The AKC standard for Cocker Spaniel are described here. However, there is a slight different between the AKC's standard and the Kennel Club of England's standards for cocker spaniels. Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the sporting dog group. Cocker Spaniels' temperament should be calm and steady with no hint of shyness and fear. Cocker Spaniel is small in size and standing 13 to 15 inches at the shoulders. Cocker Spaniels weigh approximately 25 pounds. With their silky coats and medium shedding, cocker spaniels require frequent brushing and professional grooming. May be buff, black, tricolor (black, tan and white) or parti-color (black and tan or white and tan). Cocker Spaniels have very heavy ears and field types have shorter coats.

Cockers were first bred in England as hunters, to flush and retrieve birds. (The name comes from the woodcock bird.) But very few of these dogs are used for hunting nowadays.

Because of cocker spaniel breed's popularity, several types of cockers are available, so be very careful when choosing an individual. Most cocker spaniels are friendly to strangers and good with chidren, but some, especially males, are aggressive toward their owners. Certain cocker spaniels are afraid and snappy with strangers. Many urinate submissively when greeted. In general, cocker spaniels require a moderate amount of exercise and are easy to housetrain.

Be on the alert for signs of ear infections, skin conditions, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, galucoma, eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, hemophilia, heart defects and epilepsy.