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Pet Insurance for Cocker Spaniels

Find out all about Cocker Spaniels and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$5,000

Height

37cm - 41cm

Weight

12kg - 14.5kg

Personality

Gentle, easy-going, loving

Coat length

Medium to long, silky

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 16 years

Cocker Spaniel

Overview

The Cocker Spaniel has been one of the world’s most popular family pets for many decades. It is a charming and affectionate breed originating from England, where they were originally used as gundogs to flush out and retrieve woodcock and small game such as ducks and rabbits. They are an ancient breed whose origins can be traced back to Europe in the 14th Century. Recognised by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1892, they were then exported to America, where American Cocker Spaniels were bred and became a separate recognised breed in 1940. They are closely related to the Springer Spaniel. 

They are a medium-sized dog, with a medium to long length silky coat and long floppy ears. They require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They come in a range of solid colours including black, red, brown and orange, plus tricolour and blue roan. They are highly adaptable, very good swimmers, and make great companions for both families with children and individuals.

Common diseases and conditions of Cocker Spaniels

  • Ear Infections: Cocker Spaniels' long floppy ears can make them prone to ear infections, yeast infections and mites. Their ears need regular cleaning to keep them healthy and free from bacteria. 
  • Eye Conditions: They are also known to be susceptible to eye conditions including Cherry Eye, Cataracts, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), an inherited eye disorder causing gradual vision loss.
  • Obesity: Cocker Spaniels are known for putting on too much weight, which can lead to diabetes. 

Breed-specific issues: 

Their playful nature makes them great with children, but they require regular exercise and playtime to stay happy. As they love water and are good swimmers, their ears should be dried after a swim to prevent infection. They can be prone to obesity if they don’t exercise sufficiently, so regular walks are necessary to keep them healthy. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Cocker Spaniel?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Cocker Spaniel, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

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Common questions about Cocker Spaniels

Do Cocker Spaniels shed a lot?

Cocker Spaniels are low to moderate shedders. Their beautiful, silky coat requires regular grooming and brushing to keep it looking shiny and healthy. Their paws and ears should always be checked for grass seeds and burrs after a walk to ensure their fur does not get matted.

Are Cocker Spaniels known for excessive barking?

No. Cocker Spaniels may bark to alert their owners or express excitement, but they are not typically known for excessive barking and are generally quiet and calm dogs that don’t make a lot of noise.

 
 
Are Cocker Spaniels safe to have around small children?

Yes, Cocker Spaniels are generally great with children, even small children, due to their friendly and gentle nature. They are not known to be possessive or display jealousy. However, as with all dogs, appropriate supervision is important around small children and babies. 

Do Cocker Spaniels get on well with cats?

Yes, Cocker Spaniels can happily live with cats as they don’t generally have any natural prey aggression or chase instinct. However, early socialisation and a gradual introduction are essential to foster a positive relationship between Cocker Spaniels and cats. 

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Cocker Spaniel

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