How Much Does a Cocker Spaniel Cost? Average Price in 2025

Last Updated on February, 2025

Cocker Spaniels is a beautiful breed of dog considered one of the most affectionate and compassionate breeds. Cocker Spaniel puppies are some of the most adorable puppies and are EXTREMELY playful. 

This buyer’s guide will discuss the costs of a Cocker Spaniel and the factors that influence the cost. We will also look in greater depth concerning the costs of owning and raising a Cocker Spaniel. 

This GUIDE is intended to provide you with the intel you require as a dog enthusiast so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on a purchase. 

To understand the factors that affect the Cocker Spaniel cost, it is best to understand a little bit about the breed and its various types. 

Quick Summary

The cost of a Cocker Spaniel can vary greatly, with adult dogs typically costing between $800 to $2000 and puppies costing between $800 to $3000.

Different factors influence the cost of a Cocker Spaniel, such as its age, geographical location, source of the breeder, and types of breeds.

It is important to consider the overall costs of owning a Cocker Spaniel, including food, toys, and medical expenses, and to avoid supporting unethical breeding practices.

About the Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed

two pictures of a cocker spaniel dog breed seated in a grass field

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classified Cocker Spaniels as the smallest sporting Spaniel. These are medium-sized dogs that are neither big nor small. 

Size and Appearance

An adult cocker spaniel can weigh between 24 to 30 pounds. An English Cocker Spaniel will usually weigh slightly more than an American Cocker Spaniel. 

At the height of 14 to 17 inches, these are medium-sized dogs that make GREAT family pets!

Their appearance, including their loving eyes, makes them approachable and playful. They are an amiable breed of dog known to be gentle yet energetic and playful. 

They have hair, not fur, and their hair is beautifully THICK, giving them a rich and royal coat. Hair is finer and smoother than fur, making the Cocker Spaniel a favorite amongst dog lovers. 

They have a round and beautiful head with a broad and square muzzle. Long and feathered ears complement these features. Their back slopes to a beautiful tail, giving the dog a regal and royal look. 

A purebred Cocker Spaniel puppy could have BEAUTIFUL hair, which you will know at the touch and feel. Purebred Cocker Spaniels have smoother and finer hair and a fuller coat.

These dogs make great family pets. Their appearance makes them adored by children, and their size suits infants and toddlers alike. Cocker Spaniels are GREAT around children and are known for their delicate features and appearance. 

Lifespan

Cocker Spaniels have a good lifespan and are considered better than the average dog.

With most dogs living between 10 and 15 years old, the Cocker Spaniel has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. 

This breed of dog has one of the better lifespans, influenced by things such as diet and environment. 

What you feed your dog will define how long they live.

Apart from this, health is most certainly in the hands of the breeder, who controls the environment and level of care of parent dogs and breeding standards. 

a cute cocker spaniel seated outside in a leafy field in autumn

This is why it is essential to trust a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will always use ethical standards and ensure proper care is provided to the parent dogs, thereby ensuring the offspring is of better quality by way of health. 

Trusting a reputable breeder will ensure that your Cocker Spaniel lives a long and happy life as YOUR beloved pet!

Hence, yes, some factors influence the lifespan. 

Temperament 

Cocker Spaniels are very gentle creatures; however, they can provide protection against intruders. They have good instincts and are very protective of their owners. 

They may bark at strangers and get aggressive; however, they aren’t that big of a dog to be considered vicious.

They are a welcoming breed with a very warm and affectionate personality that is playful with the owner. They have dreamy eyes, which makes them a wonderful pet that not only cares about you but also loves you. 

Owning a Cocker Spaniel will change your life for the better. These dogs are known to be loyal and compassionate, which makes them EXCELLENT pets. 

Cocker Spaniel puppies are EXTREMELY playful. They are GREAT around children and can make EXCELLENT family pets. 

They have a calm and playful temperament with a defensive and protective personality. 

Types of Dog Breeds

types of cocker spaniel dog breed

There are mainly two breeds of the Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. 

The English Cocker Spaniel weighs between 28 and 30 pounds, while an American Cocker Spaniel weighs between 24 and 30 pounds

The American Cocker Spaniel can be slightly smaller than the English Cocker Spaniel. 

The American Cocker Spaniel is known to have smaller ears with a shorter muzzle. They also have a more dome-shaped head when compared to the English Cocker Spaniel.

