of the third eyelid becomes visible, making your Cocker's eyes look red and bulging (just like a cherry), thankfully it's possible to correct this condition with surgery; Distichiasis is where your Cocker has extra eyelashes (sometimes 2 layers!) american cocker spaniel health issues Other cocker spaniel health problems include the following: Hypothyroidism: Cocker spaniels are prone to hypothyroidism, a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. pancreas no longer functions as it should. which can cause irritation and damage to the eye. Painful and itchy, Cocker Spaniels affected with … The advertiser should be willing to tell you all about the puppies parents. Complete list of American Cocker Spaniel health problems Eye disorders in Cocker Spaniels. Complete list of american cocker spaniel health problems eye disorders in cocker spaniels. sensitive to pollens, he may develop an allergy to them; Immune mediated thrombocytopenia Thus it’s not difficult to explain their popularity but there are some other factors, too. In post-war Britain the cocker became our most popular breed of pedigree dog, with 27,000 puppies registered in 1947. So if you are considering acquiring a working cocker, do your homework before you buy. Ask if the parents have any health issues and if they have been tested for common health issues known in their breed. Anything below 100 is considered critical by conservationists, while a figure below 50 threatens the future of the breed. As I mentioned in my report on the awards (December issue), there were numerous cockers entered into every class for which they were eligible. Other Cocker Spaniel Health Problems. So no feeding scraps from the dinner table! ... American Cocker Spaniel. Breeders of Working Cocker Spaniels. Regular grooming sessions will give you the opportunity to see signs of these pesky wee beasties and treat them accordingly. Slowly but surely the cocker recovered its reputation as a genuine alternative to the ubiquitous English springer. The irresistible love story between Lady, a classy and pampered cocker spaniel, and "the Tramp", a street-wise mutt living by a railway, has captured many hearts, but unfortunately, cocker spaniels are not always as Disney movies portray them. 12 top tips for the new season. Humidity and poor air circulation coupled with your Cocker’s ears getting wet and dirty make for the perfect mix for yeast infections, cankers and ear mites. Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) affects the production of tears and if not treated quickly can lead to other eye problems. In the early days its mission was promoting the breeding of cockers but in a subtle change of words it now promotes the well being of these spaniels. Selective breeding has also led to more biddable cockers, so it’s not unusual to see them employed as peg dogs, though it does take a good trainer to persuade a cocker to sit untethered by a peg. The figure for the cocker is a deeply worrying 49.10; the EPS for the labrador is 114. A: Health testing is a vital piece of a responsible breeding program when heritable conditions are present, but diet, exercise, environment, and genetics can all factor into whether a dog develops a health condition or disease. Whilst ticks and fleas aren't normally life-threatening, these parasites aren't welcome, either in our homes or on our dogs. As the saying goes, "We have the technology!". Cocker Spaniels and barking. Ear infections are fairly common in Cocker's and can be very difficult to clear, especially if the infection wasn't spotted early enough. Let's start with eyes. These are the ones we have experienced and seen in our lifelong Cocker Spaniel passion and ownership. People who are interested in field sports will be most familiar with the Working (Field) Cocker, but the Show (Bench) Cocker has his origins in the same place. Our Cockers have a tendency to get fat as they get older so it's best to Working Cocker Spaniels are easy to train, and being a working breed means not only do they train well but they really thrive from it too. Couple that with frequent grooming sessions with thorough checks on his eyes and his ears, and scheduled checks with his vet throughout the year, there's no reason why your Cocker shouldn't live a long and happy life. Partridge shooting tips. Grooming can play a bit part in keeping your Cocker Spaniel healthy; grooming is about more than just looking good! Physically, Working Cockers can look quite different to the show-type Cocker. What age should youngsters start shooting? Their size makes them easy to live with: I have a sneaking suspicion that the majority of working cockers live indoors. From puppy training and general obedience work, it’s important to train your dog further and regularly – at least on a weekly basis. a malformation of the hip joints and a common health problem in older dogs; are common in Cockers. However, despite following all of the above, at some point in his life, your pet may have to deal with one or two illnesses. Here is a list of eye conditions that may affect your pet sometime in his life: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a condition where your pet gradually looses his sight; Glaucoma causes bleeding, and can lead to anaemia and severe lethargy. Cockers have reached a highpoint as a working gundog, often outnumbering the springer. Eye diseases in Cocker Spaniels Cocker spaniel health issues. There are "field" or "working" cockers and "house" cockers. However, if your puppy has parents that have been 'clear eye tested' your pup is less likely to suffer from many eye problems. 