Cocker Spaniel Puppies: The Ultimate Guide for New Dog Owners

With big floppy ears and doe eyes, the cocker spaniel puppy can melt even the toughest of hearts. Bred originally for flushing out birds for hunters, this compact sporting dog is equal parts curious, affectionate, and spritely.

Though spaniels of all types were used for centuries as hunting dogs, the cocker spaniel became an official breed in the early 19th-century when breed standards were starting to form. Named for their affinity for finding woodcock birds, the cocker spaniel is smaller framed than other spaniels but just as spirited.

There are two varieties of cocker spaniel: the American and the English. Though virtually identical, the English version is slightly taller with a different coat texture. In the 1940s, the English breed gained notoriety through Brucie, the cocker spaniel who won the Westminster Dog Show twice.

This dog may have been bred for hunting, but now they love their belly rubs and enjoy playing with their favourite humans.

Via Flickr/Richard Munckton

Cocker spaniel puppy facts

Here are some interesting facts you need to know before getting your cocker spaniel puppy:

Size	Small. Male cocker spaniels reach a height of 37-39cm (14.5-15.5in) and weigh 11-13.5kg (25-30bs). Females are 34-37cm (13.5-14.5in) and weigh 9-11kg (20-25lbs).
Breed Characteristics	Small but mighty, the cocker spaniel is the smallest of the sporting group breeds (golden retriever, vizsla, Labrador retriever, etc.). They’re well balanced from head to toe, with a muscular, sturdy body built for endurance. They have large, expressive dark eyes, and long ears. Their coats are usually of medium length and have a silky texture with a slight wave.
Temperament	Affectionate and ready to play, the cocker spaniel is highly treat motivated and loves to learn new tricks. They’re family-oriented and a highly agreeable companion to their favourite human. They can be mischievous when they believe you’re not paying attention, however, so be sure to watch them and catch them in the act!
Grooming and Health Needs	Due to their silky fur, cocker spaniels need regular grooming and brushing, as their hair can easily get tangled. Professionals suggest brushing the coat first with a wire brush and then follow up with a thorough but gentle combing. To keep the coat extra silky, the cocker will enjoy a semi-regular bath with dog-safe shampoo and a nice warm blow dry. Though cocker spaniels are known for their longevity, it’s recommended to go to a vet to show the proper way to clean their ear canals to avoid ear infections and skin issues.
Training	Cocker spaniels love pleasing their humans! They’re sensitive to tone, so using a harsh voice is not recommended in order to train this breed appropriately and make sure you stick to positive reinforcement training. They do enjoy a challenge however, so study diverse activities that will let your cocker shine and reward them with treats!
Energy Level	The cocker spaniel is active but doesn’t need constant exercise. They love playing fetch, going on long, brisk walks, or playing with other dogs as a way to expel energy. They can also participate in obedience or agility classes that help channel their energy.
Life Span	Cocker spaniels live between 10-14 years on average.

Who is the best human for a cocker spaniel?

Cocker spaniels are great family dogs and due to their compact size, they can live in flats as long as they get plenty of exercise. Good-natured and affectionate, the cocker enjoys exuberant company and dog sports, so be sure to bring the energy when interacting with this sporting breed! And if you can’t be around as much as you’d like to be, you can find a local walker or sitter on Rover.com who offers dog boarding and can give your dog all the attention and exercise they deserve while you’re gone.

Getting a cocker spaniel puppy

Whether to adopt or to work with a breeder for your new cocker spaniel puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically-sourced cocker spaniel puppies.

Knowing what you’re in for when you get a cocker spaniel puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, prepare yourself for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.

Finding a cocker spaniel breeder

It may be surprising to know, but adopting a cocker spaniel puppy is possible. Most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there who are looking for a new forever home.

Finding a cocker spaniel rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The Kennel Club also has an excellent list of cocker spaniel rescues on their site.

The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs who have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog who’s already been housebroken and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a cocker spaniel mix who has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in. The Kennel Club also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.