Working Cocker Spaniel

Working Cocker Spaniel

Small Breed
Male Weight
11 - 14 kg
Female Weight
9 - 12 kg
Lifespan
12 - 16 years
Size Category
Small

About the Working Cocker Spaniel

The Working Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 11 and 14 kg when fully grown, while females weigh 9 to 12 kg. With an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, the Working Cocker Spaniel is a long-lived breed.

Temperament

Working Cocker Spaniel dogs are friendly, alert, and full of personality. They are adaptable companions that suit a variety of living situations. They enjoy human company and do well with families, though interactions with young children should be supervised due to their smaller size. They are intelligent and respond well to positive training methods.

Exercise Needs

Working Cocker Spaniel dogs need about 30-60 minutes of daily exercise including walks and play. They are more active than their size suggests and enjoy exploring new environments. A secure garden is beneficial for off-lead play. They adapt well to both apartment and house living, provided they get regular outdoor time.

Common Health Issues

Working Cocker Spaniel dogs may be prone to patellar luxation, dental disease, ear infections, and eye problems common in small breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups help catch issues early. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as even small amounts of excess weight can stress their joints. Annual health screenings are recommended.

Grooming

Working Cocker Spaniel dogs benefit from regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat and manage shedding. Bathing every 4-6 weeks or as needed keeps the coat clean. Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are part of a good grooming routine. Check for any skin irritation, lumps, or parasites during grooming sessions.

Breed Traits

Energy Level
Very High
Trainability
Highly Trainable
Shedding
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Good with Kids
Excellent
Good with Dogs
Generally Good
Good with Strangers
Very Friendly

Famous Working Cocker Spaniel Owners

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, owned a black Working Cocker Spaniel named Lupo, a wedding gift from Kate's parents in 2011. Lupo featured prominently in official Christmas cards and family photographs throughout his life, and died in November 2020. The couple now own a Working Cocker named Orla. The breed remains a favourite among active British families for both companionship and field work.

Is the Working Cocker Spaniel right for you?

Working Cocker Spaniel is a highly athletic breed needing substantial daily exercise and active owners. Excellent with children of all ages, this breed makes a wonderful family companion. Generally compatible with other dogs, though early socialisation is important. Moderate grooming is needed to manage regular shedding. Moderately vocal, they may bark to alert or express themselves. Intelligent and responsive to training, they learn quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners. Outgoing and friendly towards strangers, they warm quickly to new people.

Dogpanion's take: AI-generated based on breed trait data.

Working Cocker Spaniel Breed Guide Video

Weight & Growth

A fully grown male Working Cocker Spaniel weighs approximately 13 kg on average. Use Dogpanion's free size predictor to estimate your Working Cocker Spaniel puppy's adult weight based on their current age and weight.

Working Cocker Spaniel Care Tools

Dogpanion offers free tools to help you care for your Working Cocker Spaniel:

Track Your Working Cocker Spaniel with Dogpanion

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Homemade Recipes for Your Working Cocker Spaniel

Every ingredient verified safe. Use as occasional treats or meal toppers alongside a complete diet.

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Chicken and Rice Bowl
5 minutes + 25 minutes · 2-3 dog portions
🥇
Frozen Blueberry Treats
10 minutes · 20 treats
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Cod and Sweet Potato Fishcakes
15 minutes + 25 minutes · 8 fishcakes
🦆
Duck and Brown Rice Bowl
10 minutes + 25 minutes · 3-4 portions
Browse all recipes