Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect a medium-sized dog that is moderately active, sheds a normal amount and needs professional grooming on a cycle. The big catch is running cost — this is one of the pricier dogs to keep well.

Source: American Kennel Club breed standard.

Named for the woodcock it was bred to flush, the American Cocker is the smallest sporting dog the AKC recognises, and over the last century it drifted from field dog to companion — picking up a much heavier coat on the way. That coat is the whole story for owners. A pet Cocker needs professional grooming on a cycle, and between visits the ears, the feet and the "skirt" mat faster than almost any other popular breed. The ears deserve their own mention: long, heavy and lined with hair, they seal moisture in, and ear infections are the single most common reason Cockers see a vet. Get past the coat and the temperament is sweet, soft and genuinely good with gentle children.

Day to day. Moderately active — a proper daily walk plus some play in the garden or the hallway keeps this breed happy. On noise, it is about average for noise.

The coat, honestly. This breed sheds a normal amount and needs professional grooming on a cycle. A brush a few times a week and the occasional tidy-up keeps it in good order.

Being left alone. Fine alone for a few hours. A few hours is fine; a full working day, every day, is asking a lot.

Training. Trains at an average pace. Consistent, reward-based training from day one does most of the work.

• You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children

• Nobody has budgeted for a groomer every few weeks
• A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year

Every animal is an individual, and plenty of Cocker Spaniels live long, healthy lives. This is here so nobody is surprised — ask a vet, and ask whoever you get the dog from what they have tested for.

Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier dogs on our list) — because the coat needs a professional groom on a cycle, and that is the bill people forget, and the breed has known health issues that can mean extra vet visits.

Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.

Rescues do have Cocker Spaniels and Cocker Spaniel crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.