Dog Breeds: Cocker Spaniel Information
Dog Breeds: Cocker Spaniel
Happy and lively the Cocker Spaniel's tail appears to be perpetually wagging. With its love of water, it is not uncommon to see this breed chasing a ball thrown by its master into a lake without a moments hesitation.
With its beautiful appearance, sweet facial expression and lively character this dog makes for a wonderful companion of single people or those with families.
This English breed is famous for its hunting skills and is unequaled when searching for bird nests in wetlands. Adapts well to city life but it is vitally important not to forget that this dog was bred for the hunt and it needs plenty of time outdoors running free and playing.
Questions and Answers:
Q: Jodie my female Cocker Spaniel is now almost six months and I plan to have her neutered. However the breeder that I bought her from told me that if she is neutered the hair on her coat will become all curly? Is this true? What consequences can this have?
A: Yes it is true that some Cocker Spaniel female's coats become curly once they have been neutered. Though there is no real way of knowing why this happens or if it will in fact affect your particular dog. The only reason you would want to avoid this problem is if you intend to enter into dog beauty competitions with her.
Unique Needs:
The Cocker Spaniel needs regular grooming and a hair cut at least once every three months. It is crucial that you take very good care of its ears that are susceptible to infection because of the fact that they are long and covered in hair.
It is a good idea to use high rimmed food and water bowls to avoid this breed dirtying its ears when eating and drinking.
Be careful of the amount of food that you make available to this dog as they become overweight easily.
This breed normally has its tail docked in its first weeks of life.
Temperament:
Though considered first and foremost a companion dog this breed loves and needs lots of time running outdoors. Is playful and sweet and does well living with families as it loves children. Is usually very happy although at times can become overbearing in its playfulness.
Its inbuilt instinct to hunt can make this dog dangerous for cats and other pets.
If not well trained and kept under control this lively hunter can become noisy and difficult to handle.
Genetic Defects:
Progressive degeneration of the Retina:
A hereditary problem that can cause complete blindness in some dog breeds. There is no known cure for this problem or effective treatment. The problem is detected by giving the puppy (or dog) specialized tests. Dogs with this problem should not be used as breeders.
Average Height:
- Males:39 to 41 centimeters
- Females:38 to 39 centimeters
