Are Cocker Spaniels the Most Troublesome Dogs?

Quick Take

• Their lovable trait is the same one that makes leaving the house a problem for both dog and owner. See the separation anxiety problem →
• Cocker spaniels are smart and eager to please, yet house training them is harder than most owners expect, and the reasons behind this may surprise you. Explore the house training challenges →
• One common behavioral complaint is not a personality flaw. It is a signal your dog is sending you. Understand submissive urination →
• If you have small pets at home, there's a deeply wired instinct in this breed that no amount of training can fully switch off. Learn about their prey drive →

Cocker spaniels can be excellent dogs for the right person. The breed is generally healthy and long-lived, with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. They’re energetic, affectionate, and friendly. Cocker spaniels are typically good with other dogs and children, though slow introductions are suggested, and children and dogs should never be left unsupervised. Of course, they have their faults, which is true of most breeds. Overall, whether or not a cocker spaniel is right for you will depend on your family, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a dog. Continue reading to discover the most common complaints about cockers.

Cocker Spaniels Shed

Cocker spaniels shed moderately year-round, so you’ll be vacuuming up fur and your lint roller will work overtime. They have double coats that shed more profusely in the spring and fall.

Cocker Spaniels Require Routine Grooming

Cocker spaniels require extensive, near-daily maintenance to prevent severe tangles and painful matting in their thick, double coats. Their fine, silky hair demands brushing at least three to four times a week with a slicker brush and metal comb to clear debris and untangle the deep undercoat.

Beyond coat brushing, their long, floppy ears trap moisture and dirt easily, requiring daily checks and weekly cleanings to prevent chronic ear infections. To keep their high-maintenance fur manageable and clean, they also need professional grooming, including clipping and sanitary trims, every six to eight weeks.

Untrained, Bored, or Anxious Cocker Spaniels May Bark Excessively

Cocker spaniels may bark excessively due to instinctual traits, anxiety, and learned behaviors. While you cannot eliminate barking entirely, you can drastically reduce it.

Cocker spaniels were bred as close-contact hunting dogs, making them highly sensitive to noises and prone to sounding alarms. Because they form intense bonds with their owners, they easily develop separation anxiety, leading to distress barking when left alone. Many spaniels will bark out of boredom if they lack mental stimulation or because they have learned that barking gets attention.

It is vital for your dog to get enough exercise. Cocker spaniels are high-energy dogs that require daily physical and mental stimulation.

Without enough movement or things to do, your dog may become anxious or bored. Both can lead to their barking when they shouldn’t.

If you don’t spend enough time with your dog, they may also resort to barking out of frustration, anxiety, or loneliness.

If your cocker spaniel’s needs are being met and they still bark excessively, it’s time to focus on training.

Destructive Chewing is Common in Cocker Spaniels

Another common complaint about cocker spaniels is their destructive chewing. Destructive chewing is typically a sign of stress, except during the teething stage, when chewing is normal behavior.

Cocker spaniels may chew things they shouldn’t because they’re not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, because they have separation anxiety, or due to poor training.

Remember to avoid harsh punishments and instead use force-free training techniques. Set your dog up for success by not leaving them unattended with items they might chew within reach.

They Can’t be Left Alone for Long

Cocker spaniels aren’t suited to being left alone for long periods and are prone to separation anxiety.

They’re best suited for families where someone is home most of the day.

Many cocker spaniels develop separation or isolation anxiety, meaning they may become anxious when away from a specific person or when left completely alone.

This can make leaving, even for short periods, stressful for owners and excruciating for the dog. Slow desensitization is the best way to address their anxiety, but it requires someone to be home with the dog consistently until the training progresses.

Cocker Spaniels Need Daily Exercise

As a sporting breed, cocker spaniels thrive with physical activity. They enjoy long daily walks and playtime at home. Ideally, you should have a large yard where you can play games like fetch, tug, or chase.

Even in a large yard, however, your cocker spaniel won’t exercise on their own. They require an active caretaker to play and walk alongside them.

Cocker Spaniels Have Strong Prey Drives

Initially bred as hunting dogs, cocker spaniels have high prey drives. If you don’t want a dog that will chase (and maybe catch) squirrels, rabbits, or birds in the backyard, this breed isn’t for you. They’re very likely to chase small animals, which may also include pet cats.

Keep your cocker spaniel on a leash or enclosed in a fenced yard at all times. You shouldn’t rely on their recall, as they’re likely to run off if they catch the scent of prey or see something moving nearby.

Cocker Spaniels May be Difficult to House Train

Cocker spaniels are considered moderately difficult to house train. While they are highly intelligent and eager to please, their sensitive nature, vulnerability to separation anxiety, and tendency to display submissive urination can make the process challenging. Housebreaking a cocker spaniel requires a highly structured, positive routine that accommodates their emotional sensitivity.

Cocker Spaniels are Prone to Health Problems

Cocker spaniels are genetically prone to a wide range of hereditary and anatomical health issues, making them a higher-maintenance breed regarding veterinary care. Their distinctive physical features, such as long, heavy ear flaps and deep-set eyes, are the root cause of many of their most frequent ailments. Fortunately, reputable breeding practices and proactive at-home hygiene can successfully prevent or manage many of these conditions. 

Cocker spaniels are prone to several genetic health problems, and prospective owners should be aware that this breed requires careful health screening and ongoing veterinary care to manage these risks. Things to watch for include:

• Eye conditions
• Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patella

A reputable breeder will complete recommended health tests for both parents and should provide CHIC numbers so that you can view the results yourself. Avoid any breeder who doesn’t provide this information or whose health tests are outdated.