Cocker Spaniels are divided into American Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels. The American Cocker Spaniel is quite an ancient hunting dog. Currently, their main use is as pets and companion dogs. The English Cocker Spaniel originated somewhat earlier than the American Cocker Spaniel. After the breed was introduced to America, scientific breeding and improvement produced today’s Cocker Spaniel. The two breeds are similar yet different, each having unique charm.
　　Care Knowledge
　　Suitable Owners
　　Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, alert, with round and full eyes, long ears shaped like leaves, a rounded but not exaggerated skull, clear eyebrows, broad and deep muzzle, large nose with developed nostrils, scissors bite teeth, sturdy and compact body, muscular, and well-proportioned overall. They have a gentle temperament, lively and cheerful, active and friendly, deeply loved by women and children. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners and family, so they will certainly become extremely beloved companions to family members.
　　Because they are naturally hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels are very active and love exercise. If not disciplined during their ‘puppy’ stage, they may ‘reformat’ your home when grown up. Therefore, if you are very busy with work, you need to consider whether you have enough time to care for them. Cocker Spaniels also have abundant coats, especially long and dense decorative hair on the chest, abdomen, and legs, requiring daily brushing and frequent baths. So they require an extremely diligent owner who enjoys grooming. Caring for a Cocker Spaniel needs patience and careful attention, often cleaning the dog's ears. Are you ready for these?
　　Daily Maintenance and Care
　　The Cocker Spaniel’s rich coat must be brushed and bathed regularly, otherwise, dust and dirt will accumulate and form mats, which not only affect appearance but also expose them to bacterial infections and illness. Their large, floppy, adorable ears often cause trouble, so periodically cleaning earwax with cotton swabs or gauze is necessary. In addition, regular tartar removal and washing the eyes with saline solution help prevent diseases caused by unclean facial areas. Observe your dog’s skin when possible by lifting the coat and inspecting carefully; healthy skin is a natural barrier for the dog.
　　Cocker Spaniels are lively and active, so ensure they get adequate daily exercise, ideally taking them for walks 2-3 times per day. Typically once in the morning, and once in the afternoon or evening. Keeping them cooped up at home without enough time or space for exercise will make them restless or even ill.
　　Feed them on a fixed schedule and quantity, not letting them overeat, and avoid foods high in fat and protein to prevent obesity, which can affect health and lifespan. Pay special attention to hygiene by discarding leftover food thoroughly, changing drinking water daily, and cleaning and disinfecting feeding utensils.
　　Cocker Spaniels are highly trainable. Feeding and exercise times must include training and timely correction of bad habits; otherwise, they may become willful and stubborn.
　　Common Diseases
　　Cocker Spaniels may suffer from sudden thoracic diaphragm rupture, allergic dermatitis, rectitis, chronic nephritis, cataracts, otitis externa, liver disease, dermatitis, urinary stones, mammary swelling, hypothyroidism, etc. Recent research shows a rising incidence of hepatitis, cataracts, and senile cataracts in the breed. Dermatitis and otitis externa are the most common diseases, while liver function disorders and intestinal dysfunction can also affect Cocker Spaniels.
　　The ears are the most vulnerable area to disease, with otitis externa being the most common. If only some black discharge and dirt exist inside the ear, specialized ear wash or medication can cure it. If symptoms progress to ear heat, ulceration, foul odor, and constant head shaking, it may indicate severe otitis externa, otitis media, or internal ear infections. To reduce ear disease frequency, owners should regularly clean ear canals and keep common medications such as ear cleaning solutions, anti-inflammatory drugs, and treatments for ear diseases at home.
　　Always pay attention to abnormal signals from diet, sleep, and walking activities, and seek timely veterinary care if any danger signs arise. Homemade food often cannot meet all nutritional needs. To avoid certain liver and heart functional problems, choose high-quality dog food supplemented with daily home-cooked meals and various nutrients.