What common health problems might you expect to encounter during a Cocker Spaniel’s lifetime?

Hearing Loss – Ear conditions are common with this breed due to their long and droopy ears.

Cataracts – Cocker Spaniels are prone to eye conditions and regular eye examinations are essentials to ensure their eyes are healthy.

Hip Dysplasia – Joint issues are a common issue for Cocker Spaniels. This condition occurs when the hip joint develops incorrectly.

Cocker Spaniels have a silky and slightly wavy coat that requires regular brushing and maintenance. You will need to clip their hair to keep it in check. The coat comes in a range of shades and has feathering around the legs, chest and belly that helps to protect your pet when out in the fields. If you are interested in showing your Cocker Spaniel, you will need the assistance of a professional groomer. Their small size makes them easy to groom. Their ears need extra attention and can easily become tangled.

Cocker Spaniels are active dogs and naturally have high energy levels. It is essential that owners have the time to commit to a Cocker Spaniel’s exercise regime. They love to explore and see new sights and are well suited to adventurous owners. That being said, this breed is happy to burn off pent-up energy with toys and games at home and are relatively mellow house companions.

One of the pros of Cocker Spaniel ownership is that this breed is notoriously simple to train. Smart and eager to please, you can get your pet to learn commands quickly with lots of positive reinforcement and food-based rewards. They love to learn new things and enjoy training even after they reach adulthood. Their affectionate nature means they do not react well to harsh correction.

Cocker Spaniels are small dogs which makes them ideal for owners who have compact homes. When fully grown they will reach around 15-17 inches.

Cocker Spaniels have additional grooming requirements and ear care is all part and parcel of owning this breed. Clean your pet’s ears every one to two months. Ask your vet for a recommended ear cleaning solution.

While generally healthy, Cocker Spaniels are prone to a number of common health problems, so having pet insurance can help protect you from those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options benefits with Asda Money Dog Insurance here.