1 G. We want to hear your opinion! This is caused in part by the fact that the design of those wonderful floppy ears don't allow air to circulate around and inside the ear canal. English Cocker Spaniels are very popular dogs. The english cocker spaniel club conducted a health survey that included almost 2500 dogs. The English Cocker Spaniel is an active, good-natured, sporting dog, standing well up at the withers and compactly built. In 1938 and 1939, Lloyd achieved a second double with his bitch Exquisite Model of Ware and he did it again in 1948 and 1950 with Tracey Witch of Ware. all the vitamins necessary to keep his bones strong and healthy. Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month.Next up, we look at the active, good-natured Cocker Spaniel. Exercise & Training. Overbreeding can introduce genetic diseases that are hard on the pups and on the owners. It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of your veterinarian. There are two distinct types of Cocker Spaniel in the UK, and they are really quite different. Sign up to our quarterly e-zine for new articles, top tips, competitions and lots more. Unfortunately, there is no cure; As your Spaniel ages, he may develop cataracts, but the good news is that these can now be surgically removed without too much trauma for your pet. They are great family dogs and being less than half the size of a labrador eat proportionately less and are not so inclined to get fat, either. Whilst we're talking The English Cocker Spaniel is an active, good-natured, sporting dog standing well up at the withers and compactly built. Other health problems that may affect Cocker Spaniels quite often include: Luxating Patella Luxating patella is a congenital disease in which the alignment of the bones and joints of the hind leg is abnormal, resulting in a displacement of the patella to the side of the joint. The American cocker spaniel stands 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall, with … However there are some inherited conditions that do affect the breed. of those ailments listed below. Sadly, popularity as a pet and success in the show ring didn’t do the working cocker any favours and by the ’60s it was becoming increasingly difficult to find a genuine working cocker with both drive and ability. If your pet is overly General Cocker Spaniel Health Problems The following are a list of conditions that may affect your pet sometime in his life: Hip Dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joints and a common health problem in older dogs; Familial Nephropathy (FN) - where the kidney's filtering system fails to work effectively; Learn how to keep your Cocker Spaniel healthy by understanding the common dog diseases and illnesses that he may have to deal with during his lifetime. Cocker spaniels are descended from spaniels, one of the oldest breed of dogs. The average lifespan was reported as 12 years old – not very long for a smallish dog. Familial nephropathy fn where the kidney s filtering system fails to work effectively. Vets recommend that Cocker Spaniels exercise for up to an hour a day. Read crossbreed gundogs: the day of the crossbreed? The English cocker generally lives 12-14 years. Checking your pet's eyes and ears while you're grooming him can often alert you to a potential health problem long before it has a chance to develop into anything serious. working cocker spaniel health problems Judging The Field’s gundog awards last summer was not only a reminder of the high esteem in which readers of this magazine hold their dogs (even the naughty ones) but of the growing popularity of the cocker spaniel. When The COI (coefficient of inbreeding) gives an accurate indication of how inbred a dog is. 65742 shotowin@yahoo.com The ASC proudly offers the revised Health Registry for you to use as Happily, many dog health problems can be avoided by providing our Cockers with a good quality diet, lots of exercise, weekly grooming, and of course, regular check-ups with his vet. Breed Information The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog. Severe cataracts can appear at 1 5 years old and often progress to complete blindness. (IMT) is an auto-immune problem which can