Cocker Spaniel Health: What You Need to Know
The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the UK's most popular breeds — and it's easy to see why. They're happy, adaptable, affectionate dogs who slot into family life with remarkable ease. With an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, they tend to live long lives, but like all breeds they carry specific inherited health risks that responsible owners need to understand.
This guide focuses on the English Cocker Spaniel rather than the American Cocker, as they are distinct breeds with different health profiles. If you've got an American Cocker, some of this will overlap, but the health schemes and testing recommendations below are primarily aimed at the English variety.
Common Health Conditions in English Cocker Spaniels
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye condition that causes the photoreceptor cells in the retina to degenerate over time, ultimately leading to blindness. In English Cocker Spaniels, the most common form is prcd-PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration), which is autosomal recessive — meaning a dog needs two copies of the defective gene to be clinically affected. Dogs with one copy are carriers and are not affected themselves, but can pass the gene to offspring.
A DNA test for prcd-PRA is available and is widely used in responsible breeding programmes. The KC/BVA Eye Scheme also includes examination for PRA and related eye conditions. Breeders should be able to show DNA test results indicating that at least one parent is clear of prcd-PRA — a carrier-to-carrier mating risks producing affected puppies. Regular eye checks via the BVA/KC Eye Scheme are recommended throughout the breeding dog's life, as some eye conditions can appear later.
Familial Nephropathy (FN)
Familial Nephropathy is a hereditary kidney disease specific to English Cocker Spaniels that causes progressive kidney failure, usually in young dogs between six months and two years of age. It is caused by a defect in the collagen structure of the kidney's filtering membranes. Affected dogs typically show weight loss, increased thirst and urination, and deteriorating condition. Unfortunately, once symptoms appear, the disease is already advanced.
A DNA test is available for FN and should be considered essential in any responsible breeding programme. As with PRA, at least one parent should be clear of the FN mutation, and carrier-to-carrier matings must be avoided. If you're buying a puppy, ask specifically for FN test results — this is a breed-specific condition that reputable breeders take seriously.
Hip Dysplasia
While hip dysplasia is more commonly associated with larger breeds, English Cocker Spaniels are also affected and are included in the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme. Breeders should have hip scores for both parents, and scores below the breed mean are preferable. Early signs include stiffness, reluctance to exercise and changes in gait. Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for Cockers, as even modest excess weight puts additional strain on hip joints that may already be compromised.
Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
AMS is a rare but serious sensory neuropathy affecting some English Cocker Spaniels, in which dogs lose sensation in their paws and feet, leading to self-mutilation. A DNA test is available. While not as prevalent as PRA or FN, it's worth checking whether the breeder has tested for it, particularly in working Cocker lines.
Ear Care: The Cocker Spaniel's Biggest Ongoing Challenge
Ask any English Cocker Spaniel owner what their main day-to-day health challenge is, and the answer is almost always the same: ears. The breed's long, heavy, floppy ears create a warm, moist environment that is almost perfectly designed for bacterial and yeast infections to thrive. Ear problems are not a sign that something is wrong with your individual dog — they're an inherent feature of the breed that requires consistent management.
Signs of Ear Infection
Watch for head shaking, scratching at the ears, dark discharge, a yeasty or unpleasant odour, redness inside the ear canal and sensitivity when you touch the ear. Any of these signs warrant a vet visit. Untreated ear infections can become chronic and, in severe cases, spread to the middle and inner ear, causing permanent damage.
Routine Ear Cleaning
Regular ear cleaning is essential — typically once a week, or more frequently if your dog is prone to infections or swims regularly. Use a veterinary-approved ear cleaner, apply it to a cotton wool pad or ball (never a cotton bud, which can damage the ear canal) and gently clean the visible parts of the outer ear. Do not flush liquid directly into the ear canal unless specifically directed by your vet.
You'll find a good range of veterinary ear cleaners and ear care products at Zooplus, including products from brands like Vetoquinol and Beaphar that are suitable for regular maintenance cleaning. Keeping a consistent ear care routine from puppyhood is the most effective way to reduce the frequency of infections throughout your dog's life.
Keeping Ears Dry and Clean
After swimming or bathing, thoroughly dry your Cocker's ears with a soft towel. Some owners also carefully trim the hair inside the ear flap to improve air circulation — ask your groomer about this. A dog whose ears are regularly checked and cleaned is far less likely to develop the chronic infection cycle that can become a significant welfare issue in this breed.
Skin Conditions
English Cocker Spaniels can be prone to skin issues, including seborrhoeic skin disease and allergic skin conditions. Signs include greasy or flaky skin, a distinctive "doggy" smell, and itching. Regular grooming, appropriate bathing with a breed-suitable shampoo, and a high-quality diet with good omega fatty acid content all contribute to skin health. If your dog is persistently itchy or has recurring skin problems, discuss allergy testing and dietary management with your vet.
Grooming Needs
The Cocker's silky, medium-length coat is beautiful but requires commitment. Most owners find that professional grooming every six to eight weeks, combined with regular brushing at home (ideally several times a week), keeps the coat in good condition and prevents matting. Pay particular attention to the areas behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the feet, where tangles develop quickly.
Keeping the coat clean and tangle-free is also a health matter, not just an aesthetic one — matted fur traps moisture and debris, which can contribute to skin infections. A good slicker brush and detangling spray are worth investing in.
Diet and Exercise
English Cocker Spaniels are moderately active dogs who enjoy regular walks and off-lead runs. Most adults need around an hour of exercise a day, though working-type Cockers often have higher energy levels than their show-bred counterparts. They respond particularly well to activities that engage their nose — scent games, tracking and retrieving are all excellent outlets for the breed's natural instincts.
Feed a high-quality complete dog food appropriate for your dog's age and weight. Cockers have a tendency to put on weight if their food intake isn't monitored, and obesity puts pressure on their joints and overall health. Avoid free-feeding and be measured with treats.
ESCCAP Parasite Prevention
ESCCAP guidelines recommend regular, year-round parasite prevention for all dogs. For English Cocker Spaniels, this typically means flea and tick treatment monthly during the active season (and year-round in milder climates), worming at least every three months and lungworm prevention if your dog is in an affected area. Cockers who spend time in woodland or long grass — which most enjoy — have an elevated tick exposure risk. Check your dog for ticks after every walk during spring and autumn, and carry a tick removal tool.
Health Testing Checklist for English Cocker Spaniel Breeders
- DNA test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)
- BVA/KC Eye Scheme (annual or biennial examination)
- DNA test for Familial Nephropathy (FN)
- BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme (hip scoring)
- DNA test for Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
Choosing a Responsible Breeder
When looking for an English Cocker Spaniel puppy, a reputable breeder will welcome your questions about health testing and will provide documentary evidence of the results. If a breeder dismisses your questions about PRA or FN testing, or claims that health testing isn't necessary, walk away. The English Cocker Spaniel Club and the KC both maintain lists of health-tested breeders. Taking the time to find a responsible breeder significantly reduces the chances of inheriting the genetic conditions discussed in this guide.
With the right start, an English Cocker Spaniel can be a wonderfully healthy, cheerful companion for over a decade — and that's absolutely worth investing in from the very beginning.