Would a Cocker Spaniel jive with your particular household? Here’s a quick run-down on the breed to help you answer that all-important question.

The modern-day Cocker Spaniel is a gorgeous, graceful dog. It’s hard to believe they were bred for work purposes, long before being bred for their long, flowing coats. Springy and energetic, these dogs were designed to work tirelessly as hunting assistants. And though these spunky spaniels no longer boast their former hunting skills, they’ve become excellent family pets.

Spaniels are small, weighing about 24 to 29 pounds and standing 15 to 16 inches tall. This breed’s claims to fame are their long, feathery leg hair, floppy ears, and dark, soulful eyes. Spaniels come in a wide variety of colors including black, cream, roan, black and white, orange and white, tan tricolor, and black with tan points (Phew!).

For a while, there was such a Cocker Spaniels craze that some breeders let even the high-strung or bad-tempered dogs reproduce. Their offspring had unfortunate traits, including incredible nervousness, and these dogs mated with similar dogs. Immediately, the breed was transformed, and not in a good way. Cockers suddenly were seen to experience random episodes of rage, or were extremely high-strung.

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Luckily, enthusiastic breeders stepped in and rescue the breed. They weeded out the bad dogs, only breeding those with sound temperaments. Currently, most spaniels back to being wonderful family pets, and are consistently great friends to children and other animals. To be sure the Cocker Spaniel you buy is well-tempered, buy from a reputable breeder who’s happy to have you meet both parents.

Since Spaniels aren’t high-energy dogs, they’re good in apartments, town houses, or single homes. However, you’ll need to exercise your dog every day. If you have a kid who likes throwing sticks/balls, the two will enjoy many hours of fetch.

Even though Cockers are easily controlled when they’re full grown, it’s still good to train your dog. Obedience classes will teach him to get along well with other dogs and people. Also, for first time dog owners, both owner and dog will be learning the ropes.

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The Cocker Spaniel needs a fair amount of grooming, and more so if you want that beautiful feathery leg hair. If you’re going to let your Spaniel’s coat grow long, be ready to brush him at least three times a week. Also, keep an eye on your dog’s ears, because the furrier they get, the more insulating they become. This can cause high temperatures, infection, and general discomfort.

Cocker Spaniels have a reputation for being mildly gluttonous. Feed your dog only the proper portion sizes, and no more. Also, consider alternatives to the use of treats as training rewards. Besides obesity, spaniels can suffer from other health problems including (but not limited to) hip dysplasia, knee failure, epilepsy, eye problems, heart disease and allergy trouble.

If you think you’d like a charming family dog with a playful spirit, the Cocker Spaniel may be right for you.