English Cocker Spaniel

Feed your English Cocker a high-quality dog food matched to its life stage and activity level, since puppy, adult, and senior formulas serve different needs. A food built for medium-sized dogs is a sound option, and following the feeding guide on the bag helps your dog get the right daily nutrients.

This breed gains weight easily, so watch calorie intake and body condition closely. Treats are useful in training, but keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories. Give table scraps rarely, if at all, and avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods.

Most English Cockers need no special feeding instructions. Two meals a day, morning and evening, suit the breed. Based on an average weight of 26 to 34 pounds, that runs about 2 to 2 1/3 cups daily, split across two meals.

Because the coat is long, clean off any food caught in the fur to prevent matting, and check with your vet about any weight or diet concerns. For a Cocker active in sporting work, glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health, while omega-3 supplements support joints and help keep the skin and coat soft.

Most English Cockers carry a full coat that needs regular care. Brush and comb thoroughly at least once a week to prevent mats and tangles. Trim every month or so around the feet, on the face, under the neck, on the underside of the ears, and under the tail; with practice you can use scissors, thinning shears or a stripping tool, and clippers to keep the outline neat.

The breed does not usually have sensitive skin, but the long coat can mat, and matting can lead to skin issues if left alone, so frequent brushing matters. When you bathe, rinse the coat thoroughly, since soap residue can irritate the skin, then dry it completely with a low-heat dryer. Lingering moisture in the coat invites matting.

Long ears make this breed more prone to ear problems. Check the ears weekly for debris and excess wax, clean them with a veterinary-approved cleaner, and clean them again any time your dog has been in water, such as after swimming or bathing. Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to keep tear stains from building up.

Trim nails at least monthly, since overgrown nails can cause pain, splitting, and trouble moving. For teeth, pair professional cleanings with an at-home routine of regular brushing and dental treats or toys.

The English Cocker Spaniel is an upbeat, active sporting dog that needs daily exercise for physical and mental health. Long walks or hikes work well, as do backyard games of fetch.

The breed also enjoys hunting, tracking, retrieving, agility, rally, and competitive obedience, which give its quick mind a job to do. Hunting instincts run strong, so keep your dog on leash for walks and use a fenced yard, or it may chase squirrels and other neighborhood wildlife.

Whether working in the field or lounging at home, this is a willing, even-tempered companion that stays busy and content when its energy has an outlet.

The English Cocker was developed to take direction in the field, and the breed still aims to please. It trains easily and enjoys working with its person, as long as the methods stay positive. A harsh or negative approach backfires; this dog needs to love and respect its person, never fear them.

English Cockers are very food-motivated, which helps during training. Use treats to manage guarding tendencies and to reward giving up objects they have retrieved. Some show fearful behaviors, and reward-based training, praise, and a gentle tone can reduce them in this obedient breed.

Start socialization early. Exposure to new situations helps the English Cocker grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult, and early training also heads off unwanted behaviors before they take hold. Toward people and other animals the breed tends to be easygoing and friendly, which makes it a fitting companion for households with children and other dogs.