Friendly and Social

Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle, affectionate, and social personalities, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. 

Great with Children

Cocker Spaniels are generally good with kids, being both playful and patient, making them a great choice for families. 

Highly Trainable

Cockers are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to training and well-suited to obedience, agility, and other canine sports. 

Beautiful Appearance

Their flowing coat and expressive eyes give them a regal, elegant look. 

High Grooming Needs

Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the ears and paws. 

Prone to Ear Infections

Due to their long ears, Cocker Spaniels can be prone to ear infections, which require regular cleaning and monitoring. 

Can Be Prone to Separation Anxiety

Cockers are deeply attached to their families and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. 

High Energy Levels

They require regular exercise to burn off energy, which can be challenging for less active households. 

Exercise Needs

Cocker Spaniels are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy outdoor activities like walking, running, and playing fetch. Without sufficient exercise, they may become bored and engage in undesirable behaviours. 

Walks

One or two long walks per day, combined with playtime and mental stimulation, are necessary to meet their exercise needs. They also enjoy participating in dog sports like agility or obedience. 

Training

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. Positive reinforcement methods work best, and early obedience training is important to ensure good behaviour. They enjoy learning new tasks and thrive in structured environments. 

Purchase Price

$3,000 - $6,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage. 

Initial Setup

Around $500 - $700 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $800 - $1,200 AUD per year, given their size and dietary needs. 

Grooming

Due to their high grooming needs, professional grooming can cost around $600 - $1,200 AUD per year. Regular at-home brushing is also essential to maintain their coat. 

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $500 - $800 AUD per year, with additional costs for ear care and managing potential joint or eye issues. 

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $25,000 - $40,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors. 

Size and Weight

Cocker Spaniels typically stand 35-43 cm (14-17 inches) tall and weigh between 9-15 kg (20-33 lbs), with males generally being larger than females. 

Coat

Cocker Spaniels have a long, silky, and feathered coat that requires regular brushing to keep it clean and tangle-free. Professional grooming is often needed to maintain their coat’s condition, especially for show dogs. 

Colour Options

Cocker Spaniels come in a wide variety of colours, including black, liver, red, golden, chocolate, and parti-colours (two or more colours). The coat's striking appearance is one of the breed’s trademarks. 

Temperament

Cocker Spaniels are friendly, affectionate, and social dogs that thrive on human companionship. They are playful and gentle, making them excellent family pets. They are also known for their cheerful demeanour and love of attention, which makes them well-suited to being companions for children and adults alike. 

Good with Children

Cocker Spaniels are excellent with children due to their playful and patient nature. They are typically gentle and enjoy interacting with kids, making them a good match for families. 

Socialisation

Early socialisation is important to help Cocker Spaniels develop confidence around new people, pets, and environments. They are naturally friendly but benefit from exposure to different situations to prevent shyness. 

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Cocker Spaniels are well-suited to living indoors with their families, although they enjoy regular outdoor time for exercise. They are happiest when they can be part of family activities and should not be left outside for long periods, especially in extreme weather. 

Apartment Living

While they are medium-sized, Cocker Spaniels can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive regular exercise. Their friendly nature and moderate energy levels make them a good fit for smaller homes, provided they have enough outdoor time. 

Time Alone

Cocker Spaniels do not do well when left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety. They are best suited for homes where someone is present for most of the day, or they have another pet for companionship. 

Common Health Issues

Cocker Spaniels are generally healthy but can be prone to certain conditions, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups, proper ear cleaning, and a balanced diet are essential to keep them in good health. 

Guarding Ability

While not aggressive, Cocker Spaniels may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity. They are typically friendly once introduced to people but can serve as good watchdogs due to their alert nature. 

Affectionate Nature

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate dogs that enjoy being close to their families. They are known for their love of attention and often seek out cuddles and interaction with their owners. 

Suitability for Dog Parks

Cocker Spaniels are social dogs and generally do well in dog parks, enjoying the chance to interact with other dogs and people. Supervision is recommended, especially around larger or more boisterous dogs. 

Climate Adaptability

Cocker Spaniels can adapt to a variety of climates but may struggle in extreme heat due to their thick coat. It’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates. 

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions like hip dysplasia and PRA, it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.