From the moment you gazed into that fuzzy little face, you knew your life was about to change. But there’s some things that nobody tells you about loving a Cocker Spaniel.
1. You forget what it’s like to eat alone.
Cocker Spaniels love food, and yours is no exception. Your pup could be in a deep sleep, but they’re instantly snap awake if they hear the crinkle of a cheese wrapper. A polite Cocker won’t bark or beg at mealtimes because they don’t have to – those big, sad brown eyes are enough to make you give up a bite of any yummy food. Just be careful – Cockers are prone to weight gain and pancreatitis.
2. Your doorbell becomes redundant.
Your Cocker Spaniel alerts you to visitors (and the mailman, delivery guy, squirrels…) before they can ring the doorbell. While this behavior can be annoying, it’s part of a Cocker’s natural temperament. Your pup is always on alert and enjoys having a useful role as the protector of your home. Your little pup has a surprisingly big bark – making intruders think you’ve got a rottweiler behind your door!
3. You develop an ear strategy.
A Cocker’s ears are long and covered in those trademark curls. The beauty comes with a price, though. Your Cocker Spaniel is prone to ear infections, and may pick up dirt and debris when you go on walks through wooded areas. They may also dip into their water bowl, creating puddles after every drink. You may choose to fit your pup with a snood to protect their ears. Your groomer can also trim the fur to keep the ears from being too heavy. Whatever you do to protect those ears, it’s so worth it – those gorgeous locks are what make a Cocker Spaniel so charming!
4. You learn to keep your mouth closed.
A Cocker Spaniel is a passionate kisser, and will go French without warning! You’ll quickly learn to dodge that sloppy tongue, or turn your chin up to avoid a big kiss on the lips. Cocker puppies are the biggest kissers; some grow out of it, but most Cockers will always be kissy!
5. You have a “forever puppy.”
Most dogs mature as they get older, and slow down each year. Not a true Cocker Spaniel! Cockers are rambunctious into their adult lives, and always ready for any opportunity to play. Even senior Cocker Spaniels have that puppylike spark in their eyes.
6. Your kids are never bored.
Human children can barely keep up with an active Cocker Spaniel. Whether it’s an improvised game of hide and seek or a tough round of tug, there’s always something to do when you have a Cocker. Your pup will quickly become one of the kids, forever devoted to their human brothers and sisters.
7. You’re on a first name basis with the groomer.
Cocker Spaniels need regular visits to the groomer to keep their thick, wavy coat free of mats. Generally, you’ll need to make an appointment every 4-6 weeks, though you could get away with going just a few times a year if you learn to do light grooming at home. Your Cocker’s haircuts might be more expensive than your own, but it’s wonderful to have a sweetly-scented, freshly groomed pup.
8. You’re still searching for the perfect squeaky toy.
There’s nothing a Cocker Spaniel loves more than ripping up new toys until they extract the squeaker and destroy it. It’s extremely difficult to find a toy that’s both sturdy enough to last more than few minutes, yet fun enough to get your dog’s attention. You seem to pick up a new toy almost every time you go shopping, yet your Cocker never seems to have enough toys to fill their toy box. But that’s okay – you love surprising your pup with something new!
9. Your heating bill has never been lower.
When it’s cold, there’s nothing you love more than cuddling with your Cocker, or just letting them nap at your feet while you work or watch TV. That warm, soft belly is all you need to be cozy on the coldest winter night. And that hot, slight-stinky breath in your ear is your personal version of heaven.
10. You’ve never felt more loved.
If you’re lucky enough to earn the love of a Cocker Spaniel, you’ll feel it. From those sloppy “good morning” kisses to that content sigh at night, a Cocker makes you feel loved all day long.
Comments
Jules
Every one is true!
Mari Larsen
So true and THANK you for this pin! The 9-year young senior all black Cocker I adopted from the Humane Society rescued ME- with all of the above sweet truisms. Furever puppy! I named him Sammy (Davis, Jr.)!
