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MediumSporting Group

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is the older of the two modern Cocker types, retaining closer proximity to working field stock than the American variety.

Calculate English Cocker Spaniel age
Lifespan13.3 yrrange 13–14
SizeMediumSporting Group
Weight26–34 lb11.8–15.4 kg
Senior at7 yrgeriatric at 11

Gallery (3)

About

About the English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is the older of the two modern Cocker types, retaining closer proximity to working field stock than the American variety. Split from American Cockers in 1946 but remaining the dominant 'Cocker Spaniel' across the UK and Europe.

Aging

How English Cocker Spaniels age

RVC VetCompass reports a median lifespan of 13.3 years (n=33,887). Cataracts (4.9%) and patellar luxation (2.3%) lead OFA screens; familial nephropathy remains the most acute inherited concern in some working lines.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 13.3 yr · range 13–14Senior careSenior at 7 · geriatric at 11Common health issues9 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
26–34 lb(11.8–15.4 kg)
Height
15–17 in(38.1–43.2 cm)
Coat type
Medium
Colors
BlackBlack & WhiteBlue RoanBlue Roan & TanLiver Roan & TanLiver RoanOrange & WhiteOrange RoanRedBlack & TanBlack White & TanLiver
Temperament

Temperament

How English Cocker Spaniels tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

gentleenergeticmerryaffectionate
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Patellar Luxation

    Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Elbow Dysplasia

    Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
45min
per day

English Cocker Spaniels are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.