Cocker Spaniel Appearance
The English Cocker Spaniel is an active dog with a beautifully flowing, silky coat with thick feathering over the ears and legs. The English Cocker has large dark eyes and long, low-set ears. Cockers can be kept with long coats or groomed with short hair in a puppy cut. As befits a sporting dog, the English Cocker exudes eagerness and agility.
Cocker Spaniel Behavior
English Cockers are bred to hunt and require daily exercise to remain healthy. They are active and alert but not aggressive or overly barky. English Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and friendly toward people, dogs, and other pets.
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Cocker Spaniel Health (dog breed health problems)
Cocker Spaniel Hypothyroidism
Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism) are easily treated with medication, and many veterinarians believe the likelihood of hypothyroidism is reduced markedly if dogs are not over-vaccinated.
Cocker Spaniel Deafness
Genetic deafness occurs in English Cocker Spaniels, especially in the parti-colored dogs (white with dark patches of color).
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Cocker Spaniel Entropion and ectropion
Entropion is a condition caused as the eyelid rolls inward and eye lashes rub the cornea causing pain, tearing, and inflammation. Ectropion is an eyelid that rolls outward so that tears aren’t channeled into the tear ducts but drain on the face. Eyelid surgeries readily repair either of these problems.
Cocker Spaniel Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart muscle) is a genetic disease of some English Cocker Spaniels. Heart function can be strengthened in some dogs with Nordic Natural Omega-3 Pet and Be Well. The amino acid taurine, which is found in 1-800-PetMeds Super VitaChews is also recommended for many dogs with cardiac conditions.
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Cocker Spaniel Grooming
Cockers require brushing daily or every other day to prevent the long, fine coat and thick undercoat from developing mats. Keep hair over the feet clipped or examine daily for burrs, grass awns, or twigs, especially if your dog is traveling through fields. Use a clothespin to clip the ears up when your Cocker eats and immediately wash hair that has gotten into the food bowl. Cocker Spaniels have a deep lip fold that traps food and should be cleaned after meals. A Cocker Spaniel’s outer ear canals may be thickly haired and damp. This predisposes Cockers to chronic ear infections, especially if your Cocker has allergies. Keep the ear canals dry and yeast-free by using weekly ear cleansers. Cut the nails at least monthly unless your dog exercises on rough surfaces. Watch for scooting and signs that allergies are causing the bottom to itch. Scooting can lead to anal sac problems, including impacted anal glands, and these should be taken care of by your veterinarian rather than by a groomer.
Brush
Daily or every other day
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Trim
Essential to keep matted hair from forming
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Nails
Self-trimming if active on rough surfaces
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Eyes, Ears, & Face
Check ears frequently and use an ear cleanser weekly. Clean lip folds after eating.
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Anal Sacs
Seldom need to be expressed unless your Cocker has allergies that lead to scooting
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