Gundog Medium adult scale

Cocker Spaniel.

Merry, affectionate and busy, Cocker Spaniels often bring infectious enthusiasm to walks, games and family life. Their gundog heritage gives many a keen nose and a real appetite for activity and learning. Working and show-bred lines can differ considerably in drive, so ask about the parents’ temperament and lifestyle.

At a glance

Typical adult pet: Roughly 12–16 kg · Exercise: At least 1 hour. These are broad planning ranges, not targets or guarantees.

What living together may involve.

Usually busy and close to people; working and show-bred lines can differ considerably.

Grooming

Frequent brushing, trimming and ear care.

Activity

At least 1 hour. Age, fitness, health, weather and the quality of enrichment can change what an individual dog needs.

Planning

Plan particularly for scent games, grooming and ear care.

Training

Use kind, reward-based training and build skills gradually. Breed can suggest inherited tendencies; it cannot determine a dog’s personality.

Real-world size

Pet range first.
Show standard second.

Roughly 12–16 kg is a rounded planning range for ordinary adult pets. RKC show standard: 38–41 cm; about 13–14.5 kg. Neither figure decides whether an individual dog is healthy or proves pedigree. A veterinary body-condition assessment is more useful than aiming for a number alone.

Choose health and function.

Ask for the health tests relevant to both parents and verify results independently. Avoid exaggerated features that compromise breathing, movement, eyes, skin or ordinary activity. A responsible breeder or rescue should welcome careful questions.

Children, other animals, time alone and first-time ownership cannot be decided by breed label alone. Temperament, early experience, health, training, management and the household all matter.

Evidence & next steps

Check the current information.

Royal Kennel Club: Breed A–Z
Royal Kennel Club: Health Standard
PDSA: Dog-care guidance
Next: buying or adopting responsibly · Next: prepare for arrival

This page provides general planning information, not a veterinary assessment or a promise about an individual dog. Seek veterinary and appropriately qualified behaviour advice where needed.

Reviewed 18 September 2026 · Review sooner if evidence changes

Compare another dog?

Return to the breed guide