The Guide to Owning a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Have you recently welcomed a Cocker Spaniel puppy into your home? Perhaps you have one joining you soon or you’re just thinking about it at the moment? Either way, it’s an exciting time and you’ll no doubt want to brush up on your knowledge of the breed and understand what owning one is like. 

In this cocker spaniel puppy guide, you’ll discover everything from facts about the breed to tips for looking after them. You’ll soon know what to expect so you can start to prepare for your new furry friend. 

Did you know there are two types of cocker spaniel? The English Cocker Spaniel puppy and the American Cocker Spaniel puppy. 

They were considered the same breed until the 1930s. But the American Cocker Spaniel is actually smaller than the English. 

There are many breeds that have been mixed with the Cocker Spaniel, the Colonial Cocker Spaniel is a mix between the American and English. 

There’s then Teacup Cocker Spaniel puppies — or the English Toy Cocker Spaniel — which are miniature versions of the breed. 

Whether you choose the English or American Cocker Spaniel, you’ll want to make sure your puppy has the best possible diet. While it should be tasty, it also needs to be beneficial to their health. Check out our friends over at Dog Food Advisor for advice on the best puppy food. 

Here’s a few facts about Cocker Spaniels that will give you an idea what to expect with this breed. 

• Cocker Spaniels were originally bred for hunting birds — particularly the Woodcock, which is where their name comes from.
• They are the smallest of the sporting breeds. 
• Cocker Spaniels are gentle and friendly — often referred to as the ‘merry cocker’. 
• They have long ears and a silky, medium length coat with a slight wave to it. They’ll need regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. 
• They are a small breed. When fully grown, they weigh between 20 and 30 lbs and are 13.5 to 15.5 inches. 
• You could get a black Cocker Spaniel puppy or you might have a red one — they come in a variety of different colors. 
• Not that you want to think about it when you’ve got a puppy but you’ll be pleased to hear that your new pup can live up to 15 years. 
• They are a very affectionate breed and love humans. 
• They are playful and can also be a little mischievous. 
• As long as they get regular exercise, they’re a breed that can live in an apartment. 
  
  

You’ll no doubt be keen to just fuss and play with your new puppy but you need to start training them early on. This doesn’t have to feel like a chore, it can be fun and enjoyable for both of you — plus, it’s a great way to bond. 

Here’s a few tips to help you start your training: 

• This breed is eager to please — so training them should be relatively straight forward. 
• They are also quick learners and very intelligent. 
• That being said, they can be easily distracted so keep training sessions short and sweet. 
• Positive reinforcement is the best approach with this breed. They are sensitive to tone, so lots of praise will help them learn what they should and shouldn’t do. They are also very motivated by treats! 
• Cocker Spaniels love a challenge — so consider how you incorporate this into the training. 
• They love to learn new tricks — so start with ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ — and go from there. 
• When considering activities to do with your Cocker Spaniel remember they have a great sense of smell and love to follow their nose. 

Looking after their health is just as important as training your Cocker Spaniel puppy. Start comparing pet insurance plans from top providers now so you’re prepared for any unexpected health issues. You can also sign up to a wellness plan which covers their annual shots and boosters as well as physical wellness exams.