Breed History – A breed of gun dog, the English Cocker Spaniel has a long history of being used in sports and retrieving game. It is widely believed the Spaniels gained the name Cocker because they were commonly used to hunt Woodcock.
Breed Description – A sturdy and well balanced dog, the English Cocker Spaniel is instantly recognisable thanks to its intelligent and happy features and big ears that dangle to the side of its head. In terms of height, males can grow up to 16 inches tall at the withers and can weigh up to 14.6 kg.
Special Needs – There are a number of health issues associated with the English Cocker Spaniel, including heart murmurs and hip dysplasia. They can also be prone to ‘rag syndrome’, where they will attack suddenly and aggressively without any warning. This is more prominent in show dogs, and unfortunately this cannot be predicted or diagnosed as to when, or if, it will happen.
Owning an English Cocker Spaniel – With its nickname being ‘The Merry Cocker’ it is no surprise to find out that Cocker Spaniels are some of the friendliest dogs you could ever hope to find. They are highly successful in Crufts, having won Best of Breed more times than any other dog, and are well known for their attractive looks. They are equally happy either working or within a family environment, and are easy to train and care for.
Healthy Pets are pet insurance specialists. Healthy Pets offers an excellent range of Cocker spaniel insurance policies for all breeds of dog, including English Cocker Spaniel insurance.