Judy
I have a female named Ella Mae. She is all black with white on her chest and chin. She is very vocal and she is a very good watch dog. Loves her walks and of course food! She is my second one . I just think they are such a beautiful breed. Their fur like velvet.
Julia Ritchie
I have my second cocker and just love their personalities–they are fun loving, very curious, full of energy, nosey, love their humans, like following you around the house even to the bathroom and are very vocal. Can’t imagine the way life was without them
Pete Almberg
You have a new squirrel outlook!
Richard Lynema
We got our Cocker, Zoey, a year and a half ago. She is red with white on her belly and nose. We also have a cockapoo Wendy. All 10 items above is so true! Her boundless energy and playfulness is so fun. She is very curious so we let her check things out while keeping her safe. She loves adventures outside like walks, dog parks and meeting new friends. Our favorite personality trait is when she plays “great white hunter.” When the wind blows she will chase anything flying, especially leaves and dandelion fuzz. She is very cuddly, kissy, loving and loyal.
Jean Nunez
Cocker Spaniels are WONDERFUL! My husband and I have had 4, and though all cockers are as described in the site description, they are absolutely unique individuals with their own personalities. We’ve had two females and two males over the years, and each has been incredibly sweet, affectionate, loyal, and an absolute treasure. Great companion pups! Our family will never feel complete without a cocker.
Jeanne Fitzgerald
I have a,cocker spaniel Her name is Brandy she is my First cocker spaniel Love so much She makes,me happy every day she Loves playing and taking walks and takes naps with me and sleeps with me every night she Loves me too
Marina
This put such a smile on my face. Every single point is 100% accurate! I love my spaniel and wouldn’t change her for the world.
C lilly
There is no cuter puppy than a Cocker Spaniel puppy. My husband and I have had three. Two were rescues and one was from a breeder in Montana. He was the only one that we got as a puppy. Now, my husband is deceased and my baby girl Molly is my constant companion. And yes they follow you all over the house. She gives me puppy kisses all the time.
Valerie Brown
We have a tri-colored Cocker Spaniel named Ben. He’s mostly black & white with brown eyebrows, brown around his tail & has some brown “freckles” on his face. He is our 4th Cocker. We love the breed for all the reasons you stated, but he’s the first Cocker we’ve had that loves to tear up his toys. You’re right…he loves to get the squeaker out, so we’re careful to take it before he swallows it! When he sees me in the morning, the first thing he does is wiggle his butt off….then goes & gets one of his toys in his mouth. They love their routines, so we try to keep them for him. He loves the neighborhood children, especially when they challenge him to a race. He even sits on the driveway in the direction of their house in hopes they’ll come out & play. Life with this loving animal is the best!
Alex
My cocker is a 6 yr old blue roan and she actually hugs me. She is the best girl ever and I truly adore her. All your points are true. Cockers are the sweetest, most loving dogs ever
Anne Kelly
Brilliant and so true ❤❤
Niranjan Khambete
All your comments on Cocker spaniels are bang on and then again a lot more needs to be said. We got home a month old 1 kg puppy n now he’s 8 month old n 11kg!! Me my wife son daughter and my mom stay together and our cocker spaniel named Cookie gives each one of us special attention in his own way. He has got boundless energy and is so loving and caring for my family. He bites us playfully but when out if the house he never bites. He treats little kids with so much affection and love. When any of us leaves home he goes in to a sulk for a while but when we return home he gives us a memorable welcome everytime at any time of the day! He is golden brown in color and actually looks like a lion cub.. everyone is attracted to him and we are a popular family in our neighborhood because of him. Gosh I could go on and on with this…. Love you cookie ?❤️
Charles j
I have 9 yr old black male. He is amazing. He makes my world go round. He is the best guard dog and judge of character. If he doesn’t like someone, there is a reason. The best and most polite dog around. Must have dog!!!
