Field Bred English Cocker Spaniel: A Comprehensive Guide

The Field Bred English Cocker Spaniel is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition. They were originally bred to flush out game for hunters, and their strong instincts and energetic nature make them well-suited for active families.

Field Bred English Cocker Spaniels are known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them a joy to work with. With patience and consistency, they can learn to retrieve game and obey commands.

Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

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Breeding a litter of English Cocker Spaniels is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration. It takes a great deal of time, effort, and expense, and should only be done by those who have enough time, energy, and finances as well as proper facilities.

Before breeding, it's essential to ensure your female is free from hereditary conditions. This is another cost factor to consider when planning a litter. Although most ECS females will whelp perfectly naturally, there can never be any guarantee that difficulties will not arise.

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As the breeder, you may be asked for advice from the puppies' new owners and if things don't work out well, you may be asked to take one or more of the puppies back at some time. Unless you can undertake these responsibilities, it's better to abandon any plans to breed from your pet female.

If you're looking for a good breeder, seek out those with purposefully developed field lines. Field-bred English Cocker Spaniels are bred specifically for hunting and are usually a bit taller and more heavily boned, with more readily visible muscle tone.

Their tails are docked and should have less hair than the long locks common to show lines. They're also known for their exceptional ability to crawl under bushes and dense vegetation, making them ideal for hunting in challenging terrain.

Here are some characteristics of field-bred English Cocker Spaniels, as shared by experienced hunters:

As one experienced hunter noted, field-bred English Cocker Spaniels are perfect for city dwellers who also enjoy hunting on the weekends. They don't require a lot of space and are easy to keep in apartment conditions.

Training an English Cocker Spaniel requires patience and positive reinforcement. These happy dogs love to learn and have fun, so keep training sessions fresh and interesting.

To keep them in shape, regular exercise is a must. English Cockers need access to open areas to run and burn energy a few times a week, along with daily walks. Be sure to socialize them as much as possible, especially when they're young, so they're well-adjusted for future adventures.

With English Cockers, consistency is key. They can be a bit of an airhead, so firmness and consistency in training are essential. Use positive reinforcement techniques like praise, play, and food rewards for best results.

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English Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, cheerful, and devoted to their people. They make great family dogs, especially with children, due to their gentle nature.

These dogs are naturally good with other pets, such as cats, if they're raised together. However, they may be reserved with strangers, so socialization is key.

Their alert nature makes them good watchdogs, always keeping an eye out for potential threats. In the field, they excel at flushing birds from heavy cover and retrieving them.

English Cocker Spaniels require daily exercise, such as a long walk or a half-hour run, to keep them happy and healthy. They're also natural competitors in dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally.

To train an English Cocker Spaniel, use positive reinforcement techniques like praise, play, and food rewards. Be firm and consistent to overcome their occasional tendency to be an airhead.

Here's a breakdown of the English Cocker Spaniel's exercise needs:

English Cocker Spaniels are compact, solid dogs that are built for navigating low thick cover. They're energetic and willing to work, making them great hunting companions.

In the field, they work in tandem with pointers, flushing and retrieving game with ease. They're tenacious retrievers, pushing through thick cover to find their objectives.

Cocker spaniels are known to be biddable but soft, making them respond well to gentle training methods.

Harsh correction should be avoided, especially with or without the use of an e-collar.

Low force, positive training methods are the recommended approach for training cocker spaniels.

Their maturity level is not well-defined, with no consensus on whether they are early, medium, or late bloomers.

This means that owners need to be patient and adapt their training approach to their individual dog's needs and pace.

English Cocker Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most significant concerns is hip dysplasia, which can be costly to treat, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $6,000.

Their long, flowing ears require regular cleaning to prevent dirt and moisture buildup, which can lead to various issues. A good rule of thumb is to clean their ears weekly.

English Cocker Spaniels have a dense, medium-length coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. If you live in cold climates, trimming the fur around their feet can help prevent snow from getting stuck.

Their average lifespan is around 12-15 years, with the average being 14 years. Causes of death are often related to vehicle collisions, cancer, or failure of major organs like the heart, liver, or kidneys.

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who offers a health guarantee and is transparent about potential health issues in the breed. Some common health concerns include progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia, juvenile-onset renal failure, hypothyroidism, and hearing loss.

Here's a list of potential health issues and their associated costs: