What Is a Working Cocker Spaniel? Our Guide to the Breed

Coming home after a long day to a working Cocker Spaniel means being greeted with happiness, energy and a wagging tail.

Working Cocker Spaniels are known for their loyalty and energy, making every day exciting.

People love owning a Cocker Spaniel for their charming looks and unique personalities but there's more to these dogs than just their looks.

The working Cocker Spaniel is known for its athletic skills and loving nature. They are great as family pets or even sometimes as gun dogs.

Both types of this breed love being with people, making them great companions.

Key takeaways

• Working Cocker Spaniels are bred as working gundogs and excel in activities like agility and flyball.

• They differ physically from Show Cockers, showcasing flatter skulls, higher-set ears, and finer coats.

• Known for their high energy and stamina, working Cockers are suited to active homes and require significant exercise.

• With a friendly, affectionate nature, they make wonderful family pets and respond well to consistent, positive training.

• Regular grooming, proper diet, and exercise are essential for their well-being, ensuring a long and content life.

The working Cocker Spaniel is a breed known for its agility, smarts, and friendly nature. It comes from the United Kingdom and has a long history as a top-notch gundog.

This breed is full of energy and has a strong instinct, making it perfect for both work and family life.

Learn more about the Cocker Spaniel breed for a detailed guide on their characteristics and care needs.

History and origin

The working Cocker Spaniel has roots in the 1900s, when it was set apart from other Cocker Spaniels.

It was bred for its endurance and skill in hunting. The Kennel Club soon recognised these unique traits.

In recent times, Lucy's Law, from April 6, 2020, ensures these dogs are now bred ethically and attempts to stop puppy farming.

Differences between working and show Cocker Spaniels

It's important to know the differences between show and working Cocker Spaniels for those thinking of getting one.

Working Cocker Spaniels have a leaner build, great for outdoor activities.

They have shorter ears set higher on their head and a finer coat.

This is different from the show Cocker Spaniel's rounder head, lower ears, and thick coat, as the Kennel Club's breed standard states.

Working types are healthier and need a diet rich in protein for their active life.

Show Cocker Spaniels might have eye and ear problems due to their build.

If you’re looking for a Spaniel dog, read this expert guide here, where you can discover other Spaniel breeds to find the best fit for your family.

Physical characteristics

Working Cocker Spaniels stand out with their size and looks. They are 38-41 cm tall and weigh 12-14 kg. Their ears are set high for better hearing during hunting.

These dogs need at least an hour of exercise daily to stay healthy, making them great family pets.

They can live over 10 years, making them loyal friends. Here's a look at their main physical traits and needs:

The working Cocker Spaniel is a lively and loving dog breed. It's known for its energy and strong character.

Perfect for families who can offer lots of play and mental challenges, this breed loves being part of the family.

Temperament and behaviour

Working Cocker Spaniels are known for being friendly and eager to please. They fit well into family life, showing lots of love and forming close bonds with their owners.

But, they need more activity than some breeds because of their high energy.

For those who own a spaniel, their natural hunting skills make them great at tasks that need quick thinking and agility.

Care and exercise requirements

To keep a working Cocker Spaniel happy and healthy, they need lots of exercise every day.

This means at least two 30-minute walks and some might even need more.

Mixing up their activities, like agility training and outdoor fun, keeps them happy and busy. They can't just play in the garden; they need a proper plan for their exercise to stay fit in body and mind.

Grooming needs

Looking after a working Cocker Spaniel means regular grooming to stop their fur from getting matted.

They need daily brushing, regular ear care, and fur trims after exercise.

While they don't need as much grooming as show cockers, regular care is key to keeping them healthy and looking good.

Learn how to groom a Cocker Spaniel to keep your pet in top condition.

Working Cocker Spaniels need regular health checks to avoid issues like ear infections, eye problems, and obesity.

Pet insurance, like Waggel, can help cover these important care costs.
Taking care of a Cocker Spaniel is more than just about their physical health. They like calm and patient owners.

Keeping a routine and training them with simple commands helps keep their behaviour good and their life joyful.

A good diet, fun toys, and the right insurance can make them happier and longer-lived. With the right preparation and knowledge, choosing a working Cocker Spaniel can add unmatched energy and friendship to your life.

Have a new Cocker Spaniel pup? Discover popular Cocker Spaniel names for your new furry friend.

Owning a working Cocker Spaniel is a joy, but it requires real commitment. They are not just lively and smart but also loving and affectionate.

Originally bred for hunting, they excel in tasks like retrieving and tracking. So, they need lots of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy and healthy.

What distinguishes a working Cocker Spaniel from a show Cocker Spaniel?

Working Cocker Spaniels are bred for their stamina and fieldwork skills. They have flatter skulls, higher-set ears, and finer coats.

Show Cocker Spaniels have domed skulls, lower set ears, and luxuriant feathering, meeting the Kennel Club's breed standard.

Explore the differences between Cockapoos and Cavapoos to understand more about mixed breeds.

What kind of temperament does a working Cocker Spaniel have?

Working Cocker Spaniels are friendly and love being around people. They are smart, eager to please, and enjoy being part of the family. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.

How much exercise does a working Cocker Spaniel need?

They need at least two 30-minute walks a day. But they often do better with more activity. Their energy and hunting instincts mean they need structured exercise to be content and healthy.

What are the grooming requirements for a working Cocker Spaniel?

They need regular brushing to stop matting, ear cleaning and trimming. Their coats can get dirty, especially after exercise. Keeping up with grooming is key for their health.

Read our blog post on how to bathe a dog for more tips on keeping your pet clean and healthy.

Are working Cocker Spaniels good family pets?

Yes, they make great family pets. They are social, loving, and do well in active homes with lots of play and love. They are easy to train and love to please, making them loyal friends.

What should I consider before buying a working Cocker Spaniel?

Think about if you can handle their exercise and grooming needs. Make sure your lifestyle fits their need for regular training, play, and company.

Pet insurance from companies like us here at Waggel can help with health costs and vet care.

How do you train a working Cocker Spaniel?

Use positive reinforcement and be patient. They learn best with kind training methods because they are smart and want to please.

What is the lifespan of a working Cocker Spaniel?

They usually live between 10-12 years with proper care, nutrition, and exercise.

Do working Cocker Spaniels have any specific health concerns?

They are generally healthy but can have some genetic health issues. Regular health checks and a good diet are crucial.

Pet insurance can help with health costs.

How often should a working Cocker Spaniel be groomed?

They need regular grooming, like brushing a few times a week to avoid matting, ear cleaning, and trimming.

This is especially true after being outdoors, where they can pick up debris in their coats.