Cocker Spaniels are known for being very friendly and loyal pets. They also tend to be energetic and playful. Are they really suitable for apartment living?
Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Spain.
The name comes from its Spanish origin where it was called cóndor de España or coñón de España. This means “crested dog of Spain”.
Cockers are great apartment dogs because they love to play and exercise. They are very social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners.
They are also very intelligent and trainable. They can learn tricks easily, but they need lots of training.
They also make good family pets as they get along well with kids and other pets.
However, if you have small children then it would be better to choose another pet like the Pug or Pekingese instead. They may not be able to withstand rough play.
Let’s find out more!
Where Are Cocker Spaniels From?
The Cocker Spaniel is an ancient breed that has been around since the 15th century. It is believed that this breed came from Spain.
It is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. In fact, it is considered to be the second most popular dog breed after the Labrador Retriever.
The Cocker Spaniels were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game birds such as pheasants and partridges.
Today, these dogs are used as companions and show dogs. They are also used as guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired.
What Does A Cocker Spaniel Look Like?
A cocker spaniel looks similar to a miniature schnauzer. Both of them have short legs and long bodies. Their heads are round and large.
Their ears are erect and triangular-shaped. They have black noses and brown eyes. Their coats are double-coated. One coat is soft while the other is hard.
A cocker spaniel weighs between 10-12 pounds. Its height is about 14 inches.
Are Cocker Spaniels Ok To Be Left Alone?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. In fact, if you have ever owned a cocker spaniel then you know that they are some of the most loyal and loving dogs around.
Cocker Spaniels are pretty independent dogs, and they can be left alone for short periods of time.
You should not leave a dog alone for more than 6-8 hours, because ultimately they do need looking after.
Do Cocker Spaniels Bark A Lot?
Yes, cocker spaniels bark a lot because they are highly alert dogs. They are also very vocal dogs which makes them bark more than other breeds.
Are Cocker Spaniels Diggers?
Yes, cocker spaniels have strong digging instincts. They love to dig holes and bury their toys. It is part of their nature.
But if you don’t give them enough space to play, they may get bored and start digging up your house.
If you keep them inside all the time then you might end up having a mess in your house.
Are Cocker Spaniels Hard To Train?
Yes, cocker is a stubborn dog breed. They are very independent dogs and they don’t like being told what to do. So training them takes a long time.
You should always reward them for doing something well. This way you will make sure that they learn from their mistakes.
Also, you should teach them basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come”.
How Many Walks A Day For A Cocker Spaniel Dog?
Cocker Spaniels are a very active dog breed. They are happy running around outside all day. They love to go on walks, and they are also very loyal.
Cocker Spaniels only need one long walk per day. However, if you have a busy schedule then you can take two short walks instead.
For example, if you work full-time then you can take a morning walk and a late afternoon walk.
How Long Should You Walk A Cocker Spaniel Dog?
You should aim to walk your Cocker Spaniel for around an hour each day.
This will help him stay fit and healthy.
You can take shorter walks if you have a busy lifestyle. Or you can even take a nap after walking your dog.
How Do Cocker Spaniels Live?
Cocker Spaniels live in apartments, condos, and houses. They do not require much space.
However, they will still need enough room to move around. If your home is too small, then you should consider getting a smaller dog like the Chihuahua.
You can keep your cocker spaniel inside all day. When you go outside, take him on a leash, so he does not run away. He needs regular walks and plenty of exercise.
Are Cocker Spaniels Smelly?
Yes, cocker spaniels are smelly. They start to smell when they get wet fur from being outside.
They also emit a strong odor when they urinate. If you have a small apartment, then it might be difficult to keep your cocker spaniel clean.
Do Cockers Spaniels Make Good Pets?
Yes, cocker puppies are cute and cuddly. They are playful and friendly. They also make great house pets.
They have a high energy level, and they tend to bark. Therefore, if you plan to keep a puppy, then you should first consult your veterinarian.
He can advise you on how to socialize your new pet properly. Also, ask his opinion on whether your current living conditions are suitable for your new puppy.
Is It Easy To Train A Cocker Spaniel Puppy?
It is relatively easy to train a cocker spaniel puppy. However, it takes time and patience.
When training a puppy, you must use positive reinforcement. This means that you reward good behavior by giving your puppy treats or playtime.
When you punish bad behavior, you should use negative reinforcement. This means that when your puppy misbehaves, you remove something he likes.
Also, you should never hit your puppy. Instead, you should give him firm but gentle corrections.
When teaching your puppy basic commands, such as “sit”, “stay”, “come”, and “down”, you should practice them over and over again until he understands what you mean.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Cocker Spaniel are good apartment dogs. They are not too active during the day, but they do have spurts of activity.
They are quite low maintenance dogs, but they do need a lot of attention. If you work from home, they are great to have around.
If you spend a lot of time working away, then a Cocker Spaniel may not be the right dog for you.
If you live in an urban area with lots of noise pollution, then you should consider getting another breed of dog.
Cocker Spaniel are very smart dogs, and they love learning tricks. They are also very loyal and affectionate.
What Do Cocker Spaniels Eat?
Cocker Spaniel eat dry kibble and canned food. They like chicken, beef, fish, and lamb.
They also enjoy vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods.
Should My Cockers Spaniel Shed Hair?
Cocker Spaniel shed hair regularly. Their coats grow fast, so you should brush them at least once every week.
This helps maintain their coat and keeps it looking shiny and smooth.
What Are The Health Problems Of Cocker Spaniel?
The health problems of Cockers Spaniel include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, heart disease, and allergies.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball joint between the thigh bone and the leg bone becomes loose.
Hip dysplasia can cause pain and lameness. Therefore, you should take your dog to see a veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs of this problem.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition where your dog has seizures. Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Epilepsy can cause your dog to become aggressive or depressed. Therefore, you should consult a qualified veterinary professional if you suspect that your dog has epilepsy.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a common problem among older dogs.
Cocker Spaniel are prone to developing heart disease due to their large size.
Allergies
Allergies can affect both humans and animals.
Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes to severe symptoms such as hives, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
Therefore, you should consult your vet if you suspect that your pet has allergies.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Cocker Spaniel
Pros:
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Loyal
- Easy Maintenance
- Good With Children
- Good With Other Animals
Cons:
- Large Size
- Potential Health Issues
Final Thoughts
Owning a Cocker Spaniel is a great way to spend your free time, and they make pretty good apartment dogs.
These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, easy to train, and good with kids and other pets.
However, owning a Cocker Spaniel requires a lot of commitment and dedication. Before you make the decision to own a Cocker Spaniel, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons.
Thank you for reading!
