Dog breed · Sporting / gundog
Cocker Spaniel
Merry, gentle, eager
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 12–15 kg (26–33 lb)
- Height
- 38–41 cm (15–16 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- England
The coat
Long
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Cocker Spaniels right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Cocker Spaniels weigh 12–15 kg (26–33 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, sociable family dogs that love to carry things and follow their noses. Working-line cockers are far more energetic than show lines — worth asking about when choosing a puppy.
Health to know about
- Ear infections
- Eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma)
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin problems
- Familial kidney disease (English Cocker)
Care in short
- Brush several times a week; trim every 6–8 weeks
- Check and dry ears weekly
- An hour of exercise daily
- Food-based training works well
Kit for a Cocker Spaniel
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never changes what we recommend.
Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Similar breeds
| Trait | Cocker Spaniel |  PoodleCompare |
 Miniature SchnauzerCompare |
 Cavalier King Charles SpanielCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12–15 kg (26–33 lb) | 18–32 kg (40–71 lb) | 5–9 kg (11–20 lb) | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) |
| Energy | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Cocker Spaniel get?
Adults usually weigh 12–15 kg (26–33 lb) and stand 38–41 cm (15–16 in) tall.
How long do Cocker Spaniels live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Cocker Spaniels good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are Cocker Spaniels prone to?
Ear infections; Eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma); Hip dysplasia; Skin problems; Familial kidney disease (English Cocker).
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts