The English Cocker Spaniel is historically a rather healthy breed of dog due to its having been less "popular" than its American cousin.  The English variety has been used mostly for the purpose of hunting and companionship, and not subjected to the genetic pressures associated with puppy mills. It can not be stressed enough that breeding practices, environment, socialization are all important aspects that the potential owner of any breed should be considering.  Heredity plays an important factor in the health of your dog.  If the dam and sire of the puppy are healthy, chances are excellent for your puppy to be healthy.  Professional, responsible breeders spend years building a bloodline, and a reputation amongst their peers for the quality of their dogs.  Most professional breeders will have a contract with the buyer, guaranteeing the quality and health of the puppy.  Certification of a puppy's health can also be requested of the breeder. O.F.A.; C.E.R.F. certification, Baer Testing results are some of the quality checks for dogs. Take the time to find the best animal you can, this is an investment for the next ten to twenty years in the life of your family.
     The following medical conditions are associated with the English Cocker Spaniel, not all English Cockers will develop one or more of these conditions.  It is, however, important that the potential owner of this breed of dog know that the possibility exists, and the new owner can take the steps necessary to not purchase a dog with any of these conditions.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
       As the name states Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a progressively degenerative eye disorder. It is hereditary in nature and detectable through screening.  Both parents should be registered with the CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).
For more information regarding this condition please see: medical index/progressive retinal degeneration.

Hip Dysplasia
        Hip dysplasia can be a problem for all dogs, purebred and mixed breeds alike.  It will continue to be a problem for a long time to come, so knowing as much as possible about it would be a wise course of action.  When the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals first began the scanning xrays to "certify " that the dog was free from dysplastic problems, this was done when the animal was twelve months of age.  As time and research passed and was reviewed, it was discovered that changes took place within the joint after 12 months of age.  So certification was granted to normals at twenty-four months of age. Common sense would dictate that you cannot assume that every certified dog will be normal for the rest of its life.  Much depends on heredity, environment, diet and well being of the animal.
For more information, please refer to the medical index/hip dysplasia.

Kidney Disease
     English Cocker Spaniels tend to be susceptable to kidney disorders. The primary function of the kidneys is to remove toxic waste from the blood. If you are contemplating the purchase of an English Cocker Spaniel puppy you should be familiar with the structure and function of canine kidneys as well as potential indications of kidney difficulties.
For more information please see: medical index/structure and function of the kidney.

Congenital Deafness
        Congenital deafness is not currently a major problem in English Cocker Spaniels, as it is in a number of other dog breeds. Responsible breeders are, however, starting to screen (BAER test) their breeding stock and puppies, in order to avoid this condition from becoming a major problem. English Cockers have been reported with congenital deafness, thus it is in the gene pool.
     "Although deafness at birth (congenital) is extremely hard to recognize in any of the animal families, a progressive form of unilateral/bilateral deafness is present in many EC breed lines and often results in total loss of hearing by age 2-4.
     Awareness of this as a genetic factor has caused the ECSCA to sponsor "BAER Clinics" at national specialties for many years and to support breed-specific research."
For further information please see: medical index/congenital deafness.

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