6 Reasons You Should NOT Get a Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are, without question, one of the most loved breeds in the UK, but loving a breed and being genuinely prepared for one are two very different things. Having lived with both a show cocker and a working cocker spaniel, I want to be honest about the parts of ownership that don’t make it onto the cute puppy photos. If you’re on the fence about getting one, read this before you commit, not after.

1. Their Energy Levels Can Be Relentless

This is the big one, particularly with working-type cockers. Mine was genuinely manic as a puppy, running, chewing, never quite tiring out, even after long walks. Working lines especially seem to have an “off switch” that simply doesn’t exist for the first year or two.

If you want a dog that fits neatly around a quiet routine, a cocker spaniel, particularly a working-bred one, is probably not that dog. Our exercise needs guide lays out realistically how much daily activity different types need, and it’s more than most people expect going in.

2. Their Hunting Drive Makes Recall Genuinely Difficult

Cocker spaniels were bred to hunt, flush and retrieve, and that instinct doesn’t switch off just because your dog lives on your sofa. Once they catch a scent, or spot something moving in the distance, recall can go straight out the window, a squirrel, a deer, even just an interesting smell can be enough.

This is one of the scarier parts of early ownership. A long training line is genuinely worth investing in from puppyhood, and reliable off-lead recall can take considerably longer to build than with many other breeds. Our training tips guide covers how to build this properly, but it’s worth going in with realistic expectations rather than assuming it’ll come naturally.

3. They Can Be Extremely Demanding

Cockers are famously affectionate, and that’s usually listed as a selling point, but the flip side is that they can be genuinely needy. Mine wants almost constant engagement, and if a toy or ball is left out, she’ll play with it relentlessly until it’s physically put away.

This clinginess extends to separation too. Cockers tend to bond intensely with their owners and can struggle with being left, even for short periods, more than some other breeds. If you’re out of the house for long stretches regularly, this is genuinely worth thinking through before committing.

4. They Can Be Surprisingly Vocal

Cockers make excellent watchdogs, which sounds like a plus until you’re dealing with barking at every passing car, every postman, every unfamiliar noise. It caught me off guard, given how gentle their reputation is.

Consistent, reward-based training helps considerably, and there are humane tools designed to interrupt unwanted barking without causing distress, but it does take real, ongoing effort rather than resolving itself. It’s a trait worth factoring in if you live somewhere noise sensitivity matters, like a flat or terraced house.

5. Grooming Is a Bigger Commitment Than It Looks

Cocker spaniels, particularly show types, need far more grooming upkeep than their sleek puppy coat suggests. As they mature, the coat thickens and lengthens considerably, and without regular brushing it mats quickly, especially after running through long grass, mud or water.

Cockers are also notoriously drawn to water, puddles, streams, anything wet, which for many owners means regular bathing on top of regular brushing and professional trims. Our full grooming guide breaks down what a realistic routine actually looks like, and it’s more time and cost than many new owners budget for.

6. Ear Problems Are Genuinely Common

This is one of the least glamorous parts of cocker ownership, and one that catches a lot of owners out. Their long, floppy ears trap moisture and restrict airflow, creating an environment where bacteria and infections thrive far more easily than in breeds with upright ears.

There’s also a specific, more urgent risk: grass seeds. In late summer and autumn, dried grass seeds can work their way into a cocker’s ear canal during a run through long grass, causing sudden, significant pain and often requiring an emergency vet visit, sometimes under anaesthetic to remove. It’s a genuinely distressing thing to go through with your dog, and one most new owners have never even heard of before it happens.

Regular ear checks and cleaning go a long way toward prevention. Our health problems guide covers this, along with the other breed-specific conditions worth knowing about before you buy. The PDSA has general advice on assessing whether a dog’s needs suit your lifestyle if you want a wider gut-check before committing to any breed.

So Should You Still Get One?

Honestly, if you’ve read all six of these and you’re still nodding along thinking “that sounds manageable,” you’re probably exactly the kind of owner a cocker spaniel needs. They’re demanding, high-maintenance in more ways than one, and genuinely hard work in the early years, but they’re also loyal, affectionate and, in my experience, entirely worth it once you know what you’re signing up for.

If you’re still deciding between the calmer and livelier ends of the breed, our guides to show cocker spaniels and working cocker spaniels go into the temperament differences in far more depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cocker spaniels a lot of work?
Yes, more than their gentle reputation suggests, particularly working-type cockers. Between exercise, grooming, training and their emotional need for company, they’re a genuinely demanding breed to own well.

Are cocker spaniels good for first-time dog owners?
They can be, but they’re not the easiest first breed. A calmer show-type cocker is generally more forgiving for a first-time owner than a high-drive working line.

Why do cocker spaniels bark so much?
Their alertness and strong bond with their owner can make them naturally reactive to unfamiliar sounds and movement. Consistent training significantly reduces this, though it rarely disappears entirely.

Final Thoughts

None of this is meant to put you off a genuinely wonderful breed, it’s meant to make sure you go in with your eyes open. Cocker spaniels ask a lot of their owners, but for the right household, that effort comes back tenfold in loyalty, affection and companionship.