With their soulful eyes and an ever-wagging tail, the Cocker Spaniel is an easy-going, affectionate, and intelligent breed.
Whether you’re lucky enough to share your life with a Cocker Spaniel or just thinking about adopting a pup, this is your go-to guide for parenting this endearing breed.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for a Cocker Spaniel.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Originally bred as skilled hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels have roots tracing back to Spain. The name "Spaniel" comes from their Spanish origins, and their speciality was flushing out birds like woodcock (hence ‘Cocker’) from dense vegetation.
Over time, they became beloved in England and the US, evolving into two distinct breeds: the English Cocker Spaniel (taller, leaner) and the American Cocker Spaniel (shorter, more compact). Today, they're cherished for their affectionate nature, luscious coats, and eager-to-please personalities.
Key characteristics
Cocker Spaniels are the ultimate companion and family dog – they love attention and being included in the action.
They're adaptable and do well in apartments or houses with a backyard, as long as they get daily walks and plenty of mental stimulation. If you’re a first-time dog parent, a Cocker Spaniel’s attentive and trainable nature makes them a great choice.
Health considerations
Cocker Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to joint issues, skin conditions, and obesity.
The right food plays a huge role in their wellbeing. A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3s can support their joints, skin, and overall health.
Appearance and size
Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build and long, silky coats. Their deep, dark eyes and distinctively long ears give them an irresistible charm.
Cocker Spaniel personality and temperament
Lively, social, and cheerful, Cocker Spaniels thrive in a loving home. They’re excellent family dogs and kid-friendly, especially if they’ve been socialised appropriately from an early age.
As a sporting dog, they’re smart and eager to please, making them a joy to teach. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to keep these spirited dogs happy and healthy. But without enough stimulation, they might find their own fun — like chewing on your shoes!
Some Spaniels can be sensitive and may engage in submissive urination if they’re nervous. A calm environment, steady routine, and patient and consistent training works best for these sweet-natured pups.
Cocker Spaniel size guide
A full-grown Cocker Spaniel weighs between 11-15 kg and can grow between 35 - 41 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They reach their full height by 12 months old but can take longer to fully mature.
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How long do Cocker Spaniels live?
Cocker Spaniels typically live between 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible — and there’s a lot we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
“Cocker Spaniels can be prone to skin conditions caused by allergies, which may also lead to ear infections. Dietary ingredients with antioxidant properties, like vitamin E and vitamin A from beta-carotene from high-quality meat and colourful vegetables, can help protect your pup’s skin against oxidative damage.”
– Dr Darcy Marshall, Lyka Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Learn more about Dr Darcy Marshall and his veterinary experience.
What does a Cocker Spaniel eat?
Cocker Spaniels benefit from a real food diet to fuel their active bodies and sharp minds.
The best Cocker Spaniel diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious — perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Cocker Spaniel’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Do Cocker Spaniel puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Cocker Spaniel puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Cocker Spaniel health issues
Cocker Spaniels from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Cocker Spaniels can be prone to inherited developmental conditions like hip dysplasia — an abnormally shallow hip socket that causes the joint to slip. Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
2. Skin issues
Skin conditions are the most common reason to visit the vet. From skin allergies to atopic dermatitis, Cocker Spaniels are no strangers to these problems.
Soothe your Spaniel's skin inflammation, itchiness and scratching with a complete and balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
A real food diet can help to reduce sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants.
Look for real ingredients full of skin-soothing properties, like:
🌱 Hemp seeds: contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 to calm skin irritations.
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin.
🐟 Fish oil: has potent omega-3 to reduce inflamed and dry skin.
Read more: 9 common dog skin conditions: how to spot & treat them →
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment →
3. Obesity
It can be easy for Cocker Spaniel’s to gain unnecessary weight, putting additional strain on their joints.
Maintain your pup's optimal weight with a portion-controlled, complete and balanced diet that keeps them nourished and in excellent shape. Pair this with regular walks and play to keep them active, along with regular veterinary check-ups.
Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape, like:
🍠 Purple sweet potato: a low-GI carbohydrate option that gradually releases energy to satisfy your pup.
🦘 Kangaroo and Chicken: low-fat, high-quality protein options for healthy weight management.
🥬 Kale: fresh, non-starchy produce with bioavailable nutrients and dietary fibre for healthy digestion and satiety.
Read more: Decoding dog weight: is your dog in perfect shape? →
Cocker Spaniel coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
A well-groomed Cocker Spaniel isn’t just about taming their long tresses – it’s essential for their health!
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. You ensure your dog stays healthy and happy by investing a little time in their hygiene.
Coat types and shedding
Cocker Spaniels have a silky, wavy coat that sheds moderately, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.
They’re an adaptable breed that can tolerate both cold and warm weather and will often have two seasonal blow-outs where they shed more intensely. Regular brushing and hand-stripping can help keep loose hair under control.
Grooming
Part of the Cocker Spaniel’s appeal is their luxurious coat. To keep their hair manageable and tidy brush them at least 3-4 times a week and trimmed every 6-8 weeks. They may have an easy-going nature, but they’re not a low-maintenance dog.
This breed can be sensitive to loud noises and strange places. It can be helpful to introduce them to your chosen groomer before they have an appointment, so they feel more at ease in the environment.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Cocker Spaniel hygiene tips
The Cocker Spaniel’s long, floppy ears and predisposition to skin conditions makes them prone to ear infections, so routine ear checks are crucial. Clean their ears regularly using a sterile, damp cloth to prevent wax buildup and irritation.
Dental hygiene is important for all dogs, including Cocker Spaniels. Brushing their teeth a few times a week can help reduce tartar buildup and support healthy gums. Using dog-friendly toothpaste and a soft brush will make this process more effective and comfortable for your pup.
Cocker Spaniel nails can grow quickly, and if left untrimmed, they can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk. Introducing nail trimming from an early age with positive reinforcement will help them become accustomed to the process.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Cocker Spaniel exercise requirements
Cocker Spaniels are energetic dogs that require at least 60 minutes of daily exercise to keep them fit. They may look like fluffy lap dogs, but they’re an agile and athletic breed. They love brisk walks, a game of fetch, agility training, and the freedom to follow their nose at the dog park.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are highly trainable thanks to their sharp minds and loyal temperament. Positive reinforcement is always the gold standard when it comes to training, and it helps them to enjoy learning new tricks.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For Cocker Spaniel puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Cocker Spaniel breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Cocker Spaniel is the perfect pup to fit your lifestyle? How exciting! Now comes an important step: finding a reputable breeder.
How do I find a reputable Cocker Spaniel breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents — it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Cocker Spaniel puppy?
You can expect to pay around $2,500 to $5,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a Cocker Spaniel from a rescue shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still have questions about the Cocker Spaniel breed? Check out our FAQs for more information.
Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?
Cocker Spaniels have a double coat and shed moderately throughout the year, so they’re not regarded as hypoallergenic.
When should I desex my Cocker Spaniel?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Cocker Spaniel pregnant?
The Cocker Spaniel gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
What is a roan Cocker Spaniel?
The word ‘roan’ describes a patten of white and pigmented colouration in an animal’s coat. In Cocker Spaniels, a blue roan is very popular.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together.
Parenting your Cocker Spaniel comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Cocker Spaniels across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
