The English Cocker Spaniel measures 39 to 41 cm at the withers for males and 38 to 39 cm for females, for a weight of around 13 to 14,5 kg. Its coat is flat with a silky texture, never wavy or curly. Its dress can be black, red, fawn or brown or multicolored with many compositions up to roan. The tail is carried horizontally, but never raised. They have large, floppy ears with fringes of long silky hairs.

The English Cocker Spaniel is classified by the Fédération Cynologiques Internationale among game-raising dogs. (1)

The English Cocker Spaniel shares common origins with the Field and Springer Spaniels, but it was recognized as a breed in its own right after the founding of the English Kennel Club in 1873. Its current name derives from the ancient “cocking spaniel”, which was attributed to it in reference to its use for woodcock hunting (woodcock in English). (1)

Spaniel is the English version of the term spaniel which designates hunting dogs originating in Spain, with long hairs and hanging ears. (2)

Despite a little imploring air with his big floppy ears and big hazel eyes, we can read in the cocker spaniel’s gaze his quick wit and his happy temperament. It is a dog full of energy and who owes his past as a game hunter, a great physical form and a need for moderate exercise. But he is also a faithful companion whose primary goal in life is to satisfy his master. It is therefore easy to train and will delight dog show aficionados. For those who are simply looking for a cheerful and affectionate companion, he is also an ideal family or companion dog.

Whether you choose to make him run in the moor in pursuit of game, participate in dog shows or rather pamper him at home, this dog is known to never stop wagging his tail … Certainly a sign of his good mood and jovial temperament.

According to the Kennel Club’s 2014 UK Purebred Dog Health Survey, the English Cocker Spaniel has a life expectancy of over 10 years and the leading causes of death were cancer (non-specific), old age and kidney failure. (3)

The English Cocker Spaniel is a healthy animal, but it can, like other purebred dogs, be prone to the development of certain hereditary diseases. Among these the most frequent are hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, distichiasis. (4-5)

Coxofemoral dysplasia

Coxofemoral dysplasia is an inherited condition resulting from a malformed hip joint. As a result of the deformity, the leg bone moves poorly in the joint and causes painful wear and tear on the joint, tears, inflammation, and osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and staging of dysplasia is primarily done by an x-ray of the hip.

It is an inherited disease, but the development of the disease is gradual and the diagnosis is often made in elderly dogs, which complicates the management. The first line of treatment is most often anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce osteoarthritis and pain. Ultimately, surgery or even the fitting of a hip prosthesis can be considered in the most serious cases. It is important to note that a good medication management can allow a significant improvement in the comfort of the dog. (4-5)

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the muscle of the heart (the myocardium) and is characterized by an increase in the size of the ventricle and thinning of the walls. Its anatomical damage is accompanied by contraction defects.

Symptoms appear in dogs aged 5 to 6 years and are mainly cough, dyspnea, anorexia, ascites, or even syncope.

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and cardiac auscultation, but also examinations such as chest x-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiography in order to visualize ventricular abnormalities and highlight contractile disorders.

The disease progresses first to left heart failure, with pulmonary edema, then to right heart failure with ascites and pleural effusion. The prognosis is very poor and survival is 6 to 24 months after the start of treatment. (4-5)

Distichiasis

Distichiasis is an eyelid abnormality characterized by the presence of an extra row of eyelashes in glands that usually produce protective fluid for the eye (meibomian glands). Depending on their number, their texture and their contact with the eye or the cornea, the presence of this additional row may be of no consequence or else cause keratitis, conjunctivitis, or corneal ulcers.

The diagnosis is made by observing the clinical signs and using the slit lamp to visualize the additional row of eyelashes. To check for corneal damage, the veterinarian can then use Fluorescein, the Rose Bengal test or a magnifying glass examination.

The treatment is then done by depilation of the supernumerary eyelashes and the prognosis is good if the eyes do not suspect serious symptoms. Otherwise there is a risk of blindness.

Distichiasis should not be confused with trichiasis.

Trichiasis is also characterized by poorly implantation of the eyelashes, but in this case, the supernumerary eyelashes come out of the same hair follicle and their implantation leads to the deviation of normal or supernumerary eyelashes towards the cornea. The diagnostic methods and treatment are the same as for distichiasis. (4-5)

As with other breeds of dogs with long floppy ears, special attention should be paid to cleaning the ears to avoid infections.