A PROFILE OF THE
ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
by Lee Weston
The English Cocker Spaniel measures 15 to 17
inches at the withers, and weighs between 26 and 34 pounds. The EC
has a level top line and a medium-heavy coat with heavy feathering at the
legs. The head has a long, square muzzle, low-set ears and the most expressive
eyes of a spaniel. The most common color is white with black markings,
but the dog can have a variety of other colors as well.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a member of
the Sporting Group, and as such, is a very active dog. It is inquisitive,
loves to be around humans, especially thrives on being with its master
and family. Long periods of confinement will not be good for the
EC, as it will become destructive due to its energy and inquisitiveness
not having an outlet. It is important that a Cocker Spaniel be trained
in obedience. They can be very stubborn about some things, their
intelligence is such that they need a good reason to do what you ask.
Gentle handling, affection and consistent training methods are imperative
in developing a good temperament in any dog. Cocker Spaniels are
very sensitive to their master's moods and tone of voice. Harsh words
and/or rough treatment will devastate an otherwise wonderful companion.
A note to owners, it may be especially difficult to train your Cocker not
to bark, or to stop barking on command.
English Cockers need to have an opportunity
to use their intelligence, endurance and to keep their minds busy.
When correctly bred and maintained, Cockers will make excellent companions
for active adults, less-active seniors and for well behaved children.
To achieve their very best potential, the EC must have human companionship.
Of course, they are still terrific hunters. When introducing a new
dog to the family it will require you to be careful if you have pet birds,
or other small animals as pets.
English Cocker Spaniels have a scant coat
as compared to their cousins, the American Cocker Spaniel. However,
the coat is still high maintenance. It requires daily brushing and
de-matting of the tangles. If left unchecked even for a day or two,
it will require four times the effort to return the coat back to its original
state. The ears must be checked every day also. With the long
ear cover infections can easily occur. Regular cleaning with a cotton
cloth dipped with baby oil is excellent. Should a bad odor be detected
emanating from the ears, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
You may find you will need to take the dog to a grooming shop once per
month. Since this can be an expensive deal, you may want to learn
how to do the bathing, clipping and care of your dog's coat yourself.
It can be very satisfying and offers an opportunity to bond with your dog.
Of course, if you decide to show your dog in conformation, this requires
a more professional type of grooming, and a more concentrated effort to
learn the proper way to groom.
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