---
title: "Cocker Spaniel Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/cocker-spaniel-breed/
description: "Cocker Spaniel: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Cocker Spaniel: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Cocker Spaniel at about 38-41 cm tall and 13-14.5 kg, living over 10 years. It suggests at least 1 hour a day, and lists 6 health problems to watch, including hip dysplasia and atopy. Minimum running cost: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Medium |
| Average height | 38-41 cm |
| Average weight | 13-14.5 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day, spread across the day |
| Grooming | High maintenance: daily brushing, and show types may need clipping about every three months |
| Cost | At least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Cocker Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/cocker-spaniel).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme)
- atopy (allergic itchy skin and ear infections)
- ear problems
- eye problems, some inherited (BVA/KC testing)
- some auto-immune conditions
- familial nephropathy, adult onset neuropathy and acral mutilation syndrome (DNA testing available)

Source: [PDSA, Cocker Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/cocker-spaniel).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, spread across the day. Grooming: high maintenance: daily brushing, and show types may need clipping about every three months. Source: [PDSA, Cocker Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/cocker-spaniel).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as lively, clever and people-oriented; patient with children; often a good choice for first-time owners. PDSA says never leave them alone for more than four hours, and that boredom leads to barking and chewing. Source: [PDSA, Cocker Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/cocker-spaniel).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Cocker Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/cocker-spaniel).

## Questions people ask

How long do Cocker Spaniels live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 10 years.

How much exercise does a Cocker Spaniel need?

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, spread across the day.

What health problems do Cocker Spaniels have?

PDSA lists hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme); atopy (allergic itchy skin and ear infections); ear problems; eye problems, some inherited (BVA/KC testing); some auto-immune conditions; familial nephropathy, adult onset neuropathy and acral mutilation syndrome (DNA testing available).

How much does a Cocker Spaniel cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Cocker Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/cocker-spaniel), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Boxer: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/boxer-breed/)
- [Shih Tzu: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/shih-tzu-breed/)
- [Pug: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/pug-breed/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)