Suzanne
Elsie Mae was my 5th Cocker,having grown up with them as a child. She just passed away at the age of 14. That was 5 months ago. Coming home to an empty house after work is very difficult. ..still. I’ve had other dogs, but none loved me,and I them, as much as my sweet, sweet spaniels.
Colleen
Biscuit is our 9 year old male Cocker Spaniel. He is our baby since our 3 children are grown and out of the house. He loves playing Chuck It on the beach but usually gets bored and would rather sniff the driftwood. His favorite treat is riding to the pet store with Dad and greeting all of the staff and customers. His reward is either another squeaky toy or treats.
Bonnie voigt
I have a blonde cocker and she is really a fussy eater and seems to get upset stomach very often . Any suggestions
Candy
Bonnie, I, too, had a blonde female Cocker Spaniel, Mozart, who only liked Hills Science Diet canned ID dog food & the Hills Science Diet crunchy food. I would mix the two together for her. Her tummy settled down & she was able to get the proper nourishment she needed.
Mozart would “gulp” her food so I would give her only half of her meal, wait about 5 or 10 minutes and give her the rest of it. Mozart was a wonderful Cocker.
Abhramita
Each and every point is CORRECT! My 1 year old cocker spaniel is golden brown, looks like a baby cub and has the energy of a small rocket. He loves huggies and kissies – and is the best alarm we have. He is my first pup and the darling of the entire family.
Coming to the slightly-stinky breath — I brush my kiddo, and I have found his breath smells like coco. In fact, that’s where his name comes from, because his puppy breath used to be a blast of mocha 🙂
Linda mackie
My first cocker was black and named Abbey and she lived until seventeen. She was our
Baby girl. My second was a female black and white very beautiful and smart she is a trained Therapy dog and we visit nursing homes. Miss Daisy is eleven and I still have her.
I just adopted another cocker a two year old male, Bentley. He does everything you listed and I call him a clown. He is very sweet and lovable just needs a little training and socializing which we are doing. I love cocker spaniels
Barb
At one time I had 7 cocker spaniels. I am down to one now. I love my baby so much I cry when I have to leave him home alone. He is by my side 24/7 I just lost my longest cocker in March he was 17 years old. It broke my heart.
Ingrid
I have a Brown female Cocker Soaniel , she’s ten years old and she doesn’t look old always playing , love Cocker Spaniels !!!
Judy
I have a chocolate color cocker shes almost a year old ..shes so playful and we love her so much she loves to lay in my lap and I rub her back her name is tootsie
Cheryl
All these are so on point. On my 4th cocker, and also fostered a few. Love the breed. Most loving breed as a whole. Love cockers.
Sue Hackett
I have a beautiful black and white show cocker. Her name is Matilda and she is almost 2. She is my life saver since my partner passed away 3yrs ago. She is loving, cuddly, loyal and very kissy!! Although a little pickle she is my life and best friend who makes me smile everyday.
Rose Sleiman
Love our baby Lewis who’s 10 years old and still thinks he’s a puppy. He’s the cutest cocker ever…..sorry people it’s true. I laughed til I teared up reading these 10 very true points. We never dreamed we’d love a dog like this but he’s “pawfect” and we love love our black and white ball of love and kisses……
Jeanne Schreckengost
Where do you find them? All breeders here seemed to have quit. I live in Sacramento, CA. I just lost my second ECS after 14 1/2 yrs. I cant stand being alone without that happy face only an ECS can give.
Jeanne Schreckengost
Where did you get here? I live in Sacramento, CA and I cant find any breeders around here anymore. I just lost my sweet boy, Josiah after 14 1/2 yrs ( he was my second ECS). I cant stand being without that sweet loving face that only a ECS can give.
Sally John
I’m looking for a female puppy. I live in Indiana. If anyone know of some one who may have one, please let me know. Thank you!
