Cocker Spaniels 101

Sporting group

English Cockers are generally friendly to all but may be a little reserved around people they don't know. They are, however, a superb family dog that's not too large, and they love children – any children, but especially their own. They love doing things with their people and do well in canine sports such as agility and nose work. They are intelligent, easy to train and eager to please.

What we love about Cocker Spaniels

Slightly different look than their American relatives, but no less loving

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

15 to 17 inches tall
Medium breed size

Size: 15 to 17 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years average

Weight

26 to 34 lbs

Weight: 26 to 34 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
15 to 17 inches
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
26 to 34 lbs

The English Cocker Spaniel stands 15 to 17 inches tall and weighs 26 to 34 lbs. English Cocker Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do English Cocker Spaniels get?
English Cocker Spaniels stand 15 to 17 inches tall and typically weigh between 26 and 34 pounds.
How long do English Cocker Spaniels live?
The average lifespan of a English Cocker Spaniel is 12 to 14 years.
Are English Cocker Spaniels good for first-time dog owners?
English Cocker Spaniels have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do English Cocker Spaniels bark a lot?
English Cocker Spaniels are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This English Cocker Spaniel health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Cocker Spaniel

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

Mid-life English Cocker Spaniels should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Seizures
Moderate Risk

Senior Cocker Spaniel

8+ years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

Senior English Cocker Spaniels face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and Cushings disease and Cataracts pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cataracts
Very High Risk

Cocker Spaniel puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

English Cocker Spaniel puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Toxicity
Moderate Risk

Young adult Cocker Spaniel

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

As English Cocker Spaniels grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Ear infection is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Cocker Spaniel

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

Mid-life English Cocker Spaniels should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Seizures
Moderate Risk

Senior Cocker Spaniel

8+ years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

Senior English Cocker Spaniels face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and Cushings disease and Cataracts pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cataracts
Very High Risk

Cocker Spaniel puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

English Cocker Spaniel puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Toxicity
Moderate Risk

Young adult Cocker Spaniel

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Cocker Spaniel conditions

As English Cocker Spaniels grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Ear infection is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk
English cocker spaniel standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your English Cocker Spaniel's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Toxicity: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Conjunctivitis: Above Average Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): High Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Seizures: Moderate Risk
Senior (8+ years)
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk, Cataracts: Very High Risk
1-Hero image-English cocker spaniel GettyImages-1151194815

English and American Cocker Spaniels were once the same breed. English have a longer muzzle, a more streamlined look and less fur on the lower half of their bodies. They are also recognized in more color patterns, especially red roan and blue roan.

English Cocker Spaniel coat care and colors

The long double coat of the English Cocker Spaniel requires regular combing and brushing to remove the debris this active dog picks up. Some are kept clipped short for convenience.

Cocker Spaniel exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The English Cocker wants to do what the family is doing. While not as high-energy as some other hunting breeds, Cockers will do best with lots of brisk walks, fetch and play.

Trainability

Trainability

Spaniels tend to be people-pleasers, and the English Cocker is no exception. Praise is their best motivator, but tiny treats are appreciated, too. Acclimate early to nail trims to avoid future conflict.

Cocker Spaniel fun facts

Top girl names for Cocker Spaniels

100%

of Cocker Spaniels are female

0%

of Cocker Spaniels are male

Top boy names for Cocker Spaniels

Nationwide loves English Cocker Spaniels of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

English Cocker Spaniel gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among English Cocker Spaniels insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

English Cocker Spaniel statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Cocker Spaniels

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