Cocker Spaniel: The Prim ’n’ Proper Pup

With their floppy ears and lustrous mane, the Cocker Spaniel is certainly an elegant breed. This dog’s medium-sized frame and flowy fur often appear effortlessly pristine. But don’t let their sheen fool you. This regal appearance doesn’t give way to a snooty attitude. 

The Cocker Spaniel is friendly to all, always playful, and relaxed when you are. They were once revered hunting dogs that crawled and burrowed through thick, muddy brush. And now, their sharp intelligence, rugged personality, and royal appearance have made the Cocker Spaniel one of the most beloved breeds in the world—and a best friend to everyone they meet.

At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. We’ve designed our dog supplements to target a range of trouble spots in your dog’s health—many of which include common issues for a Cocker Spaniel. 

In this article, we’ll explore the history of this beautiful, personable breed, provide some information and advice on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your new best friend, the Cocker Spaniel. 

Quick Facts

Origin: Spain

Size: Medium

Breed Group: Sporting 

Lifespan: 10–14 years

Coat: Long hair—semi-weekly grooming recommended

Temperament: Pleasant, affectionate, patient & keen

Exercise Needs: Like all dog breeds, Cocker Spaniels need exercise to maintain a healthy weight and sharp mental clarity. These dogs aren’t as energetic as other spaniels, but they still need one to two long walks a day, with plenty of mentally stimulating activities mixed in.

Training: Most dogs thrive under a routine training program, and Cocker Spaniels are no different. This dog breed was once an adept hunting dog, following commands and waiting for just the right signal. Those instincts remain today. And you can tap into that keen intelligence with mentally involved obedience training—your Cocker Spaniel will undoubtedly love it!

Dog Health: Cocker Spaniels, like other medium-sized dog breeds, are susceptible to unique health problems, including dental dilemmas, shedding, skin infections, joint pains, and digestive woes. We’ll discuss how to address each below.

Happy Paws for a Cocker Spaniel

Enrich your Cocker Spaniel’s health with high-quality, tasty supplements like these!

Popular Supplements for a Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Their lively, curious personalities will surely win over hearts, while their shiny coats will have more than one admirer. This loyal breed quickly becomes a best friend who begs for attention—and tasty, healthy treats. 

Our high-quality, tail-waggin’ dog supplements use an array of all-natural, organic ingredients to enrich your dog’s physical and mental health, while satisfying their taste buds. Here are a few dog supplements to help you care for your Cocker Spaniel.

Skin & Coat Dog Chews: Our Skin & Coat Dog Chews help keep the sheen in your Cocker Spaniel’s glow. These vegan, chicken-flavored soft chews use a blend of skin-supporting ingredients, like biotin and coconut oil, to restore dermal health and replenish your dog’s coat.

Dental Dog Chews: Like all dogs, Cocker Spaniels are prone to smelly, unpleasant dog breath. Our Dental Dog Chews combine the refreshing aroma of spearmint with an enzyme blend to neutralize dental bacteria and curb stinky breath. 

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to strengthen your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored dog treat introduces ten critical nutrients to keep your dog healthy, happy, and active. 

Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this dog supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Probiotic Dog Chews: Made with powerful antioxidants, probiotics, and superfoods, our Probiotic Dog Chews help strengthen your dog’s digestive system, while supporting their gut and bowel health. 

Common Health Concerns

Compared to other medium-sized dog breeds, the Cocker Spaniel is susceptible to unique health conditions like these:

Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of the joint. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help manage the condition, while joint-friendly supplements can help, too. If you believe your dog has patellar luxation, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian about first steps.

Digestive Issues: Digestive problems can develop in any dog at any age. Symptoms can include diarrhea, bloating, gas, low appetite, lethargy, and more. The issue can stem from the dog’s diet, lifestyle, or genetics. 

Skin Infections: A Cocker Spaniel’s skin can get oily under their iconic coat, leading to seborrhea and dermatitis. While a snout-to-tail bath can help keep these problems at bay, skin-supporting supplements can help maintain proper dermal health.