Deb
Check with “Art in Motion” in Marion, Ind for breeder. They recently had two pups ( now gone). But could give you a lead. Good Luck!
Patricia Andrews
I just lost my buff and white ECS October of this year as well, and he was also 14 1/2. My world to is empty without him. I have researched all over because I too know before the end of the next year I will have to have another one, and I also will not be completely whole again unless it is a ECS. I’ve looked at some of the rescues but have found the ECS is not as prevalent. So I have had better luck with marketplace.akc.org. I hope that helps, and my condolences to you.
Krissy
I have had 7 cockers(acs) in my life. At the moment I have 3 here at home. An 11 yr old white with black tickings. She is absolutely gorgeous. She has had to get her teeth cleaned twice in her life. Very important to remember. Cockers have poor dental hygiene, even when brushed regularly and adding enzymes to their water. Also Dont feed them grain free for this breed. Studies say it can cause Hear disease.
Last year I did something extra special and bought brother and sister littermates. They just turned 1yo. The Male is black and tan and female is a red buff. She looks just like Lady. Best decision I ever made. Double the love, and double the kisses. They are both on my lap as we speak.
yousaf
I have very beautiful cocker spaniel he is just 1 month old wid golden colour I love him to much
Kathy
All your comments are spot on! We have had 2 females ( blonde& black)eye problems all their life,passing at 16! Next we had 2males,true lovers! (Parties)Cockers love to be with you& please you!The boys love to play regardless of age! Our breeder trained us after multiple Cockers my husband purchased equipment- has always groomed our babies. If I had my dogs before kids,they may not be here,they live unconditionally.
Kathleen
I also have a cocker that I adopted about 9 years ago. We figured she was 3
Years old when we adopted him,so that would make him around 12. He is not a social dog and has never licked me. For the couple of years he has developed a skin disease,something like scorasis that humans get. He itches
All the time, where he has very little fur on his back. I have spent hundreds
Of dollars at the vet but nothing helps. Has any of you have any similar
Problems with your dog. Any suggests would be appreciated.
Linda
I want to answer a couple questions posed here on this forum. First, I want to just share about how much we love our cockers. We will never have another breed, they are the friendliest breed ever (I am a dog crazed person.). They have such personalities, they do things that no other dogs do. They are just little people with fur. I laughed when someone shared that their cocker sits out at the end of the driveway hoping the kids will come over and play. That is the only time my cocker won’t come to me; if there are kids, she wants to be with them. All other comments are true.
Now, where to find cockers…please do rescues. Go to petfinder, google rescue American Cocker Spaniels and many different possibilities will pop up. And, imagine a Cocker who is more grateful to be with you due to the rescue! Bliss.
Cockers are notorious concerning allergies. Ear infections and skin issues are at the top of the list. Please switch to a better quality food with few ingredients, that will help. For skin issues, look for antifungal and antibacterial shampoo, rub tea tree oil into the skin, a spray called “Thyme Out Plus” which you spray onto skin and massage in. All these are big helps. Ear gunk/infections need similar antifungal, antibacterial drops or tea tree oil “dropped” into the ear canal. Stay viligant with this, it is a constant battle but well worth it!!
SHANTAL
I have had cocker’s my whole life. I love them so much that I have 6. They all sleep with us. They are happiest being close to you. They are so loveable , affectionate and loyal. I have a 15 year old all the way down to new borns. I always recommend cocker’s to anyone looking for a great addition to your family! 💕
Stephan Tjaden
This was a great post, entirely true, and well needed with our grieving.
We lost our Male, Black and Tan American cocker Aug 1, 2020. He had Cushings disease for the last year or maybe even a little bit longer. He got really thin and started to weather away so we had to put him to sleep because a dog that has never done anything wrong does not deserve to suffer.
Cocker spaniels will fill your heart with the best joy and no matter how their life progresses they are always there for you when you feel bad and they are the light in your family’s eyes and they’re the best thing in the world. I will never own anything other than American cocker spaniel. We were fortunate enough that we never had to deal with the ear issues, although he did have to get some teeth removed over the years.
