English Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
English Cocker Spaniel: a good fit for you
English Cocker Spaniel: could work, with compromises
English Cocker Spaniel: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The English Cocker Spaniel, a British flushing dog, began as the ‘cocking spaniel’, which took its name from flushing woodcock.[1] Today the breed has separate working and show lines, the show Cocker being a sturdier, heavier version of the working dog.[1] Its standard asks for a merry nature: gentle and affectionate, yet full of life and exuberance.[1]
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 13–14.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
English Cocker Spaniel: origin and history
England’s spaniel breeds were developed centuries ago from dogs of Spanish stock, and the word ‘spaniel’ derives from ‘Spanish’.[2] The FCI says that Cocker Spaniels were recognised as a breed separate from Field and Springer Spaniels soon after The Kennel Club was formed in 1873.[1] The Royal Kennel Club lists the breed as ‘Spaniel (Cocker)’ and calls it ‘the merry cocker’ for its ever-wagging tail.[3]
In the United States, fanciers developed a smaller companion Cocker in the early 20th century, and in 1946 the AKC recognised that American type, the Cocker Spaniel, and the English Cocker Spaniel as separate breeds.[2] The FCI places the English Cocker Spaniel in Group 8 (Retrievers – Flushing Dogs – Water Dogs), Section 2 (Flushing Dogs), with working trial.[1]
Fact sheet
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needshigh
- Trainabilityhigh
- Grooming needshigh
- Sheddingmoderate
- Barkingmoderate
- Good with kidshigh
- Good with other dogshigh
- Good with catshigh
- Apartment-friendlymoderate
- Copes with being alonelow
- Watchdog instinctlow
- Good for first-time ownershigh
- Affectionvery high
English Cocker Spaniel: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (4 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Plan for off-lead running or games, not just walks on the lead.
How long does it live?
12–15 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: eye disease, ear infections.
How big does it get?
38–41 cm at the withers and 13–14.5 kg. Size class: medium.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Moderately: 3 out of 5 for shedding. The coat needs brushing several times a week, and more often during the moult.
Male or female?
About 39–41 cm at the withers for males and about 38–39 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
English Cocker Spaniel or Lagotto Romagnolo?
Biggest difference: shedding (moderate vs. very low).
| English Cocker Spaniel | Lagotto Romagnolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 13–14.5 kg | 11–16 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–16 years |
| Coat | Medium length | Curly |
| Shedding | Moderate | Very low |
| Good with cats | High | Moderate |
| Affection | Very high | High |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- are getting your first dog
- have children
- have a cat
- want a cuddly companion
English Cocker Spaniel: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs about 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 12–15 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Struggles when left alone
- 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- High-maintenance coat
- 4 out of 5 for grooming. The coat needs brushing several times a week, and more often during the moult.
English Cocker Spaniel: puppy price and monthly costs
£400 – £1,000 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £83 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £400 – £1,000 [4] | from £83 [5] |
| United States | $2,500 – $3,500 [6] | $116 [7] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [8] |
| Australia | A$3,000–4,000 [9] | A$210 [10] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [11] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Eye disease [17]
- Inherited conditions such as PRA or cataracts. Good breeders have the eyes tested.
- Ear infections [17]
- Floppy ears trap moisture. Check them regularly.
Health tests for the parent dogs
14 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), kneecap check, thyroid test, and DNA tests (prcd-PRA).
- Recommended (may be required) for breeding in Canada (English Cocker Spaniel Club of Canada): hip X-ray (HD), kneecap check, eye exam, hearing test (BAER), thyroid test, and DNA tests (FN, prcd-PRA).
- Recommended (may be required) for breeding in Australia (National Cocker Spaniel Council): DNA tests (AON, FN, prcd-PRA).
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [18] | United States [19] | Canada [20] | Australia [21] | New Zealand [22] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Recommended(may be required) | Recommended | not in the rules |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules |
| Kneecap checkPatella luxation | not in the rules | Required | Recommended(may be required) | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended(may be required) | not in the rules | Recommended |
| GonioscopyGlaucoma risk | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Hearing test (BAER)Congenital deafness | not in the rules | Recommended | Recommended(may be required) | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis | not in the rules | Required | Recommended(may be required) | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: AMSAcral mutilation syndrome | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules |
| DNA test: AONAdult-onset neuropathy | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended(may be required) [23] | not in the rules |
| DNA test: BHFDBlack hair follicular dysplasia (hair loss) | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules |
| DNA test: EICExercise-induced collapse | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: FNFamilial nephropathy (kidney disease) | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended(may be required) | Recommended(may be required) [23] | Recommended |
| DNA test: PRAProgressive retinal atrophy | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended |
| DNA test: prcd-PRAProgressive retinal atrophy | Recommended | Required | Recommended(may be required) | Recommended(may be required) [23] | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada and Australia: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
(may be required): the club words the test as mandatory, but we found no binding rule.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), kneecap check, and thyroid test. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for prcd-PRA, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [24] [25] [26] [27]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [28] [29] [30]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [31] [32] [33] [34]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 5: English Cocker Spaniel (2026)
- American Kennel Club: English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information
- The Royal Kennel Club: Spaniel (Cocker)
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Cocker Spaniel Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- Good Dog: 25 cute English Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale (2026)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Cocker Spaniel Club of Qld Inc: Cocker Spaniel Club of Qld Inc - Puppies
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Canine Medicine and Genetics 11(1):1 (Engdahl KS et al., VetCompass): English Cocker Spaniels under primary veterinary care in the UK: disorder predispositions and protections (2024)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: English Cocker Spaniel
- English Cocker Spaniel Club of Canada: Health & Genetics Testing
- National Cocker Spaniel Council (Australia): Health testing for cocker spaniels
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the COCKER SPANIEL (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- Cocker Spaniel Club of Queensland Inc.: Health Testing
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.