Cocker Spaniel (English)

Cost of Cocker Spaniel puppy

While most everyone agrees that cocker spaniels are beautiful dogs, not everyone is aware of or committed to the maintenance required of such an animal. The coat, skin, ears and eyes need to be given proper attention, else a variety of medical issues can arise.

Owning any dog, but especially a higher maintenance breed like a cocker spaniel, requires a commitment, and that includes a financial obligation. You should expect the following minimum annual expenses for a cocker:

Good quality dog food: $30 per month $360

Grooming: 6 visits per year minimum @ $50 per visit $300

Heartworm & flea preventative: $15 per month $180

Annual Vet Exam/Routine Shots/Ear cleanser $200 min

TOTAL $1, 040

If this amount makes you flinch, then you should not be thinking about getting a cocker spaniel! Please keep in mind that this does NOT include any additional vet bills for illness or injury, any professional training, boarding or pet-sitting fees, etc. Although owning a cocker spaniel requires a large commitment from the owners, should you commit, you will be rewarded with a devoted friend and companion!

Grooming & Diet
Cocker spaniels need to be regularly bathed and groomed, typically every 6-8 weeks, including nail clipping. Unless you are experienced, it is usually best to have this done by a professional groomer, and the typical cost is $45-60 per visit. While a traditional cocker cut has longer hair forming a 'skirt' around the legs, a shorter 'puppy cut' can be more practical and more comfortable for the dog, especially in the summer. Cockers should be brushed 3-4 times a week, depending on the length of their coat.

Because cockers can be susceptible to various skin conditions and/or allergies, good regular grooming and a high quality dog food will help alleviate this issue. For information about the quality of dog foods by brand, a good resource is .

Ears & Eyes
Cocker spaniels need to be indoor dogs. If kept outside, the beautiful long, heavy, floppy ears trap moisture in the ear canal and bacterial, fungal or yeast infections can develop. These not only make the dog stink, but cause pain and in the worst case scenario can require expensive ear ablation surgery (to the tune of ~$1000 per ear depending on the severity of infection). Sore ears caused by an infection usually make a dog shake his head frequently and often violently.

Ear problems can be prevented by checking the ears daily and cleaning once a week. Medicated solutions for cleaning are available at your vet, and you should avoid using water or alcohol. Ear hairs are typically clipped at the time of grooming to allow better air circulation as well.

Cockers should also be fed in deep, narrow bowls that prevent their droopy ears from coming into contact with their food and water.

Eyes should be checked regularly and cleaned of any dirt or discharge. The lip folds and teeth will also require regular cleaning. The hair around their feet and between their pads needs to be checked often for mud and matted hair.

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