| Height | 16-17 inches (male), 15-16 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 28-34 pounds (male), 26-32 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Energetic / Merry / Responsive [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 35 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
An upbeat, active sporting dog, the English Cocker Spaniel requires daily exercise for his physical and mental well-being. He will do well with activities such as long walks or hikes with his owner or playing ball in the backyard. As his hunting instincts remain strong, he should be on a leash for walks, and a fenced yard is recommended. [1]
Grooming
Most English Cockers have a fairly profuse coat that requires regular care, including a thorough brushing and combing at least once a week to keep the dog looking his best and to prevent the formation of mats and tangles. In addition the dog is usually trimmed every month or so in certain areas'¿around the feet, on the face, under the neck, on the underside of the ears, and under the tail. The owner can learn to use scissors, thinning shears or a stripping tool, and clippers to do an overall trim and help keep up the English Cocker's neat appearance. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Although the English Cocker is overall a healthy breed, some genetic health conditions are known to occur occasionally. These include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy, and adult onset neuropathy. A responsible breeders will have their breeding stock tested for conditions that can affect the breed. The English Cocker's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the English Cocker Spaniel in 1946. [1]
- It ranked No. 35 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 60 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “EC.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do English Cocker Spaniels live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a English Cocker Spaniel get?
AKC breed information lists height 16-17 inches (male), 15-16 inches (female) and weight 28-34 pounds (male), 26-32 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a English Cocker Spaniel?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the English Cocker Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.