Everything you need to know about the Sprocker Spaniel

What is a Sprocker Spaniel? The sprightly Sprocker Spaniel is a mix between a Springer and a Cocker Spaniel. Intelligent, affectionate, and downright adorable, this crossbreed can be anything from a loving family dog to an intuitive little hunter. Read on to find out what to expect if you welcome a Sprocker dog home.

Sprocker Spaniel characteristics

Origin: Although the Sprocker’s ancestors originated in Spain, it is thought that the crossbreed was first (intentionally) bred just a few decades ago in Scotland.

Size: Sprocker Spaniels measure between 14 and 20 inches and weigh 30-44 pounds.

Character: Affectionate, loyal, and energetic. 

Grooming: Sprocker dogs need to be brushed daily, with a more thorough grooming session once a week. 

Health needs: Being a drop-eared breed, Sprocker’s ears should be wiped clean once a week to prevent infection. Spaniels like the Sprocker are also prone to hip dysplasia - an uncomfortable genetic disorder. 

Training: Sprockers excel when given the opportunity to prove themselves - they are obedient and easy to train, especially if taught the basics from a young age.

Energy levels: This Spaniel mix has high energy levels, and that’s putting it lightly! Sprocker dogs need a minimum of 60 minutes of intense exercise per day in order to let off steam.  

Intelligence: Sprockers are super brainy, meaning they are able to learn commands quickly as well as pick up on emotional cues from their pet parents. 

Lifespan: 12-15 years.

Noise levels: Good news - Cocker Springer Spaniels are not known to be big on barking. 

Sprocker Spaniel looks & appearance

As Springer and Cocker Spaniels are close cousins in terms of appearance, it’s generally pretty easy to predict what a Sprocker will end up looking like. Sprocker Spaniels have muscular legs which stand either side of their medium-sized bodies. If they are bred with American Cockers, the skull will be more dome-shaped, while the English Cocker will give the Sprocker dog a slightly longer muzzle. In general, Sprockers have wide-set eyes, relatively long, wide muzzles, strong jaws, and a nose that is black or brown depending on the colour of their fur. Their wavy coats are either one block of colour (like the Cocker Spaniel) or a combination of black and white or liver and white. Long droopy ears hang sweetly around their faces and their medium-length tails are feathered (and constantly wagging). 

Sprocker Spaniel temperament

The Sprocker has the same abundance of energy and zest for life that doggy parents and pet sitters adore in Springers and Cockers. Their outgoing nature and sensitive noses give them a constant “spring” in their step, so Sprockers need lots of long walkies to keep them feeling happy and fulfilled. When they are exercised correctly, Sprockers are affectionate, gentle, and extremely loyal, making them the epitome of “man’s best friend”. They are also intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train, plus they enjoy the company of other pet pals. What more could you want from this adorable crossbreed? 

What’s the ideal home for a Sprocker Spaniel?

Spaniels do best when they’re living the life of a country bumpkin, and Sprockers are no different. They enjoy rural homes with large gardens providing space to roam freely as much as possible (don’t we all?!).

What’s the ideal human for a Sprocker Spaniel?

As they need a minimum of 60 minutes of intense exercise per day (but the more the better), Sprockers suit humans who lead active, outdoorsy lifestyles. Pet parents should be confident in their ability to train their Sprocker, as despite being extremely intelligent, they can pick up bad habits as well as good ones (we’re talking about the pooch here, not the parent). 

Tips for training Sprocker Spaniels

Being a Spaniel Cocker mix, training a Sprocker is generally a walk in the park. They enjoy lots of positive reinforcement and consistent training from an early age, and bad habits should be snubbed out quickly. Sprockers aren’t just trained as hunting dogs, they excel at agility-style competitions and Flyball, despite not being able to compete in official competitions as they are not pedigree dogs. Mental activities such as puzzles and games will also help to keep your Sprocker feeling perky. 

Grooming Sprocker Spaniels

Although Sprockers are pretty low-maintenance, they’re an active breed, so it’s a good idea to brush their coats daily to get rid of dirt and debris. Sprocker Spaniels can get matted fur around the armpits, groin, and tail, and a special eye should be kept on those drop ears, as although they look super cute, they make them prone to ear infections. It’s a good idea to brush your pup’s teeth two to three times a week, and their nails require regular trimming.

Sprocker Spaniel history

As we’re sure you’ve gathered, the Sprocker comes from two of the oldest gun dog breeds, the Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. These two working dogs share an overlapping history which is thought to have started in 14th-century Spain. But these Spaniels haven’t always been known as separate breeds, in fact, centuries ago, both Cockers and Springers would be born in the same litters. Originally bred as hunting dogs, the smallest of the litters (similar to the Cocker Spaniel we know today) would hunt small prey like woodcock, whereas the larger puppies, now known as Springers, would take on the bigger game. It wasn’t until the Cocker Spaniel was registered by the English Kennel Club in 1892, and the Springer Spaniel ten years later, that the differentiation between the two breeds became recognised.

Now, onto the Sprocker. It is generally agreed that a Springer was first bred with a Cocker just 20-30 years ago (although we’re sure there were a few mixups long before that!). Scottish gamekeepers wanted to combine the best traits of the Spaniel breeds to produce a dog with varying skills to work on large estates (or so the story goes). Nowadays, the Springer is usually crossed with the English Cocker to make a Sprocker, although it is possible to use an American Cocker Spaniel. 

Getting a Sprocker Spaniel 

As with all breeds, if you’re thinking about getting a Sprocker, make sure you can dedicate the time necessary to take care of it. Sprocker puppies need extra attention and training, and it’s important not to leave them at home alone for long periods of time at this early stage. You will need to make sure you have the funds available for vet bills and a potential trainer, as well as the time to give your dog regular baths, groom them, walk them, and pick up their mess! That being said, you will be rewarded with the type of unconditional love that makes everything worthwhile! 

If Sprocker Spaniels have stolen your heart, next you need to decide whether to give a pooch from a shelter a second chance or to buy one from a breeder. Sprocker Assist & Rescue, a UK-based charity, is dedicated to helping and rehoming Sprocker Spaniels, while the American Spaniel Club can help match pet parents with reputable breeders. If you decide to buy a Sprocker Spaniel puppy, do your research - signs of an ethical breeder include being introduced to the parents and having the correct documentation.