Types of Cocker Spaniel breeds

Although it enjoys a romp, the cocker can receive adequate exercise with a long daily walk on leash. The coat of the cocker requires a greater commitment than that of most breeds, although pets can be clipped short. In order to maintain a nice coat, it will need to be brushed and combed two to three times a week, in addition to professional clipping and scissoring every two to three months. Special attention must be paid to ear and eye cleanliness in this breed. The profusely coated feet tend to carry debris. The cocker is physically able to live outside in temperate climates (given adequate shelter), but it is not mentally able to do so; this is such a social dog that to banish it outdoors would not be acceptable. cockers have a tendency to become overweight.

• Major concerns: cataracts, glaucoma, patellar luxation
• Minor concerns: CHD, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency, cardiomyopathy
• Occasionally seen: gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia
• Suggested tests: eye, knee, DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency, (hip)