This Season
 

How to Select a Cocker Spaniel

Originating from the English cocker spaniel and also called the American cocker spaniel, the cocker spaniel is bred to be a hunter and a watchdog. However, because of its sweet and gentle nature, the cocker spaniel makes a great family pet and loves to be with children. Colors include buff, black, black and tan, black and white, black and red or buff, and black and white with tan points.

Related Searches:
    Difficulty:
    Moderately Easy

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Dental Kits (for Dogs)
    • Dog Beds
    • Dog Brushes
    • Dog Dishes
    • Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
    • Dog Food
    • Dog Leashes
    • Dog Shampoo
    • Dog Toys
    • Nail Clippers For Dogs
      • 1

        Think about getting a cocker spaniel if you're looking for a dog that is obedient. Cocker spaniels are very mindful of their owners and rarely challenge them.

      • 2

        Choose a cocker spaniel if you have other pets in the house. They get along with people and other animals.

      • 3

        Look at a cocker spaniel's features when choosing one. The dog should have a compact body, an alert expression, round eyes, a long neck, muscular hindquarters, and short hair around the head and ears and a medium coat for the rest of the body. The coat should be silky.

      • 4

        Note that male cocker spaniels mature to a height of 15 inches; females grow to 14 inches. Both will weigh between 24 and 28 pounds.

      • 5

        Understand that cocker spaniels can take some time to house-train and have a tendency to bark.

      • 6

        Know that cocker spaniels are prone to health problems including cataracts (a cloudy area in the lens of the eye), glaucoma (increased fluid pressure inside the eye) and patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap). They can also be prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint) and allergies. Talk to a breeder or whoever you get yours from to find out what type of screening they've done for these health problems.

      • 7

        Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

      • 8

        Expect a cocker spaniel to live somewhere between 12 and 15 years.

      • 9

        Be prepared to spend between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred cocker spaniel.

      • 10

        Consider adopting a cocker spaniel from a pet rescue organization. Be aware, however, that this breed will take much time and patience to house-train as an adult dog. Often they aren't as sweet and even-tempered because of previous abuse and neglect.

      • 11

        Expect to live a full 12 to 15 years with your new dog, as this is the average life expectancy of a cocker spaniel.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (see Related Sites) to learn more about hip dysplasia in cocker spaniels.

    • Consider getting a crate to house-train your cocker spaniel puppy in.

    • A cocker spaniel's coat will tangle easily if the dog is allowed to walk through dense brush.

    Related Searches

    Read Next:

    Comments

    • karenlmram May 23, 2009
      i have two cocker spaniel pups. i was told by a trainer that if they havent peed,pooped, and she mentioned one other thing that i cant remember then they werent pure bred. can anyone tell me anything about this? thanks. and to anyone with pottytraining problems get a pee post. they do work.
    • danielsonchris May 19, 2008
      I have tried for 6 months to train the (excited, nervous, submissive) urinating issues out of the our amazing Cocker Spaniel. You can't get past it. What ends up happening is you learn the "signs" of when the dog is going to perform this feet and you avoid them. Also, please note that these dogs are good with children IF YOU ended up with a not so crazy one that is well trained. Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to snap at people if they have poor temperament or weren't properly trained. If you end up with a good one, it will be easy to train them!
    • danielsonchris May 19, 2008
      Don't forget that Cocker Spaniel's have a tendency to urinate (drips and drops typically) when excited, exhibiting submissive behavior, and general nervousness.
    • LorettaAndRon Jul 07, 2007
      i have a new puppy and ive read that you need to wash their eyes daily, could anyone tell me if i just wash them with water??? thank you
    • LorettaAndRon Jul 07, 2007
      i have a new puppy and ive read that you need to wash their eyes daily, could anyone tell me if i just wash them with water??? thank you

    You May Also Like

    • How to Adopt a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

      The Cocker Spaniel is perhaps the most popular breed of dog in the United States. They make wonderful house pets, thanks to...

    • How to Train a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

      There are two types of cocker spaniels -- the English and the American, but both types are very popular in many countries...

    • The History of Black Cocker Spaniels

      Black Cocker Spaniel is one of three breeds of the Cocker Spaniel family. The other two varieties are parti color, which is...

    • How to Groom a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

      Cocker spaniel puppies are naturally curious and can get into everything. They require a throughout grooming at least once a month. Grooming...

    • Cocker Spaniel Types

      The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with low-set, floppy ears. Originally used as hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels' tails were clipped, or...

    • Behavior in Cocker Spaniels

      The cocker spaniel is one of the more popular breeds in the United States, says the American Kennel Club (AKC). Descended from...

    • Different Types of Cocker Spaniel Breeds

      The cocker spaniel was originally bred in England and brought to America by early English settlers. Today, there are two distinctive breeds...

    • Varieties of Cocker Spaniels

      Cocker Spaniels are a relatively small breed of dog that was originally bred as a sporting dog. They are popular as show...

    • About Caring For a Cocker Spaniel

      The Cocker Spaniel is an adorable and popular breed of dog that is favored by many people. But a Cocker Spaniel is...

    • How to Cut a Cocker Spaniel's Hair With Human Clippers

      Grooming your cocker spaniel to have the traditional American Kennel Society show-dog cut can be both expensive and time consuming. This cut...

    • How to Groom Cocker Spaniels

      Cocker spaniels are loyal, gentle dogs who are most happy being around people. This breed is well suited as a family pet...

    • How to Groom an English Cocker Spaniel

      The English Cocker Spaniel is an adorable, compact little dog with floppy ears. This breed is full of energy and enthusiasm. Their...

    • Spaniel Dog Hairstyles

      Spaniel Dog Hairstyles. The cpaniel family includes several breeds, including the cocker, American cocker, clumber, springer and water spaniels. All spaniels can...

    • How to Pick a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

      According to the American Kennel Club's website, cocker spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They're...

    • How Much Food Should a Cocker Spaniel Puppy Be Fed?

      A nutritious, high-quality diet is essential to ensure your cocker spaniel is happy and healthy. Feeding your dog properly will prevent premature...

    • Cocker Spaniel Eye Diseases

      Cocker Spaniel Eye Diseases. Cocker spaniels are adorable dogs that are great family pets. But when adding a cocker spaniel to the...

    • How to Take Care of Cocker Spaniels

      Cocker Spaniels are one of the most popular and well-known dog breeds. Cocker Spaniels are a happy and easily trainable breed, contributing...

    • How to Love Your Cocker Spaniel

      Cockers also have a history of ear infections. Keep your cocker's ears free of debris, hair and water. When you are done...

    Follow eHow

    Related Ads