Can Cocker Spaniels Swim? Everything You Need To Know

Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs to track and hunt ground game. Whether you are looking at the English cocker spaniel or the American cocker spaniel, they were both bred for the same purpose.

As discussed in previous articles, the American cocker spaniel came later than their ancestral English spaniel but in the end, are considered the same dog.

Cocker spaniels are known to be highly active in any setting thus making them great hunting dogs and eager to be great at swimming.

Do cocker spaniels like water? In short, absolutely!

They may need some encouragement at a young age but generally speaking, Cocker spaniels can be considered water dogs. So, what makes these lovable lap dogs a good swimmer?

Let's take a closer look.

Cocker Spaniels have Webbed feet

Dog owners all across the board usually don't realize that their fur baby has webbed feet. Seeing that term, you may think of a duck or some other animal that you typically find near water but not dogs!

It is true. If you look closely at your pup's paws you will notice a thin layer between the toes making up the "webbed feet". This feature also aids in stability while walking or running believe it or not.

Having webbed feet while swimming creates an advantage to cover more surface area. Just as you pulling your fingers close together creates more pressure pushing against the water, the same goes for Cocker spaniels.

Cocker Spaniels have Water repellent coats

It isn't very often you hear the term "water repellent coat" when referring to an animal but when speaking of the Spaniel breeds, it's pretty common!

They are known to have a double coat. They have a topcoat that is thicker and longer and they have a thin underlayer. This type of coat helps to regulate body temperature and keep your furbaby from getting too hot or too cold while also helping them in the water.

In this instance, a Cocker spaniel swimming in your pool is going to be an ongoing thing once they are open to it.

Cockers are Sporting Dogs

Being the smallest breed in the game, Cocker spaniels are on the list of sporting dogs including water sports.

The two spaniel breeds were bred to be adaptable to any scenario. They bring strength and intelligence making them a tough component to be up against. Their intelligence makes them very competent swimmers and their adaptability means learning new skills in a cocker's training will come with ease.

They are hunting dogs by nature and have a keen sense of instinct. In turn, These certain spaniels bring that same energy to the field and in the water!

Although the American cocker spaniel and English cocker spaniel breeds are most commonly discussed, most Spaniel breeds carry the same attributes.

Cockers are Sporting Dogs

Being the smallest breed in the game, Cocker spaniels are on the list of sporting dogs including water sports.

The two spaniel breeds were bred to be adaptable to any scenario. They bring strength and intelligence making them a tough component to be up against. Their intelligence makes them very competent swimmers and their adaptability means learning new skills in a cocker's training will come with ease.

They are hunting dogs by nature and have a keen sense of instinct. In turn, These certain spaniels bring that same energy to the field and in the water!

Although the American cocker spaniel and English cocker spaniel breeds are most commonly discussed, most Spaniel breeds carry the same attributes.

Training Cocker Spaniels to Swim

As a young dog, your Cocker spaniels swimming may not take off right off the bat. Like anything else new, swimming is something that needs to have proper training.

Yes, they will have the instinct once in the water but "just throwing them in" is not a good option.

Spaniel breeds lean on emotion and have heightened feelings toward their owner. Gaining their trust and working with them correctly can help them to have a calm day full of fun in the sun rather than fear and anxiety.

Play Fetch with Your new Best Friend

As much as you love seeing their floppy ears flying as they run toward you is how much a Cocker spaniel loves chasing tennis balls. What dog doesn't?

Throwing a tennis ball or frisbee in the water can tempt them to go in after it, they may not even think about it! Playing fetch with your pup can be so much fun for both of you and also help to grow a bond.

Even if you keep the fetch playing on land, it can still drive them into the water. Once they start getting hot and thirsty they will desire a drink of water and some cooling off. They may start off standing on the water's edge but once comfortable are most likely to end up in deeper water.

Load up your Cocker Spaniel and head out to your local lake! Try playing fetch or other water games to ease them into the water.

Flotation Vest

Though Cockers are strong swimmers, the beginning stages may be scary for either the dog or you. Until you both feel comfortable with them swimming you can dress your Cocker up in a flotation vest.

They come with many helpful qualities including handles to grip and bright colors for easy visibility.

If your Cocker spaniels swim at the beach rather than your very own pool, they can easily get out of reach and out of sight. The bright colors of the vest can help be sure that they are always seen. So take them to the beach but keep in mind how familiar your dog is near the water.

Early days

Dating back to when Cocker spaniels were bred, they were top-notch for chasing down ducks, turkey hunting, or whatever else may come their way. They didn't have a choice but to run into the water after the prey they were running after.

Ducks are water animals and tend to try to escape by flogging to the center of a body of water. In this case, a swim is just what the doctor ordered for the well-known Cocker spaniels. They are smaller compared to other breeds which also calls for hunting in bushes or trekking through higher weeds.

Many countries hadn't yet taken part in the Cocker breed which meant that England had the upper hand in water sports and hunting.

All Spaniel breeds can be Considered a Water Spaniel

Two spaniels actually have the word, "water" in their name being the American water spaniel and Irish water spaniel.

Though, these are the only two breeds with that term in their actual name, many spaniel breeds, if not all, are considered water spaniel breeds. Besides, it's not the name that makes the dog but the qualities that the dog can bring to the table.

Final Thoughts

The question isn't necessarily, can Cocker spaniels swim but rather what makes them better swimmers than their relatives.

Many dogs make the list of great swimmers but the Cocker breed brings a different storyline leading up to their greatest attribute. Originally bred in England for hunting, they have multiplied and differentiated but the energy and field traits have stayed intact.

Whether you are wanting to go for a swim or hunt upland game, you get the best of both worlds when you get a breed from the spaniel family.

This sporting dog will be your best friend and swimming mate.