English Cocker Spaniel dogs

Spaniels in various shapes and sizes have been valued both for their talents as gundogs and as appealing family pets. This is a medium-size sporting breed measuring 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighing 26 to 34 pounds, making it slightly larger than the American Cocker Spaniel. The medium-long coat comes in a variety of colors: black, red, liver, golden, black and tan, and parti-colored (open-marked with white, or roaned in blue, liver, red, orange or lemon, some with tan points as well). Brushing about three times a week removes dead hair and keeps the coat shiny and lying flat. A Cocker will need some tidy-up trimming of the head, throat and around the feet. Shedding can be a problem. The long, feathered ears need special care. The breed enjoys family life and is suited to most accommodations, but watch its diet and make sure it is exercised daily.