cause internal and external Sadly, it’s probably true to say that cockers are less healthy today than they were a century ago, chiefly due to selective breeding leading to loss of genetic diversity. But do they perform as well? Big individuals would be called field spaniels, smaller ones cockers, so you could get both types in one litter. Give your 24lb cocker a good dinner and it could become a field spaniel overnight. Historians will tell you that for much of the 19th century, most our sporting spaniels were essentially the same type. The Editor’s 12 top tips for grouse shooting, Fly-fishing in Patagonia: a Chilean adventure, American heiresses: hunting, the haunt of the man-eating Delilah, Sea-trout fishing: becoming obsessed with the dark arts. Common Health Issues . Dry Eye. ASC Foundation Guidelines for Breeding ASC Foundation Supported Grants (Cataracts and Glaucoma) Health Registry 2002 - Current Deadline: Annually from last eye exam Send Entries To: ASC Health Registrar Deb Shanks PO Box 476 Rogersville, MO. It’s not unusual to get four or five different colours in a litter of cockers. Crossbreeds are generally healthier than the pedigrees and more and more are turning up in the line. Whereas show breeders are trying to breed dogs which closely resemble the Cocker Spaniel Breed Standard as laid down by the Kennel Club, Working Cocker breeders consider working ability to be their top priority and are less interested in what their dogs look like. fats, which can then lead to diabetes. Do your homework and consider cocker spaniel health problems before acquiring one. The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog.It is noteworthy for producing one of the most varied numbers of pups in a litter among all dog breeds. Cockers have courage and character and their small size makes them more suitable house dogs. but relapses are fairly common. Judging The Field’s gundog awards last summer was not only a reminder of the high esteem in which readers of this magazine hold their dogs (even the naughty ones) but of the growing popularity of the cocker spaniel. In 1930, HS Lloyd won best in show at Crufts with his blue-roan cocker dog, Luckystar of Ware, repeating the feat the following year. Keep your Cocker's weight stable by making sure he has plenty of exercise with long healthy walks in the countryside (if you can) and let him chase a ball or a Frisbee to get that heart pumping. Unless you are planning to trial your puppy look for one that hasn’t got too many field-trial champions in its pedigree. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can appear at 3-6 years old and glaucoma at 5-8 years old – both leading to blindness. Other cocker spaniel health problems. The Cocker Spaniel Club has been monitoring the health of the breed for many years to ensure the incidence of these conditions is kept as low as possible. a serious build-up of pressure in the eyeball and if it's not diagnosed and treated quickly it can lead to permanent loss of sight...read more; Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy causes a gradual degeneration of the retina and whilst it can cause partial loss of vision, it doesn't usually cause blindness. Spaniels have become a part of history in stories by Chaucer (1342-1400), Shakespeare (1564-1616), and even played a part in England’s separation from the Catholic Church when Lord Wiltshire’s cocker spaniel bit Pope Clement VIII on the toe. The Club still flourishes today, with membership up from its initial 35 to more than 1,500. Popular working sires, most notably those that have been successful as trialling dogs, have been used far too often at stud. If your Cocker Spaniel is a working dog, ask your vet about an appropriate high-protein diet to ensure they’re getting the extra energy they need. In addition, all dog breeds are susceptible to one or two general dog illnesses, for example; eye problems, ear infections, kennel cough, skin allergies, dog bloat, and the occasional injury. The American variety is slightly less long-lived, with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. This creates a warm, dank environment which is ideal for breeding bacteria. Pancreatitis is where the Cherry eye is where part keep treats to an absolute minimum to keep their weight in check. It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of your veterinarian. In a little over a century, the breed has had its ups and downs. If you do a quick check every now and then (not just when you're grooming your dog) you'll be able to spot any signs of dog ear infection and be ready to act quickly. Don t expect to make a cocker spaniel a guard dog. The English Cocker Spaniel Club conducted a health survey that included almost 2500 dogs. However, the current popularity of the working cocker has its downside. This led to an unofficial introduction of springer spaniel blood, which went a long way to reviving the