The English Cocker Spaniel is a friendly but stubborn hunting dog with a particularly silky coat that needs a lot of exercise. Conspicuous and typical for the breed are the long and hairy hanging ears.
Hunting dog, tracking dog, retrieving dog, family dog
8: retrieving dogs, retrieving dogs, water dogs
multicolored, red, brown, black, blue, orange, tan
Appearance
The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with a height at the withers of about 40 cm and a weight of up to 15 kg. This makes it slightly larger than the American Cocker Spaniel. His body is compact. Has a deep rib cage. The elongated head captivates by the characteristic long hanging ears and a rather large, angular muzzle. Legs are straight and end in relatively large paws with strong pads. The straight tail forms a line with the back that slopes slightly backward. In the past Cocker Spaniels were docked, which is now forbidden for animal welfare reasons.
Coat and coloring
The coat of the English Cocker Spaniel is soft and shimmers like silk. On the head the hair is short; but on the ears, chest, belly, legs and tail long. The coat can have different colors such as red, brown and black, as well as solid and pied. Three-color fur variations are also possible. In addition, all color strokes are also available in "tan" : true "useTransform and "sable/sable". Pure white is not acceptable. At least every two days, the English Cocker Spaniel must be thoroughly brushed through.
Character& Areas of use
The English Cocker Spaniel has been a reliable companion in hunting for a long time and is used there as a search and tracking dog, which is why he still has a tendency to bark. At the same time he is very alert and sensitive. An English Cocker Spaniel is not easy to keep, because he is often stubborn. Also tends to be overweight. Needs also therefore much movement. Also the care of the coat takes time. But the English Cocker Spaniel is quite suitable as a family dog: he is charming, open, friendly and loyal. The agile Cocker Spaniel likes to swim. Retrieving with enthusiasm.
Diseases typical for the breed
Relatively often, English Cocker Spaniels suffer from fleabite dermatitis or congenital vestibular syndrome, a hereditary disease of the inner ear that can lead to balance disorders and deafness. A disease that occurs only in Cocker Spaniels is the so-called Cockerwut: Seizure-like. They become aggressive without any reason; after such an outburst of rage, total exhaustion follows. Red or gold colored dogs seem to be most aggressive. Males show these fits more often than females. A genetic defect is suspected as the cause.