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Immortalized by Lady in Disney’s 1955 animated film Lady and the Tramp, Cocker Spaniels capture hearts everywhere they go. Lady, the movie’s leading canine, is perhaps the most famous example of the breed throughout the world! With long, floppy ears and a silky coat, she embodies the traditional Cocker Spaniel: adorable and refined at the same time. Before you fall for one of these charming canines, take a moment to consider your finances. Research the average Cocker Spaniel price in your area to make sure you’re prepared for the reality of pet ownership.
How much are Cocker Spaniels, exactly? There is no simple answer. The amount you’ll pay initially depends on several factors including how well-regarded the breeder is, the dog’s health condition, and where you live. Dog owners also need to consider long-term costs such as vet bills and grooming fees. Today, we take a closer look at these expenses so you can get a better idea of how much owning a Cocker Spaniel costs over the years.
Different Types of Cocker Spaniels
The cost of a Cocker Spaniel is heavily impacted by what type you’re interested in. Some people are surprised to find that there are actually two different kinds of Cocker Spaniels, even though they’re both generally referred to as “Cocker Spaniels.” The American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel are two distinct breeds that used to be one. Over time, the breed branched off and in 1946, the English Cocker Spaniel was officially designated its own breed. Today, Americans typically refer to the American Cocker Spaniel as simply a “Cocker Spaniel,” while the English do the same for their own version.
Although the varieties still resemble each other greatly, they have some distinct differences. The American Cocker Spaniel is often a golden-orange color (but can be many other colors) while the English version can be solid black, liver, or red or one of these colors plus white. English Cocker Spaniels can be a mixture of liver and tan.
The breeds vary in not only the color of their coats but their coat lengths as well. Some English Cocker Spaniels have shorter coats since many of them have been bred to work in the fields rather than be show dogs. The English Cocker Spaniels who prance around the show ring have been bred to have more luxurious hair.
You’ll need to decide which variety of Cocker Spaniel you want to purchase. The English Cocker Spaniel’s price might be higher if you live in the U.S. due to availability and vice versa.
Factors Affecting the Cocker Spaniel’s Price
As we mentioned earlier, there’s really no single answer for the question “How much do Cocker Spaniels cost?”. To get an estimate of the price, you’ll need to compile some information. First, you’ll need to consider your location. Rural areas often have fewer breeders than cities, which means breeders have less incentive to price competitively.
Let’s take a look at some other factors that can influence how much a Cocker Spaniel costs.
1. Breeder’s Reputation
Anyone who is thinking about purchasing a dog from a breeder should be wary of breeders who price their dogs exceptionally low. Suspiciously low prices could mean that a breeder is operating as a puppy mill. These mills are designed to produce as many dogs as possible in a short amount of time. They’ll often price their dogs lower to encourage people to buy them quickly and without question.
Reputable breeders put a lot more care and consideration into their animals. These breeders will charge more to ensure their canines are vaccinated and are provided with high-quality food. An ethical Cocker Spaniel breeder will also maintain a spacious facility with plenty of room for the dogs to run around.
2. Age, Gender, and Health of the Dog
Good breeders may charge extra for a Cocker Spaniel up front because the dog’s parents will be checked for health conditions, including heart and hip problems. While you may pay more initially, investing in a healthy dog can reduce the chances of having to pay for extra medical expenses down the road. Keep in mind, however, that no one, not even the best breeders, can accurately say whether a dog will be perfectly healthy throughout its life.
Age and gender can also affect a Cocker Spaniel’s price. Did you know that senior dogs are adopted only 25% of the time? Because puppies and other young dogs are more popular than older ones, they’re more in demand, which can raise the price.
Gender is unlikely to affect the price of buying your pup, but it will later on. It costs more to spay a female dog than it does to neuter a male dog. Spaying is a more complicated procedure that takes more time and resources, resulting in a higher bill from the vet. On the flip side, male dogs tend to be larger than their female counterparts and thus require more food.
3. Bloodline and Pedigree
Finally, a Cocker Spaniel’s family history can affect their price. Dogs with pedigrees (meaning their parents and ancestors were registered with the Kennel Club) fetch higher prices. These dogs have been bred to exhibit certain traits and exclude others, resulting in dogs who have a higher likelihood of inheriting predictable traits.
Price Range for Cocker Spaniels from Breeders
Breeders charge different amounts for their dogs, but you can expect to pay between $1000 and $2000 for an adult Cocker Spaniel. If the dog comes with a pedigree, you can expect to pay substantially more in general plus an extra fee for transferring the pedigree documentation. Additionally, pet owners in California, New York, and Massachusetts typically pay higher prices for dogs compared to owners in states like Mississippi and Oklahoma.