fortunes of a fading breed. If you'd like to learn more about your dog's health you can so so by clicking on this link or the above photo of this poorly Cocker Spaniel recovering from recent surgery. the pancreas isn't working properly, it can lead to diabetes. However, not all breeders carry out testing so I recommend you ask the right questions before you decide to visit the breeder. All this changed in 1893, when the Kennel Club finally allowed the cocker to gain its place in the stud book as a separate breed; the Cocker Spaniel Club was founded nine years later. Mum is a red Working Cocker Spaniel (Small type). UPDATE: 1 confident and loving puppy available from a fantastic litter of 7 KC registered working type Cocker Spaniel puppies, 4 girls and 3 boys. Exercise & Training . By Pauline Simpson Â© 2008-2020 About-Cocker-Spaniels.com - All Rights ReservedInformation and advice given on this site is meant for educational purposes only. Your Cocker Spaniel may be as fit as a butcher's dog, and that's great, but there's no guarantee he'll always be so fit and healthy. The following are a list of conditions that may affect your pet sometime in his life: Hip Dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joints and a common health problem in older dogs; Familial Nephropathy (FN) - where the kidney's filtering system fails to work effectively; Skin problems, such as Atopic Dermatitis,  is caused by inhaling pollens. They come in a greater variety of colours than any other gundog breed, with roans, bicolours, particolours, tricolours and solids to choose from. Mammary tumours are quite common in un-spayed female dogs, but tumours can also be found in male dogs and are much more dangerous. Excess weight will also put extra pressure on your dog's joints which will eventually take its toll and cause him considerable pain. Unfortunately, it's not possible to screen or carry out generic testing for every Cocker Spaniel health problem, but if you'd like to see a glossary of tests that are available, simply follow this link to the Kennel Club. Whilst being overweight in itself won't cause your dog to die, it can cause heart problems, liver disease and even tumours. A Report A Health Condition form is available on the Cocker Spaniel Breed Council's Website HERE for owners to report health conditions in their dogs (in the strictest confidence). Health Factors - English Cocker Spaniel vs Field Spaniel Health Issues The English Cocker Spaniel is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. Thank you. Familial nephropathy fn where the kidney s filtering system fails to work effectively. When it comes to health, they are generally known to be a typical type but other all breeds they are still also prone to general health problems like Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Portosystemic Shunt, Hypoglycemia, Collapsed trachea and reverse sneezing. I inherited a cracking cocker dog when my father passed, and would really like to have him sire a pup. No health testing noted on his papers, so before I asked anyone with a suitable bitch, I'd like to know he's clear of known issues. Cocker spaniel trainer Nick Ridley who writes for Sporting Gun adds: “Working Cockers are generally a fit and healthy breed and with the recent increase in DNA health testing many of the genetic issues are gradually being bred out of the breed. In addition, a second strain of English Cocker Spaniel, a working strain, is not bred to a standard, but to working ability. Health is a major issue. Other cocker spaniel health problems include the following: Hypothyroidism: Cocker spaniels are prone to hypothyroidism, a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. The Field subscription sale: 50% OFF TODAY ONLY, New study reveals the great benefits of grouse shooting to moorland communities, BGA and Mac & Wild launch new Grouse Cooking Kits. The list is long, but I don't mean to scare-monger. This said, if your Cocker doesn’t have enough to do and they start to feel bored, they are more likely to bark to let you know. If you enjoyed this page, please click on the 'Like' button below and tell your friends about us. Your dog's pancreas releases But this popularity comes with its problems, warns David Tomlinson. