Overview
The Cocker Spaniel is a perfect choice as a house pet as long as the children are older and respectable. You will need to socialize this breed at an early age to avoid issues like shyness and submissive urination.
Activity
Cocker Spaniels can do well in apartments but does much better with a small yard they can play in. They are full of energy and will require at least 3 walks a day to keep them active and healthy unless you have a yard for them to go out into.
Care
Cocker Spaniels are a high maintenance breed if you keep it with long hair. They require daily brushing and trimming in order to keep their coat nice and healthy. The eyes should be cleaned regularly as well to remove any tear stains, and they are prone to ear infections so keep their ears cleaned.
Character
The Cocker Spaniel is a very intelligent breed and extremely active as well. They require an owner that can get out and play and run with them to keep them active and happy. They cannot handle the heat of summer very well due to their long thick coat.
Coat
Cocker Spaniels have a silky soft coat that will require daily grooming and trimming to keep it at medium length. They are most common in white, cream, or black, and their coat can be straight or a bit curly.
Temperament
Cocker Spaniels are beautiful dogs that bring all kinds of joy and cheer to your home. They can get along with older children and other animals if socialized when they are young. They love to play and need someone that can keep up with them. If you do not socialize them early, then they can become a bit of a tyrant.
Training
Cocker Spaniels are a breed that is fairly easy to train, but can be a bit tough in the housebreaking stage. Obedience training is highly suggested at a young age due to the amount of energy this playful dog has. Obedience training should be done consistently and with a very gentle hand.