American Cocker Spaniel Price vs. English Cocker Spaniel Price
Although breeders set their own rates, the American Cocker Spaniel price tends to be a little lower than the English Cocker Spaniel on average, at least in the United States. You may need to be put on a waitlist to get one of these dogs. This means it could be several months or even a year or more before you get a dog. Some breeders require a deposit (usually around $500 or so) before purchasing a dog. Additionally, if you have to travel out of state, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a plane ticket or road trip to pick up your furry friend.
Cocker Spaniel Puppy Price
There are several reasons younger dogs are popular with pet owners. Some families want a pup that will grow up with their (human) children. Others want a young dog because they want to get a head start on training them. And of course, adopting a younger dog typically means you’ll get to spend more time with them throughout the years since they have a long life ahead of them. That said, the Cocker Spaniel puppy price skews higher than the cost of an adult. Be prepared to pay up to $3500 or more for a puppy that’s a purebred Cocker Spaniel!
Cocker Spaniel Adoption Costs
Are you balking at the cost of paying several thousand dollars for a dog? The good news is that if you adopt your Cocker Spaniel from an animal shelter, you’ll reduce the price significantly. While it will be tricky to find a pedigree-holding Cocker Spaniel in a shelter, it’s not unlikely to find a dog with Cocker Spaniel heritage near you. Adoption fees typically cover the cost of vaccinations, deworming medications, and food costs while your pup is in the shelter. You may need to schedule a spaying or neutering appointment for your pet in order to adopt it as well.
Besides looking at shelters, you can also check out Cocker Spaniel rescues. They have similar fees to shelters and are often run by volunteers rather than people employed by local governments.
Long-Term Costs of Owning a Cocker Spaniel
Think your pooch’s biggest expense will be that $3500 price tag from the breeder? Think again! All dogs incur costs over time, and these add up. When you bring your Cocker Spaniel home, you’ll need to buy them a few initial necessities like a bed, leash, collar, and toys to keep them occupied. These puppy essentials don’t need to be replaced frequently, but you will need to replace them if they show signs of wear and tear.
There are also monthly costs associated with owning a dog. Buying your dog high-quality food keeps them nourished and healthy. Cocker Spaniels also need extensive grooming. If you’re not prepared to spend time each week brushing those silky locks, this breed might not be for you. Budget for grooming fees if you prefer to have a professional brush and wash your dog’s coat regularly.
You’ll also need to pay for medications and vet visits throughout your Cocker Spaniel’s life. Most dogs should be on medications that prevent them from getting heartworms, fleas, or ticks. You’ll also need to pay for vaccinations every few years (sometimes annually) to make sure your pup doesn’t get sick.
Other costs can include:
Training: If your dog is having a hard time getting the hang of potty training or playing nice with other dogs, you may need to invest in training.
Boarding: Boarding your dog can cost hundreds of dollars or more, depending on the length of their stay.
Pet-sitting: Do you need someone to walk your dog while you’re at work? Don’t forget to factor in daily or weekly pet-sitting fees.
Emergency vet care: Those unexpected vet visits can be the ones that rack up the highest costs. If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate or swallows a toy, you’ll need to pay for an emergency vet visit immediately, and those visits don’t come cheap!
Tips for Saving Money on Cocker Spaniel Care
Does it sound like owning a Cocker Spaniel is expensive? It is. Owning any breed of dog requires a healthy bank account and careful financial planning. Fortunately, there are some ways you can cut down on costs.
Some ways you can keep costs low include:
Buying medication in bulk when possible
Signing up for autoshipping for food and treats
Visiting mobile clinics for vaccinations and routine care
Purchasing secondhand supplies like gently used dog beds and bowls
Learning to groom your Cocker Spaniel at home
Training your dog at home using online resources
Another great way to save money in the long run is with pet health insurance. By covering a portion of your Cocker Spaniel's veterinary bills, pet insurance can help you avoid unexpected financial burdens caused by accidents, illnesses, or chronic conditions. Consider exploring pet insurance options to create a safety net for your furry friend's healthcare, potentially saving you thousands in the event of significant medical expenses.
Consider adding on a wellness plan, which can help you budget for checkups, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and even grooming!
How Much is a Cocker Spaniel, Really?
So how much does a Cocker Spaniel cost? The truth is, there’s no way to know for sure, but you can expect to pay over $10,000 or more over their lifetime. Even if your dog is in perfect health when you get them as a puppy, they could develop a health problem years later. However, you can prepare yourself for routine costs like food, vaccinations, and training.
Although Cocker Spaniels can affect the balance in our bank account, the love and companionship they provide is priceless. With a little financial research beforehand, you and your pup will have a wonderful life together!