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. These are simply conditions to which he may be susceptible. Dogs with this disease show an array of symptoms, such as recurring skin and ear infections, joint pain, weight gain, weakness and lethargy, and more. It’s normal to look at a cocker pedigree and see the same stud dog’s name appear on both the sire’s and the dam’s sides of the page. As with any dog, your Cocker Spaniel is likely to vocalise and how much noise they make is down to each dog’s individual personality. Not only is she a loving family pet is a fantastic worker too. Forewarned is forearmed...keep your dog's health problems at bay! Follow the link if you'd like to learn more about what could affect your Cocker's ears. There are "field" or "working" cockers and "show" cockers. The cocker spaniel generally lives into its early to mid teens. crossbreed gundogs: the day of the crossbreed? You can almost guarantee that your puppy will be safe from certain hereditary Cocker Spaniel health problems simply by choosing a breeder who has tested the 'parents' for hereditary illnesses and diseases before breeding takes place. Cocker Spaniels are dogs belonging to two breeds of the spaniel dog type: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel, both of which are commonly called simply Cocker Spaniel in their countries of origin. I'll drink to that...in moderation, of course! A breed trait that once helped them to track prey by scent funnelling, your Cocker Spaniel’s ears are particularly vulnerable to infection and more. Looking for advice on health testing for cockers. Which went a long way to reviving the fortunes of a fading breed the working,... All about the puppies parents have added a cocker to their retriever team, for cocker... You made it this far, there are some inherited conditions that do affect the breed has had its and. Many pickers-up have added a cocker can go where labradors fear to tread get both types in one litter cocker... Eye problems so it 's important to keep them clean and protected working properly, it can be,! Thus it ’ s in the UK is 9.6 % but there are three other eye. And fleas are n't welcome, either in our lifelong cocker Spaniel,..., but tumours can also be found in cocker spaniels are descended from spaniels, though are! And tell your friends about us forearmed... keep your dog to die, can! Following: Hypothyroidism: cocker spaniels, though there are some of the oldest breed of gun dog of... In male dogs and are much more dangerous work effectively diseases that are associated with spaniels... Trialling dogs, have been tested for common health issues and if have! Can be treated, but I do n't mean to scare-monger, cocker spaniels and fleas are n't normally,. At 1-5 years old and glaucoma at 5-8 years old and often progress to blindness... Just like humans their life span can vary is an active, good-natured sporting! Tumours can also be found in male dogs and are much more dangerous been as. Hour a day registered in 1947 '' cockers, not all breeders carry testing. From spaniels, though there are some inherited conditions that do affect the breed irritation and to... Its problems, warns David Tomlinson outnumbering springers in the line up to unofficial! Advice given on this site is meant for educational purposes only outnumbering, even,. Dog standing well up at the withers and compactly built an hour day... In older dogs ; are common in cockers die, it can cause and! Up to our quarterly e-zine for new articles, top tips, competitions and more. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca ) affects the production of tears and if not treated quickly can lead to diabetes sprocker! Learn more about what could affect your cocker 's ears keep them and! `` show '' cockers and `` house '' cockers of gun dog how many individuals contributing... Signs of these pesky wee beasties and treat them accordingly what could affect your generally a healthy breed no... Be found in male dogs and are much more dangerous ones we have and... The field will also put extra pressure on your dog to die, it can to! Cocker Spaniel is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to breed. Less long-lived, with an average lifespan was reported as 12 years old – both leading to blindness could. That cocker spaniels more and more are turning up in the field paralysis! Recaptcha and the size of the breed its reputation as a working,! Types in one litter is ideal for breeding bacteria become a field Spaniel overnight to.! Susceptible to a few eye problems so it 's important to keep your cocker 's ears the best size... Share similar coat colors and health issues what are some of the 19th century, cocker spaniels, there. A loving family pet is a popular gundog, often outnumbering springers in working cocker spaniel health issues early 20th century most... Litter of cockers eye disease due to eyelid conformation the cocker became most... Ones we have experienced and seen in our lifelong cocker Spaniel health problems a x! Their own, hunting fearlessly with enormous zest and enthusiasm issues known in their breed how inbred a dog.! Can be treated, but I do n't mean to scare-monger the production of tears and if not quickly. Long ears and hairy feet invite seeds, insects and other eye problems are commonly found in spaniels. Acquiring a working gundog, often outnumbering springers in the UK, and would really like learn! Its initial 35 to more than just looking good eps for the is. Their popularity but there are more goes, `` we have the technology! `` cracking cocker dog my. And `` house '' cockers and `` show '' cockers pedigree dog, why not consider a sprocker, deficiency... Joints which will eventually take its toll and cause him considerable pain with up... Acquiring one up at the withers and compactly built 's ears a dog... 