There’s a reason the English Cocker Spaniel is nicknamed the “merry cocker.” With those soulful eyes, silky ears, and nonstop wagging tails, these spaniels are charmers through and through. Bred as gundogs, they’ve still got plenty of “field fizz” in them — meaning you’ll get a loving, playful companion who’s also part chaos machine if under-exercised.
Owner insight: “I truly love cockers. I love their appearance, I love their personality. I laugh and smile every day …”
Not sure if this bundle of bounce is for you? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to see.
Great Names for a Cocker
Choosing a name for a Cocker is like naming a mischievous toddler with silky ears. Sweet, silly, or sassy — anything goes.. For more ideas, use our Dog Name Generator.
- Sweet picks: Honey, Poppy, Toffee, Clover
- Mischief makers: Rascal, Pickle, Zoom, Dash
- Classic choices: Molly, Bella, Max, Archie
- Fieldy nods: Bramble, Willow, Fern, Rusty
Pickles’ Aside: “Call one Toffee and don’t be surprised when they nick your pudding.”
Exercise
Cockers don’t walk, they bounce. Clip on the lead and you’ll swear they’ve had three espressos. These little dynamos need proper daily outings to keep them sane.
They need:
- 1–1.5 hours a day of walks and play.
- Off-lead time in secure areas (they love to range).
- Scent games and fetch to channel that gundog brain.
Owner insight: “We had a working cocker and he was a brilliant dog. He knew his job and was highly trained, but was also the sweetest, most adorable family pet you could want.”
Working Gundog Warning
Cockers — especially from working lines — aren’t just lapdogs. They were bred to flush birds from cover, and that drive is still alive. Expect a dog who needs jobs, games, and plenty of outdoor time.
Pickles’ Aside: “Think of them as pocket-sized rockets with ears.”
Temperament
English Cockers are famously merry, affectionate, and playful. They’ll happily curl up in your lap after a romp — but they’re not couch potatoes.
- Affectionate and loyal.
- Great with families and usually gentle with children.
- Playful clowns who thrive on interaction.
Training
Training a Cocker is like teaching an eager student with the occasional daydream problem. They’re bright, willing, and quick to learn — but also stubborn when something smells more interesting than you.
- Positive reinforcement is key.
- Short, fun sessions keep them engaged.
- House training can be slow, so patience is needed.
Owner insight: “Our male Cocker was very slow to be housetrained … They really are lovely dogs and are great fun to have around.”
Need help? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can guide you through the chaos with personalised tips.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
If you’re after a guard dog, look elsewhere. A Cocker will bark at the postman, then wag them inside and show them the biscuit tin.
- Alert but not aggressive.
- Warm with strangers once introductions are made.
Other Animals
Cockers are social butterflies. They’ll usually get on with other dogs and can even tolerate cats — though a cheeky chase is always on the cards.
- Dog-friendly with good socialisation.
- Cats possible — but chasing may happen if not trained.
- Small pets should be carefully supervised.
Grooming
Owning a Cocker is like living with a shampoo advert — except the glossy ears double as mud mops. Their coats are gorgeous, but keeping them silky takes effort.
- Brushing 3–4 times a week to prevent mats.
- Ear cleaning is vital — they’re prone to infections.
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps.
Health
Cockers are generally healthy but can be prone to a few conditions:
- Ear infections (thanks to floppy ears)
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts
- Skin allergies
- Familial Nephropathy (kidney disease) in some lines
Average lifespan: 12–14 years. Choose breeders who test for PRA, hip scores, and kidney health — see our Best in Breeder Guide for what to ask.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Cockers may be merry, but your wallet might not always be. Between grooming, insurance, and food, costs can add up.
- Puppy price: £900–£1,800
- Food: £25–£50/month
- Insurance: £25–£45/month
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
- Professional grooming: £40–£60/session every 6–8 weeks
Famous Owners & Moments
- The Cocker’s popularity soared when Oprah Winfrey and Duke & Duchess of Cambridge were spotted with theirs.
- Disney’s Lady and the Tramp made the American Cocker Spaniel famous — and boosted love for their English cousins too.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Cockers are lazy lapdogs | They’re playful, energetic, and need plenty of exercise. |
| They don’t shed | They shed moderately, especially if not brushed. |
| They’re all the same | Show Cockers and Working Cockers can be very different in energy and drive. |
| They’re easy to house-train | Many owners say it takes time and patience. |
Cocker FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes, moderately.
- Good with kids? Yes, affectionate family dogs.
- Do they bark a lot? They’ll bark to alert but aren’t excessive.
- How long do they live? 12–14 years.
- Are they easy to train? Yes, with consistency and fun.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Cocker?
If you want a merry, affectionate companion who’ll charm everyone they meet — but also keep you busy with walks, grooming, and games — the English Cocker Spaniel could be your perfect match.
Before you decide, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And when your Cocker’s silky ears are flapping in the wind, celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: “Cockers don’t just wag their tails — they wag their whole body.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 12–16 kg
- Height: 38–41 cm
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, merry, playful
- Challenging Trait: Grooming and ear care needs