Cocker Spaniel

Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Temperament: active, strong, playful
Cost: $450-$600
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Recommended for: families, older people
Dumpage rate: approximately 10% (according to the Cocker Spaniel Society of NSW)
Popularity: increasing
Maintenance: medium to high

One of the most recognisable breeds and a favourite with the advertising industry, Cockers Spaniels have long held a top-20 place in the list of Australia's popular dogs.

Appearance

The Cocker Spaniel's major beauty is their soft wavy coat. Combined with the domed head, big brown eyes and soft floppy ears it is a breed of enormous visual appeal. A small dog, they reach about 40cm (16") at the shoulder and weigh about 13kg (29lb) when fully grown.

Colours include solid red, black, gold, liver, parti-colours (eg: black and tan), and tricolours (black, tan and white). There are more than 30 different colour combinations as well as roan-coloured dogs. The tails are usually docked.

Temperament

The term 'spaniel-like' describes a doe-eyed individual which slavishly follows its owner. Cocker Spaniels crave attention and love nothing better than to be with their family. With a reputation for being a little 'scatty', regular, consistent routine and training is highly recommended.

Health

Long ears can hide ticks and burrs as well as providing a warm, damp environment for infections. Night-blindness is known in the breed so deal only with responsible breeders and ask about a pup's family health history. A serious behavioural problem known as 'Rage Syndrome' most-often affecting golden cockers, has become less common in the past 5 years. Again, check that the parents are free of this problem. Cocker Spaniels can become gluttons if permitted and will put on weight very quickly. It's easier to monitor their diet and prevent a problem.

Breeding

Cocker Spaniels are good whelpers averaging six puppies a litter but there may be a waiting list for pups from reputable breeders.

Housepet potential

Cocker Spaniels are adaptable dogs which can be kept inside or outside. They are excellent companions inside the house but do drop hair. Although not noted for being 'diggers', some may become accomplished escape artists while individual dogs are known to climb fences!

Space and exercise

Cocker Spaniels need regular exercise - a daily walk or an energetic game - although a large backyard is unnecessary. They are good swimmers.

Ideal owner

Cocker Spaniels are excellent with families and older people. They are adaptable and robust enough to cope with treatment dished out by school-aged children but may not tolerate toddlers or preschoolers.

Grooming

Cocker Spaniels are a long-coated breed and so need about 20 minutes' grooming every second day. The ears should be checked for burrs, grass seeds or bad smells daily. To keep their coat looking neat they need to be trimmed three times a year, costing about $30 each visit. Some owners learn to trim their dogs themselves.

Uses and training

Cocker Spaniels make good watch dogs as most bark if someone nears their home but few are truly aggressive. Few are used today as gundogs. Some form of obedience work and a firm hand is necessary.

History and popularity

'Spaniel' means the breed originally came from Spain while their use in flushing woodcocks and snipes from marshes led to the name 'cocking' spaniel, since shortened to 'cocker'. In 1998 Cocker Spaniels were the 10th most popular breed of dog in Australia based on national dog registrations.

Further Information

Cocker Spaniel Society of NSW
Secretary, Mrs Betty Richter
Phone: (02) 9894 7935

Cocker Spaniel Club of the ACT
Secretary, Ruth Fazey
21 Altson Circuit, Conder, 2906
Phone: (02) 6294 1398

Cocker Spaniel Club of South Australia
Secretary, Mrs Dianne Thomas
Phone: (08) 8387 4127

Cocker Spaniel Club of Western Australia
Secretary, Donna Daniel
25 Matison St, Southern River, 6110
Phone: (08) 9398 7857

Cocker Spaniel Club of Queensland
Secretary, Louise Bygraves
666 Hamilton Road, Chermside, 4032
Phone: (07) 3350 4898

Cocker Spaniel Club of Victoria
Secretary, Mrs M Brodie
Phone: (03) 9786 2772

Tasmania
No Club in TAS

Northern Territory
No Club Contact in NT

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