Dental Dilemmas: All dogs are prone to stinky breath—even the pretty ones. Without the proper dental care, Cocker Spaniels can experience plaque build-up and odorous breath, which can lead to a number of issues down the road. 

About a Cocker Spaniel

The American Kennel Club (AKC) designates the Cocker Spaniel breed as a sporting dog—and yes, it is the smallest in that category. Bred from world-class hunting dogs, this breed started in Spain, showcasing unique agility, quickness, and rugged toughness. These traits helped this dog find a new niche hunting the woodcock bird in England—hence the name, Cocker Spaniel. By the 1950s, Cocker Spaniels started a new, domesticated chapter. They quickly became the most popular dog breed of the decade, earning a place on President Nixon’s couch and the leading role of “Lady” in Lady and the Tramp.

Cocker Spaniel Temperament

Today, Cocker Spaniels are still one of the most popular family dogs, thanks to their gentle personalities and calm demeanors. Despite their hunting heritage, Cocker Spaniels are peaceful, gentle furballs. With the right training, this dog can be great around kids, cats, pets and other dogs. They’re small enough to take on road trips and camping adventures and relaxed enough to binge-watch your shows with you—the ultimate couch companion.

How to Care for a Cocker Spaniel

Compared to other breeds, Cocker Spaniels are relatively easy to train, especially for new-time dog owners. They learn fast and are eager to please. But here are a few tips to help keep your pet Cocker Spaniel happy, healthy, and lively, from their puppy years and well into their golden years.

Coat Maintenance

The most iconic part of a Cocker Spaniel’s look is also the one that requires the highest maintenance: their lustrous coat. Cocker Spaniels can shed year-round, resulting in little tufts of hair sprinkled around your home (who needs black sweaters anyway?). To maintain their coat, and combat possible skin infections, you’ll need to brush and wash them semi-weekly. But don’t look at this as a chore! Your pet Cocker Spaniel loves quality time and being the center of attention.

Outdoor Play

Like any fun-loving dog, Cocker Spaniels flourish outdoors, running around in fresh, open air. Spoil your Cocker Spaniel by taking them to the park, on a hike, or on a mild nature stroll. This breed is less energetic than other spaniels, so your pet Cocker Spaniel will surely zonk out on the car ride home. 

Obedience Training

The Cocker Spaniel is a pretty intelligent dog, so obedience training can help them show off that big brain. Obedience training can help keep your pet Cocker Spaniel sharp and engaged throughout the day. Plus, a little, long-haired Cocker Spaniel doing a couple tricks might be the cutest thing in the world. 

Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements

Keeping your dog happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your dog easily with healthy, tasty dog treats. 

FAQ

Are Cocker Spaniels good house dogs?

With proper training, Cocker Spaniels can make excellent pets and house dogs. Their calm temperament and curious personality can mesh well with kids. It’s important to start obedience training early on. This early start will help your dog understand how to behave appropriately around children and elderly family members or friends.

Are Cocker Spaniels high maintenance?

Just by looking at their beautiful coat, Cocker Spaniels look high maintenance, right? Well, they can be—kind of. These dogs are gentle, adaptable pets, so they pick up training quickly. The only “high maintenance” trait Cocker Spaniels have is their shiny coat. Regular baths and grooming are needed to maintain this coat’s healthy sheen. 

Do Cocker Spaniels shed a lot?

Cocker Spaniels can shed year-round. So, compared to other dogs, Cocker Spaniels shed much more. But it’s worth it—just look at that beautiful mane!

Do Cocker Spaniels like to be left alone?

With the proper training, Cocker Spaniels can keep themselves company at home for a few hours. But these pets enjoy companionship. So, don’t be gone long. If you will be, Cocker Spaniels are the perfect tag-along breed.

How do you give a Cocker Spaniel health supplements?

You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as dog treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.