Last Updated: 14/08/2025
English Cocker Spaniel Breed Guide
Is the "Merry Cocker" right for you? Our vet's complete guide to the English Cocker Spaniel covers their affectionate personality, diet, and training needs. Learn about their significant grooming requirements and common health issues like ear and skin infections.
Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
This happy and outgoing spaniel is the smallest member of the gun dog family and is much loved as a gentle and affectionate companion dog. The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium breed dog that is very adaptable and happy to live in any situation as long as they are part of the family.
All about Cocker Spaniels
Nutrition
For optimal health, feed your Cocker Spaniel food that's right for their age and helps manage breed-specific health conditions. Diets rich in ingredients that support skin and immune health are highly recommended.
Best food for adult Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels are particularly susceptible to a range of health issues, with chronic skin allergies and recurrent ear infections being among the most common. These conditions often manifest as persistent itching, inflammation, smelly ears and head shaking. To proactively manage and soothe this sensitivity, it is highly beneficial to select a diet specifically formulated with ingredients that bolster skin health, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
To address the potential for dietary-related issues, you might consider implementing a rotational diet. This approach involves systematically switching between foods with different primary protein sources, which can help prevent the development of food sensitivities.
What to look for
Skin support ingredients to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier
Medium breed formula to properly support their body size
Controlled calories to prevent excessive weight gain
Vet picks
Best food for Cocker Spaniel puppies
Choosing the best food for a Cocker Spaniel puppy is crucial for establishing a foundation for a long, healthy life. It is recommended to feed them a premium, high-quality diet specifically formulated for medium-breed puppies until they reach about 12 months of age.
These puppy-specific formulas are designed to meet AAFCO guidelines, providing the precise balance of protein, fat, calories, and calcium needed for their developing muscles, bones, and high energy levels.
It is important to avoid raw food diets for puppies, as their developing immune systems are more vulnerable to bacterial contamination, and an unbalanced diet can lead to significant health issues during this critical growth period.
What to look for
Formulas specific for medium breed puppies
Highly digestible formula to help prevent tummy upsets
DHA for healthy brain and eye development
Vet picks
Flea & worming
Keeping your Cocker Spaniel protected year round against common parasites is essential to maintaining their health. This should include coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.
Best flea and worming treatments for Cocker Spaniels
To keep things simple, you could opt for an all in one monthly chewable or tablet, or opt for an annual heartworm injection supplemented by monthly worming and oral flea and tick treatments.
What to look for
Oral chews and tablets to avoid reduced effectiveness from bathing
All in one products for simplicity
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
While generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, English Cocker Spaniels are prone to a few health conditions, mostly involving their skin. Regular ear cleaning to maintain ear health, and skin support supplements to strengthen the skin barrier can be highly beneficial.
Best products for ear health in Cocker Spaniels
For routine preventative care, a gentle, pH balanced, non-medicated ear cleaner is ideal to help remove wax and debris. Ear wipes can be handy for a quick clean-up of the outer ear flap and the entrance to the ear canal. Omega supplements can also be helpful to strengthen the skin barrier function.
For a Cocker Spaniel, cleaning their ears once a week is a standard recommendation. Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly after bathing and swimming. For more information, read through our guide to How to Clean Your Dog's Ears.
It's crucial to differentiate between routine cleaning and treating an active infection. If your dog's ears are red, swollen, painful, or have a foul smell, you must see a vet. Do not attempt to treat at home in case the ear drums have ruptured.
What to look for
Gentle, pH balanced ear cleaners
Ear wipes for quick clean ups
Omega supplements to support ear canal health
Best products for managing skin allergies in Cocker Spaniels
Managing the common skin allergies in Cocker Spaniels requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and providing topical relief.
A cornerstone of this strategy begins with internal support through diets and supplements rich in Omega fatty acids.
For topical care, bathing with a medicated or gentle soothing shampoo is essential. Bathing should be done no more than once a fortnight, to prevent stripping of the natural oils in the coat. In between baths, a coat spray can help to keep your Cocker Spaniel smelling fabulous!
It's crucial to remember that these products manage symptoms, and a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian is necessary to identify the underlying cause and create the most effective long-term treatment plan.
What to look for
Skin support supplements high in omega fatty acids
Veterinary diets targeted to skin allergy relief
Gentle shampoo, conditioner and topical treatments
Training and activity
As an intelligent and energetic breed with gundog heritage, the English Cocker Spaniel thrives on a combination of consistent training and regular activity. Training should begin early, utilising positive reinforcement methods, as their eagerness to please makes them highly receptive and trainable students.
Best toys for Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels require at least one hour of exercise daily, which should include more than just a walk around the block; a mix of brisk on-lead walking, off-lead running in a secure area, and interactive games like fetch is ideal to satisfy their instinct to retrieve and explore.
To keep their sharp minds engaged, especially on days with less outdoor time, incorporating puzzle toys, scent work, and short, fun training sessions will prevent boredom.
What to look for
Fetch toys to satisfy their hunting and retrieving instincts
Food dispensing toys and puzzles for mental enrichment
Snuffle mats for scent work
Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Cocker Spaniels
Daily exercise is an essential part of caring for a Cocker Spaniel. The key is to prioritise their comfort, safety, and specific physical traits like their long coat, delicate ears, and energetic nature. Keep plenty of high value training treats on you when out and about to help reinforce good behaviour.
What to look for
Adjustable harness
Flat collar to hold ID tags
Bite sized, high value treats and a treat pouch for training on the go
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial and demanding aspect of caring for an English Cocker Spaniel, essential for their skin and ear health and comfort. Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" to make year-round maintenance more manageable and to keep their dog cleaner.
Best grooming products for Cocker Spaniels
Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing with a slicker brush and comb to prevent mats and tangles from forming, especially in the feathery areas on their legs, chest, and ears. Most Cocker Spaniels need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks for a full bath, nail trim, and haircut. Regular ear cleaning is imperative to reduce the risk of ear infections.
What to look for
Microfibre towels for clean up after outdoor adventures
Slicker brushes and combs
Pet safe toothpaste and toothbrushes for dental care
Sleep and home
A Cocker Spaniel's main housing requirement is to live indoors as a fully-fledged member of the family, rather than needing a specific amount of space. This deep bond with their people extends to their sleeping habits; a Cocker Spaniel will want to sleep near their family, often in the same room, to feel secure.
Best beds for Cocker Spaniels
To ensure your Cocker Spaniel gets the 12-14 hours of rest a healthy adult dog needs, providing them with a comfortable, supportive bed in a warm, draft-free spot is ideal.
What to look for
Cosy, plush beds for comfort and security
Durable, machine washable covers for hygiene
Medium to large size depending on your dog's measurements
Cocker Spaniel FAQ
