Cocker Spaniel Health Problems: What Every Owner Should Know

Before I brought either of my cockers home, I spent hours researching health testing, and I still think it’s the single most important homework a prospective owner can do. Here’s what I’ve learned about the conditions that actually matter for this breed, and what to ask breeders about before you commit.

Why Health Testing Matters for Cocker Spaniels

Cocker spaniels, both show and working types, are prone to a handful of inherited conditions that responsible breeders test for. Buying from a breeder who skips this isn’t just a welfare concern — it can mean significant vet bills and heartache further down the line.

The Main Inherited Conditions

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) An inherited eye condition that gradually causes blindness. Reputable breeders will have both parents DNA tested clear or hereditarily clear.

Familial Nephropathy (FN) A kidney disorder that affects the breed at higher rates than many others. Ask specifically whether the parents have been tested for this.

Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) A rarer inherited neurological condition. Less commonly tested for than PRA or FN, but worth asking about.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Checked through BVA/KC hip and elbow scoring schemes. Ask to see the actual scores, not just confirmation that testing “was done.”

The Kennel Club’s health pages list the full current set of recommended health schemes for the breed, and it’s worth checking these directly before approaching a breeder, as recommendations are occasionally updated.

Common Non-Inherited Health Issues

Beyond the inherited conditions, there are a few problems that come up regularly in cocker spaniels regardless of breeding:

• Ear infections — extremely common due to their long, low-set, heavily furred ears. Our grooming guide covers a proper ear-cleaning routine that helps prevent this.
• Obesity — cockers can be prone to weight gain, particularly if exercise doesn’t match food intake. This ties directly into how much exercise a cocker spaniel actually needs.
• Ear, skin and coat allergies — more common in show-type coats due to the density of the fur.

What to Ask a Breeder Before Buying

Based on my own puppy searches, these are the questions I’d never skip:

1. Can I see health certificates for both parents, not just the puppy?
2. What is the litter’s inbreeding coefficient?
3. Have the parents been tested for PRA and FN specifically?
4. What hip and elbow scores do the parents have?
5. Are there any health issues in the wider pedigree I should know about?

If a breeder is cagey about any of these, that’s a red flag worth taking seriously. Our buying guide within the show cocker spaniel article covers the wider puppy-buying process in more detail, including how to spot a puppy farm.

Signs to Watch For as an Owner

Even with a healthy, well-bred puppy, it’s worth knowing what to watch for as your dog grows:

• Excessive head shaking or ear scratching (possible ear infection)
• Cloudiness in the eyes or reluctance to move in dim light (possible early PRA)
• Increased thirst or urination (possible kidney concern)
• Sudden reluctance to jump, run or climb stairs (possible joint issue)

Any of these are worth a prompt vet visit rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health problems are cocker spaniels prone to?

The main inherited concerns are PRA, FN and AMS, alongside hip/elbow dysplasia. Ear infections and weight gain are the most common non-inherited issues.

How long do cocker spaniels typically live?

Cocker spaniels generally have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, though this varies with health testing quality, diet and exercise.

Do working cockers have different health risks to show cockers?

The inherited conditions are largely the same across both types, though working lines are sometimes bred with less consistent health testing, so it’s worth asking directly regardless of type.

Final Thoughts

Health testing isn’t a box-ticking exercise — it genuinely shapes the years you’ll spend with your dog. Ask the awkward questions before you buy, keep up with routine care once you own one, and you’ll give your cocker spaniel the best possible chance at a long, healthy life.