The Cocker Spaniel of good breeding is lively, playful, cheerful and outgoing. This smallest member of the AKC's Sporting Group stands only 14-16" tall and weighs 20-32 pounds. 

The Cocker's long, wavy, silky, flat coat requires professional grooming skills to achieve, and regular brushing to maintain. The breed's love of the outdoors and the coat's Velcro quality leads many owners who don't show their dogs to clip their Cockers coats short and of a uniform length.

The Cockers long ears are another feature requiring attention. The ears, which hang down, are susceptible to frequent infections and must be cleaned on a regular basis.

The well bred mild mannered Cocker is ideally submissive and not very protective. (Not to be confused with poorly bred timid Cockers who constantly wet submissively and bite from fear.)

The Cocker Spaniel has change a lot in the last thirty years. For most of the 60's and into the 70's, the Cocker Spaniel was one of the most popular dogs in the United States. The supply of Cocker Spaniel puppies from reputable breeders was far less than the demand. Unscrupulous breeders stepped in to fill the gap, producing aggressive, stubborn, screaming, terrors who wet submissively. 

Cockers with bizarre temperamental changes and behavioral problems are still common. This would include shy-sharpness, which is a combination of fear and dominance that can cause viciousness.

Reputable Cocker Spaniel breeders who breed sound dogs are few and far between. Begin your search at an AKC Conformation show ring and talk to as many breeders as you possibly can.  

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