Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 13 and 15 years. Regular daily activity, a controlled diet and attentive veterinary monitoring help preserve its longevity.
Build
A robust breed?
The English Cocker Spaniel is considered a rather robust breed. Well cared for, properly exercised and monitored medically, it often maintains a good quality of life for many years.
Watch points
What to watch for
Vigilance must mainly focus on weight control, the condition of the drooping ears and screening for hereditary disorders reported in the breed. Regular monitoring helps to detect early ocular, joint, cardiac or renal disorders.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Hereditary eye condition that can lead to a progressive deterioration of vision.
Dilated cardiomyopathy : Heart disease that can impair the heart's pumping function and require veterinary monitoring.
Cataract : Clouding of the lens that may hinder vision and progress over time.
Hip dysplasia : Joint abnormality that can cause pain, lameness, and locomotor discomfort.
Elbow dysplasia : Joint development disorder that can limit movement and promote osteoarthritis.
Obesity : The breed gains weight easily if the diet is not controlled and exercise is insufficient.
Otitis : Long, drooping ears promote moisture, foreign bodies, and infections of the ear canal.
Familial nephropathy : Hereditary kidney condition described in the breed and warranting serious selection of breeding stock.
Hypothyroidism : Hormonal disorder sometimes encountered in the breed, which can notably influence weight and vitality.
Deafness : Hearing disorder cited among the major concerns in this breed.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The English Cocker Spaniel tolerates the cold fairly well and tolerates heat moderately. In hot weather, it is advisable to limit exertion to the coolest hours, to provide water at all times and to avoid any overexertion.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The breed has a clear tendency to gain weight if the ration is not well controlled or if physical activity decreases. Monitoring the body shape, measured meals and regular outings are important to avoid overweight.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Clean the ears every week to limit ear infections.
- Monitor weight and adjust the ration at the first signs of overweight.
- Maintain sufficient daily physical activity.
- Have the eyes, hips and knees checked regularly.
- Brush the teeth and trim the nails if necessary.
Vaccination
English Cocker Spaniel vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a English Cocker Spaniel? Like all cats, the English Cocker Spaniel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for English Cocker Spaniel is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult English Cocker Spaniel vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your English Cocker Spaniel?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy English Cocker Spaniel
The recommended screening examinations concern in particular the knee, the hip and the eyes. When purchasing from a breeder, it is particularly prudent to ask for the results of the tests carried out on the breeding dogs.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