Cocker spaniels will fill your heart with the best joy and no matter how their life progresses they are always there for you when you feel bad and they are the light in your families eyes and they’re the best thing in the world. I will never on anything other than American cocker spaniel. We were fortunate enough that we never had to deal with the ear issues, although he did have to get some teeth removed over the years.
However, he was always cheerful and go lucky even up to his last two or three days. When it came time and he couldn’t breathe anymore though, it is the hardest thing to let go because it has been far more painful than losing my grandparents.
Love your cock her, treat him as you would your children, because he or she is part of your family and that is a Boyd that nothing will ever fill. Make sure you get some good pictures here and there and cherish it for all it’s worth
Julian
spaniels of any type r the cutest and they love playing even when they’re old like my 11-year-old dog in human years still love playing but they still have an appetite and Luv to beg 4 food with their eyes. their fur does shred making it a lot to vacuum.
Angela
Jeanne, there is a rescues group in California called “Camp Cocker” they are the best. They don’t usually have young puppies, but check them out on fb.
Angela
All of the things mentioned are so true. I have a 5 year old Cocker Spaniel and he is the sweetest, funniest and loving dog. He has a favorite sqeaky toy (Lambchop) that he loves to fun around and make it sqeak. He gives me kisses every morning and yes, he’s definitely a food hog. Lol. He loves to bark at the squirrels and he’s even chased a rabbit once. He’s the best guard dog, but loves everyone he meets.
Chrissywmr
I will be picking up my first Cocker Spaniel puppy in two days. I fell in love the minute I held her. I named her Bella Mia, beautiful one. I cant wait to get her home.
Nina
We owned 3 Cockers. Loved them as children. ALL rescue. CASEY WAS RESCUED at 6 years. The smartest, trickster gentle pooch, of the three. He was white and dark tan mix. Oh he was beautiful in and out. During his adoption, we became good friends with his former owner. She was getting married, had demanding career, and became a step mom. So Casey came to live with us.
He lived until he was 14, with skin and ear problems. What a great LOVE. Occasionally his former mom came to visit. He was a lucky dog. Yes i would not hesitate to rescue another cocker.
Dennis J
We currently have our third cocker. The first two were American Cockers and the current one is an English Cocker. All three have different personalities but your listing is absolutely accurate for them. By the way, two of the three were rescues. Love our cockers!!!
Yanet
OMG! This article 100% accurate. My cocker name is Lucas and I love him so much.
Victoria
Oh my so true, I have a six month old Cocker named Kaede. She’s, I have no words to describe her, you were accurate to the T! Love her a bunch😜
Lin
You hit the nail on the head! Molly, the chocolate beauty, is everything you listed and more. Molly is my 4th American cocker and I can’t imagine my life without a ball of fur and love in my life. Thanks for the smile.
Sharron Smyth
Broke my heart when I lost my cocker, Sunny. Have been waiting for years to have another. Yes, they do all the above things, but I could never be angry with him. I still love him and he will be in my heart forever.
Donna Fraser
Thank you, this was the best explanation of a Cocker spaniel I have ever heard, it was perfect our little Lincoln is just like that and he’s the apple of our eye.
Nethaki
This all are true. Thank you for your advices. I have a brown English cocker spaniel. These all thing are true. ❤️❤️. We will keep our puppy by following these instructions
kim
Cocker spaniel fur is so fine that it floats around and then sticks to every surface: floor, walls, ceiling. Dog fur drifts begin to build up on the floor immediately after cleaning.
kyla
I have a Cocker spaniel named Rufus, and all the things above pretty much sums up his personality! I love him so much, and love to go pheasant hunting with him! He is four years old, and still acts like a sweet puppy. He smiles when he is excited or nervous! My family calls him Rufadufulus sometimes. He is so sweet!
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