GROOMING AN English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized gun dog with long ears and a happy disposition. They can be quite lively, bouncy, and exuberant due to their zest for life.

- Kezia Cherian & Cherian M J

The ‘Cocker’ in their name comes from their days of hunting woodcock in England, although English Cockers have been used to hunt many other types of birds as well. The English Cocker Spaniel is described as merry and affectionate with a calm and even-tempered disposition. They are playful, trainable, and friendly towards people and other dogs. When well socialized, the English Cocker Spaniel has a merry tail-wagging nature and is sweet and gentle with everyone. Unless taught to be independent, some of them are so persistently affectionate that they become clingy and demanding of attention.

While they are merry Cockers, they are also a breed that can be manipulative due to their intelligence and the fact that they are ‘in tune’ with their owners. They need firm (clear rules and boundaries) but kind and gentle handling. Their soulful eyes and sweet demeanour can mean that they look sad and owners may be tempted to excuse any unacceptable behaviour that occasionally arises, which can result in an unruly and disobedient dog.

Here is a basic outline of my understanding of the appearance of this Breed as taught to me by many experienced and successful breeders and breed judges from India and around the world.

APPEARANCE:

An English Cocker is never described as an elegant dog (oh, they are beautiful for sure). A well conformed English Cocker Spaniel is a cobby dog that is of a square appearance and also thick set throughout.