Do Cocker Spaniels Like Water? Breed Preferences & Characteristics

When you look at your Cocker Spaniel, you might not see the makings of a great swimmer. From their big eyes and long fur, Cocker Spaniels don’t look like a creature that will enjoy swimming through cold water. But you would be surprised. Cocker Spaniels actually really like water and can be some of the best swimmers in the canine world. But why are Cocker Spaniels good around water? Do they really like water? Should you worry about letting your Spaniel swim if it wants to? The answers to these questions are both interesting and important to know!

Do Cocker Spaniels Like Water?

Yes. Generally, Cocker Spaniels like water. People might not think that Cocker Spaniels look like the best swimmers because of their long coats and small stature, but these dogs were bred to be in and around water. Like people, some individual Cocker Spaniels might not like water as much as others. But most Cocker Spaniels will do just fine being around water. Cocker Spaniels do best with bodies of freshwater. That includes pools, streams, ponds, and lakes. Cocker Spaniels might not like the ocean or saltwater as much as they enjoy freshwater.

Can Cocker Spaniels Swim?

Yes. Most Cocker Spaniels can swim very well. Unlike people, dogs do not need swimming lessons to take to the water. Cocker Spaniels are naturally good swimmers in shallow and calm water. Cocker Spaniels will struggle in water with strong currents or in the ocean where waves are an issue. Cocker Spaniels should have no trouble swimming in your backyard pool or even in local lakes or ponds. You will be surprised how quickly and fluidly Cocker Spaniels can move through the water when given a chance.

Cocker Spaniels are actually extremely good swimmers. That is because Cocker Spaniels have webbed feet that help them swim and maintain a grip while they are in the water. Webbed feet also give the Cocker Spaniel more surface area on their paws, which helps them navigate soft ground and mud that is often found around natural bodies of water. The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest dog breed designated by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a sporting breed. Cocker Spaniels are considered water dogs, especially if they were bred as working dogs rather than simply as a pet.

Why Do Cocker Spaniels Like Swimming?

Not all dogs are good swimmers, and even fewer have webbed feet. The reason that Cocker Spaniels like swimming so much is that they were bred to be hunting dogs. Cocker Spaniels were bred for hunting in Great Britain. Their original target was Eurasian Woodcocks, hence the name Cocker. Eurasian Woodcocks are wading birds meaning they spend a lot of time near bodies of water. In order to effectively track and hunt these woodcocks, Cocker Spaniels had to be comfortable being around the types of water that these birds frequently inhabit. Cocker Spaniels also had to be able to swim out and retrieve the bodies of Eurasian Woodcocks that were shot or wounded that landed in the water.

This specific purpose and job are what gives Cocker Spaniels their webbed feet and affinity for water. Most Cocker Spaniels today are simply pets, or “house cockers,” and no longer hunt wading waterfowls, but they still have maintained their comfort and skill around water.

Do All Cocker Spaniels Like Swimming?

Just because dogs are good swimmers doesn’t mean they necessarily like swimming. Whether or not your Cocker Spaniel likes swimming or not might depend on your dog’s individual personality. Many Cocker Spaniels do enjoy swimming, but they might not all enjoy swimming all the time. Many Cocker Spaniels like swimming if they have a goal, task, or job to do. They might not necessarily want to swim for recreational purposes.

Conclusion

Cocker Spaniels are natural swimmers. They like water, like to swim, and are excellent at it. Cocker Spaniels are such good swimmers because they were bred to hunt woodcocks in Europe, where wading and swimming were a necessity. Not all Cocker Spaniels will enjoy swimming, so don’t be discouraged if yours doesn’t. Pet Cocker Spaniels have no reason to swim if they are not hunting, and each dog is different.

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Featured Image Credit: Andrea Izzotti, Shutterstock