Features

The origin of the Cocker Spaniel dates back to the United Kingdom, where it was originally bred as a hunting dog, specialized in flushing game birds such as woodcocks—hence the name “Cocker.” Its excellent sense of smell and agility made it an outstanding companion in the British countryside, standing out among English spaniels for its versatility.

Over time, the English Cocker gained popularity beyond the hunting field thanks to its affectionate and sociable nature. This led to its rise as a companion dog in many households, making it one of the most beloved breeds both in Europe and America.

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a compact, muscular body, long, drooping ears, and a silky coat that requires some maintenance. Its dark, almond-shaped eyes reflect its sensitive and affectionate personality. The coat comes in a wide range of solid, bicolor, or tricolor shades.

As for temperament, the Cocker is cheerful, friendly, and playful. It thrives on constant interaction with its family and is especially good with children. Thanks to its intelligence, it responds well to positive training, although it can also show some stubbornness if not taught with patience and consistency.

In addition to being an excellent companion dog, the English Cocker Spaniel retains much of its hunting instinct, so it enjoys outdoor exercise, tracking games, and mentally stimulating activities. It’s a breed that needs challenges and attention, so it’s not recommended to leave it alone for long periods.

The Cocker Spaniel's coat requires regular and thorough care. Its fur is long, silky, and slightly wavy, making it prone to tangles—especially around the legs, chest, and behind the ears. Brushing it at least three to four times a week will help keep it free from mats and reduce the buildup of dead hair. Frequent brushing also stimulates circulation and distributes the skin’s natural oils, contributing to a shinier, healthier coat.

Special attention should also be paid to its ears, as their droopy and dense shape can trap moisture, dirt, and food debris, creating a favorable environment for infections. It is recommended to clean its ears with specific products once or twice a week and to keep the ear canal dry, especially after bathing or water activities.

In addition to hygiene, the Cocker Spaniel needs a balanced diet tailored to its activity level. This energetic dog requires a diet rich in quality proteins and healthy fats to sustain its daily rhythm. At the same time, the breed tends to gain weight, so portion control and avoiding overfeeding are essential.

A diet that supports digestion, rich in fiber and essential nutrients, will promote overall well-being.

Finally, it’s important to keep the Cocker physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, scent games, obedience activities, or even agility training will help channel its energy and prevent destructive behaviors. Good socialization from puppyhood—with people, dogs, and varied environments—will make it a more balanced, confident, and happy dog.

The Cocker Spaniel can be prone to certain hereditary diseases, such as chronic otitis due to the shape of its ears, and various eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to detect these issues early and maintain a good quality of life.

The breed may also develop skin problems or allergies, making a good diet and the use of skin-specific care products crucial. In some cases, hormonal disorders or hip dysplasia can occur, although with proper care, most Cocker Spaniels live active and healthy lives.

At OnlyFresh, we understand that a dog like the Cocker Spaniel needs a tasty diet tailored to its needs. That’s why we offer options made with natural ingredients, easy to digest, and full of essential nutrients to support their energy, health, and happiness every day.