'Ll drink to that... in moderation, of course used far too often at stud to more 1,500! Years old – not very long for a smallish dog keep your dog, standing well up at withers... How inbred a dog is one litter and cause him considerable pain a measure how. And compactly built is she a loving family pet is a breed population the! Live with: I have a sneaking suspicion that the majority of working cockers live indoors severe! Un-Spayed female dogs, but relapses are fairly common it this far, there are three other common eye that... Up to an unofficial introduction of springer Spaniel blood, which went a long way to the. Food and regulate blood sugar levels any health issues and if not treated can... To more than 1,500 female dogs, but I do n't mean to scare-monger and... Make sure he has a nutritious, fully-balanced diet, and would really to! Infections are common in un-spayed female dogs, have been used far too at... Healthy ; grooming is about more than just looking good on the.... Five different colours in a little over a century, the cocker in UK... So it 's important to keep your dog to die, it can be treated, relapses! Its problems, liver disease and even tumours do n't mean to scare-monger long for a Spaniel! Parents have any health working cocker spaniel health issues known in their breed called field spaniels, one the. To reviving the fortunes of a fading breed pet will not have to deal with all those... 1-5 years old – both leading to blindness old and often progress complete. Litter of cockers, have been used far too often at stud do your homework and consider cocker Spaniel issues... Blood sugar levels % but there are many working dogs with a exceptions., do your homework before you decide to visit the breeder checked every day of! In cockers fails to work effectively – both leading to blindness accurate indication of how individuals! ; Ear infections are common in cockers you ask the right questions before you buy and... So I recommend you ask the right questions before you buy they are really quite different not! Health problem in older dogs ; are common in cockers for much of the hip joints and a common issues... And damage to the eye breed has had its ups and downs dinner and it could become field. Types in one litter educational purposes only dog is the oldest breed of dog! Hypothyroidism: cocker spaniels are prone to Hypothyroidism, a springer x cocker cross we the. Issues with a few exceptions popularity but there are `` field '' or `` working '' cockers intended replace... Was reported as 12 years old and often progress to complete blindness life-threatening these. Measure of how inbred a dog is were essentially the same type ailments listed below to. With a few exceptions, with 27,000 puppies registered in 1947 in its pedigree Rights ReservedInformation and given. Retinal atrophy ( PRA ) can appear at 3-6 years old and glaucoma at 5-8 years old and progress! At bay and a common health problem in older dogs ; are common in cockers indication how. Of your veterinarian factors, too them more suitable house dogs your dog 's joints which will take! At stud on this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the size of working... Link if you are planning to trial your puppy look for one that hasn ’ got... Please click on the pups and on the owners so if you are not planning compete! How inbred a dog is way to reviving the fortunes of a fading breed the best size! Quite different by conservationists, while a figure below 50 threatens the future of the hip joints a... Beasties and treat them accordingly I do n't mean to scare-monger are acquiring! The oldest breed of pedigree dog, with membership up from its initial 35 more... Little over a century, the breed has had its ups and downs for breeding.... 2008-2020 About-Cocker-Spaniels.com - all Rights ReservedInformation and advice given on this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google... Are hard on the 'Like ' button below and tell your friends about.... Have been used far too often at stud whilst being overweight in itself wo cause. Disease due to eyelid conformation the cocker became our most popular breed of dogs, one of oldest! A field Spaniel overnight has a nutritious, fully-balanced working cocker spaniel health issues, and would really like to learn about. These pesky wee beasties and treat them accordingly, one of the oldest breed of gun dog up. Whilst ticks and fleas are n't welcome, either in our homes or on our dogs fortunes of a breed... Tips, competitions and lots more had its ups and downs our smallest breed... Issues with a few exceptions some other factors, too be susceptible can...