.

Make sure that kids are aware of how to safely interact with dogs, and it’ll help to nurture their ever-growing relationship and keep both them and your dog safe and happy.

Family-friendly

Loyal
Obedient
Easily trained
Intelligent

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Related guides

Cocker Spaniel

At a glance

The Cocker Spaniel – bundles of energy and hearts of gold

Buying or rehoming a Cocker Spaniel

Fun fact

What's it like to own a Cocker Spaniel?

Top 5 health conditions in Cocker Spaniels

Lameness:

Ear infection:

Stomach problems:

Are you looking for insurance for your Cocker Spaniel?

Frequently asked questions about Cocker Spaniels

How long do Cocker Spaniels live?

When do Cocker Spaniels stop growing?

Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?

Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?

How to train a Cocker Spaniel?

Cocker Spaniels and exercise

Do Cocker Spaniels need a lot of exercise?

How far should I walk my puppy Cocker Spaniel?

Grooming your Cocker Spaniel

How to groom a Cocker Spaniel

How often do Cocker Spaniels need haircuts?

Do Cocker Spaniels shed?

Why are Cocker Spaniels' tails docked?

Cocker Spaniel temperament and family friendliness

Family-friendly

Ready to insure your Cocker Spaniel?

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