Overview
Average lifespan
These devoted and lovable dogs will normally live to 14 years of age but treated with the care they deserve and fed a sound diet, Cocker Spaniels can live up to 16 years.
Average size and weight
These dogs in their prime condition should be 14kg and 38cm tall for the female and 15kg and 41cm tall for the male.
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
This merry little dog makes a wonderful family friend and a devoted companion. It thrives on, and needs the companionship of human beings.
Compatibility with other pets
Good.
Care requirements
Requires regular grooming and particular attention should be paid to keeping the hair trimmed away from under and around the ears, the underbelly and the feet. The sturdy little Cocker can be housed inside or out, and, providing the dog receives the love and attention it requires, will happily settle for either situation.
If kept outdoors, the dog will require a suitable shed or kennel which is warm and draught-free in winter, cool in summer and weatherproof at all times. If kept indoors, be aware that it will shed a little hair every day. The Cocker Spaniel is not a fussy eater and will eat almost anything. A good idea to keep the ears clean is a narrow food bowl which will keep the long ears either side of the bowl and not in the food.
Decision time
Ideal owners
This breed is definitely not for the person who wants a dog to lock in a pen in their back yard. Require an owner who understand that this little dog needs exercise and grooming.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders