Cocker Spaniel Puppies: Pictures, Adoption Tips, and More!

Welcome to the world of cocker spaniel puppies! Known for their adorable looks and lively personalities, these dogs make fantastic companions. With their compact size, various coat colors, and affectionate nature, they’ve become beloved members of many families. They are energetic and social and thrive in active households.

In the U.S., there are two types: the American and the English cocker spaniel variety. Both are popular, with the English cocker spaniels being slightly taller. If you’re considering adopting either, you should take into account the commitment this will require. These dogs live up to 14 years and may need high-quality care and regular vet check-ups.

Here, we’ll explore the costs and responsibilities involved in providing a home to these charming dogs.

The Cost of Cocker Spaniel Puppies

If you’re still not 100% sure you want to adopt, you may be interested in how much cocker spaniel puppies cost “on the market.” They can cost anywhere between $200 to $3000, with the exact price depending on several factors. For example, the price would be higher if the puppy’s parents were top-quality show dogs. It may also be higher if you’re getting a puppy from an urban, rather than a rural area.

You can also find many adorable dogs at shelters waiting for a loving home. Choosing to adopt a cocker spaniel from a shelter is a wonderful way to give a dog a new chance at a forever home.

The Cost of Cocker Spaniel Puppies from Reputable Breeder

When getting a cocker spaniel puppy, make sure to choose a good and responsible breeder. Avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders because their dogs might have health and behavior problems.

An AKC-registered cocker spaniel puppy can cost between $800 and $3000, with the higher cost usually reflecting better breeding practices. Breeders who register with the AKC do a number of tests and provide care that helps prevent health issues. They also make sure the puppies get their initial shots.

The Cost of Adopting Cocker Spaniel Puppies

Adopting a cocker spaniel from a rescue can be free but it usually isn’t, with the cost typically ranging from $200 to $350. The fee can vary based on how old the dog is. Younger pups usually come with a higher fee, while older and senior dogs tend to be cheaper.

The adoption fee covers the puppy’s initial vet care, like vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and deworming. It also helps the rescue continue its work in saving more animals. On top of that, paying the adoption fee is generally cheaper than paying for essential medical treatments yourself.

One-Time Costs for Cocker Spaniel Puppies

When you bring your cocker spaniel home, you’ll probably need to buy a few things. In the first year of owning a puppy, expect to spend between $150 and $650 on essential supplies. These can include a crate, water and food bowls, a microchip, a collar and a leash, puppy food, treats, pee pads, various toys, and a dog bed.

Keep in mind you’ll probably also need to pay for your pup to get their first shots and get spayed or neutered. Once you weather through the first year, your expenses will significantly decrease.

Monthly Costs

Owning and taking care of a cocker spaniel usually costs between $50 to $300 a month. This money covers expenses like vet visits, grooming, food, and toys.

Health

Keeping your cocker spaniel free from fleas and ticks might cost about $30 a month, depending on what type of treatment or supplies you decide to get. Additionally, your pup might occasionally need special medical treatments, which could be about $150. Of course, the price can vary significantly depending on the type of treatment they need.

Though they are generally robust, cocker spaniels can have certain health issues. Regular vet check-ups, which are important for your dog’s health, could add up to around $70 per month.

Food and Toys

High-quality dog food for your cocker spaniel might cost between $15 to $100 a month. If your dog needs special prescription food, it can be more expensive. Monthly treats usually cost about $5. 

Choosing toys for your cocker spaniel can be tricky. Cheaper toys may not last long, especially if your dog loves to chew. Stronger, more durable toys, on the other hand, are pricier but last longer. While you might not buy toys every month, plan to spend between $15 and $50 on engaging and interactive toys when you do.

Grooming

Your cocker spaniel’s thick and wavy coat is beautiful but needs regular care. To keep it in good shape, you’ll need grooming sessions that include bathing, nail trimming, and a haircut, which can cost $60 or more. Of course, you can save money by grooming your pet at home with your own nail trimmer and brush.

Adoption Tips

Adopting a cocker spaniel puppy from rescues may be free or come with a fee. Either way, it will be worth it. In many cases, owners abandon their dogs simply because they don’t fit their lifestyle or the breed standard. There’s rarely anything truly “wrong” with their pup. Also, pups who indeed have certain medical or behavior issues can still thrive with proper care.

Unlike breeders, however, rescues might not always have very young puppies available. However, the benefit is that these dogs are usually microchipped and spayed or neutered. They might also already get proper training in the shelter, so you won’t need to do it yourself. Finally, you may stumble upon an interesting cocker spaniel mix puppy you might not be able to get otherwise.

You can find a number of rescues listed on the Cocker Spaniel Rescue Network.

Growth and Milestones of Cocker Spaniel Puppies

Here is what to expect from your pup’s growth and development over time.

4 Weeks to 3 Months

Between four to twelve weeks, cocker spaniel puppies begin to socialize and recognize people and animals inside their circle. This is also a good time to introduce them to other, new dogs and pets. They’re growing both mentally and physically and need additional nutrition on top of their mother’s milk. You can already adopt them at this stage.

3 Months to 6 Months

Around the fourth month, cocker spaniels are fully grown physically and get really curious. They’re full of energy and might seem like they’re into everything. However, between four and six months, puppies might act out a bit; they may show fear, act slightly aggressively, and constantly test boundaries. This behavior is normal as they’re like teenagers at this point. Females might also have their first heat.

Teething also begins at this stage, so they’ll want to chew a lot. Around twelve to sixteen weeks, they’ll start losing their puppy look and understanding simple commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ ‘down,’ and ‘stop.’

6 Months to 1 Year

At this stage, a cocker spaniel puppy becomes fully mature, having grown mentally and emotionally. They’ll reach their full height when they’re about twelve months old. Around the seventh month, they’ll have most of their adult teeth and start looking more like grown-up dogs.

Also, your puppy might start challenging you more and try to take the lead. Dogs that aren’t spayed or neutered might start showing sexual behavior as well. Daily walks and training are important during this time as they’ll help your pup deal with these big changes more effectively.

What to Focus On During Your Pup’s Growth

Each stage is critical for your cocker spaniel’s development. Focus on socialization, consistent training, and providing guidance to induce positive behavior and a healthy bond between you and your pet.

Training and Socializing Your Cocker Spaniel Puppy

You should start training your cocker spaniel puppy as soon as you get them. Despite being young, their brains are ready to soak up new lessons. On top of that, they’re very versatile dogs. They can do many things, from being show dogs to working dogs. This talent for learning makes them pretty easy to train.

These dogs are smart, eager to please, and learn quickly. That’s why they typically respond well to positive training. However, because they’re very active and easily distracted, you should keep training sessions short and simple, especially while they’re young.

Caring for the Health and Well-Being of Your Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Cocker spaniels can do well in apartments, but they prefer houses with spacious yards. Daily activity is important, even though they don’t need a lot of space. A daily play session in the yard and a 30-minute walk will keep them happy and fit.

Despite their charming appearance, cocker spaniels are hunters at heart and do well in various canine sports like agility, obedience competitions, and more. Staying active helps them behave better, as boredom might lead to problems like barking, digging, or chewing. And, according to some cocker spaniel owners, you definitely want to avoid that!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock.com