Read time: 6 mins
21 Dec 2019
Cheerful Cocker Spaniels are happy and helpful little dogs, always keen to please and hang out with their humans. If their paws could cope with the teapot, they'd be more than willing to make you a cuppa.
Bred for centuries as working dogs, they're at their best when their minds and bodies are busy. Because of their active lifestyles, they need quality nutrition that's full of protein and packed with the good stuff, keeping energy levels up, tails wagging and eyes fixed firmly on the prize.
They can't get enough of food. Lots of food. As much food as possible, if they had their way. While this makes them easy to please at mealtimes, it also means they can be tempted to overeat. Unsurprisingly, their strongest bond is usually with the human that feeds them, meaning the cook gets to be top dog in a Cocker's home.
Based on our current customers, we estimate that adult Cocker Spaniels need around 544 calories per day. This can vary based on your pooch’s age, weight and activity level.
Yes, Cocker Spaniels shed fur.
Due to their double coat, Cocker Spaniels shed moderately all year-round but especially so during Spring and Autumn months as their coats prepare for the changing seasons (thinner in Summer, thicker in Winter).
Shedding can be minimised by adapting a regular grooming schedule for your pooch. Brushing them twice a week with a soft bristle brush can help to tease loose hair out, whilst a stronger wire brush is effective against tail tangles, which we know about all too well with Spaniels. Drawn like a moth to a flame? Pfft, more like a Spaniel to the bushes.
A lot. Think of a standard dog's exercise schedule and times that by 1000000. No, but seriously, Spaniels were originally bred as gun dogs and because of this they have an innate need for consistent physical and mental stimulation.
A little mantra we think is useful to live by is that, if you want a Spaniel, you need to match their energy. If you favour being a sofa loafer over exploring the great outdoors, then this breed may not be for you. If your Cocker Spaniel is not given enough opportunities to expel energy, then you may find that they will find other ways to curb their boredom. We hope you like holes in your shoes.
Water is an irresistible Cocker magnet. If they can swim in it, they will. In fact, even if they can't swim in it, they'll give it a go. Nothing is too ferocious for a Cocker Spaniel and whilst this energy is inspiring, it’s also impawtent to be mindful of a Spaniels failure to do a risk assessment. Make sure that you have mastered their recall and also keep a close eye on where they’re running off to.
After playing, they adore a bit of fuss, which is just as well, given those long, silky coats that are pawfectly designed for a head rest.
In general, your Cocker will have reached their full size at around 12-14 months.
Cocker Spaniels were originally gun dogs, trained to flush out prey for hunters, and many are still working dogs today. Their heritage has made them intelligent, inquisitive and easy to train. However, be mindful that a Cocker loves to play and scamper, and will need lots of mental stimulation to challenge their agile minds. Cocker temperaments are every bit as lovely as their looks. They make loyal companions who adore being one of the family.
The magic age at which a Cocker Spaniel calms down can vary from pooch to pooch. Typically, you will find that your Cocker will reach maturity at some point between 3 and 5 years old. However, this does not mean that they will suddenly stop being set to hyperactive mode.
There are a few health problems that Cocker Spaniels are prone to, including ear and eye complaints, issues with their immune systems and displaced knee caps. Ear checks and cleaning need to be a regular part of their routine. Choosing a balanced and nutritious diet is also essential for helping to keep them healthy and on top form for fetching.
After bouncing around for years, elderly Cockers often prefer a quieter life with their paws up in front of the fire. But that won't put them off their dinner, so the pounds can pile on. Like many breeds, Cocker Spaniels can develop arthritis with age, so it's essential not to weigh down those joints.
According to research conducted by Pets4Homes UK as of 2022, the average cost of purchasing a Cocker Spaniel is £1,331.
First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will help to ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances.
A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions.
As well as the cost to purchase a Cocker Spaniel, it is impawtent to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life.
• Vaccines / Flea and Worming Treatments (first dosage and boosters)
• Neutering / Spaying (usually from 6 months onwards)
• Equipment (collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, poo bags, toys)
• Food
• Insurance
• Daycare / Boarding
Butternut Box meals are perfectly portioned so your dog gets the right amount and all the essential nutrients they need. When you sign up, we'll ask lots of questions about your pet to find out about their age, weight, lifestyle and general health.
That way we can accurately calculate how much food they need each day. We cook it just like you would at home, then portion it up into handy meal-sized pouches, ready for your peckish pooch. The result – a contented Cocker with a satisfied tum.
We estimate that it will cost around £67 each month to feed your Cocker Spaniel a diet of Butternut Box food. This is based on data from our current customers and can vary depending on things like age, weight and activity level.
We generally recommend dividing this into two meals per day, morning and evening, to help sustain your pooch throughout the day.
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