If you are after a specific breed, it would be BEST to source through a Cocker Spaniel breeder. 

Cocker Spaniels come in various colors and patterns, which depend not on the breed but on classifications of colors within the breed. 

If you see a Cocker Spaniel puppy, it would not be easy to differentiate between the breeds.

An American Cocker Spaniel puppy and the puppies of English Cocker Spaniels look similar, and it will take a keen eye to understand the differences in the breed. 

How Much Does a Cocker Spaniel Cost? 

To understand how much a Cocker Spaniel can cost, you must understand the facts that influence the Cocker Spaniel cost. Various factors affect the Cocker Spaniel Cost, which we discuss in greater depth further down this article. 

These are only the costs of the initial purchase. The costs of raising a Cocker Spaniel are to be considered separately.

Cocker Spaniel Dog

An adult dog can cost anywhere between $800 to $2000 (average price). This is quite a range, and there are a host of things that influence the cost. 

In fact, it is possible that a dog could cost more than this quoted amount.

It is also possible that you could find someone willing to sell you a Cocker Spaniel for less. 

However, this is the average estimated cost (average price) of purchasing a Cocker Spaniel from a pet store. 

These are adorable dogs and are one of the more popular dog breeds, which is why adult dogs can cost as much as they do. 

a cute cocker spaniel looking at the camera

Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Selling puppies can be a big business. However, not everyone who breeds puppies adheres to ethical standards of breeding.

Hence, it is imperative that you consider the breeder to ensure that you don’t end up with a puppy that has genetic health problems. 

A Cocker Spaniel puppy can cost you anything between $800 to $3000, with pedigree puppies costing the highest. 

Hence, taking into consideration the cost of Cocker Spaniel ownership, the Cocker Spaniel price is only one part of the equation. You will have to consider dog food, dog toys, hiring a dog walker, puppy food, adult dog food, medical bills, and much more. 

However, what is essential is that you source through reputable breeders to ensure that you are NOT supporting puppy mills. Dogs in puppy mills are kept in EXTREMELY poor conditions and are not cared for properly. 

Hence, to ensure better health of the puppy, steer clear of puppy mills and source through REPUTABLE BREEDERS!

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Cocker Spaniel

a cocker spaniel seated out in a flower field

A new Cocker Spaniel puppy will vary in cost depending on various factors. A purebred dog will cost you more than a mixed-breed Cocker Spaniel. 

A purebred Cocker Spaniel costs more as an obvious thing; you probably already knew the cost of an American Cocker Spaniel and a British Cocker Spaniel would vary depending on where you choose to purchase from. 

The geographical location of the source of the breeder is a factor; a purebred Cocker Spaniel will cost more regardless of where you are in the world. 

Pet stores in England will have a varying cost of an American Cocker Spaniel to that of an English Cocker Spaniel. 

Other factors, such as the dog’s age, will also play a part in deciding the cost of the dog. With puppies usually costing more than adult dogs, the puppy’s age will play a part. 

However, the most crucial factor that influences the cost of a Cocker Spaniel is the source from which you acquire the dog or puppy. For instance, one breeder may charge an ‘x’ amount while another charges $100 less.

A responsible breeder will oftentimes charge more for the purchase. A responsible breeder will have better quality puppies; as with anything else, the better quality comes at a higher price. 

Backyard breeders, as you may know, follow substandard breeding practices and are often left with puppies they are trying to get rid of.

At the end of the day, one can only maintain so many dogs.

So, if you are lucky, you may find someone who has bred Cocker Spaniels at home and is desperately looking to get rid of them. 

Such backyard litters will often cost less than going to a reputable breeder. Though puppy mills may have puppies, most of which may cost less than the market price, these puppies are often unhealthy and, unfortunately, more susceptible to disease. 

However, where you choose to purchase from will play a significant role in the cost of the Cocker Spaniel. If you are lucky, you may be able to get your hands on a list of backyard breeders using online resources such as Facebook. 

Senior dogs may cost less than puppies. Senior dogs have little time left, so sellers usually don’t charge as much. 

Where to Buy a Cocker Spaniel Dog? 

a cocker spaniel dog breed walking out in a grassy field

Dog owners will tell you that there are many places from which you can buy a dog; however, sourcing varies from person to person. While some look in the local shelter, others will only consider an uptown pet shop. 

How much does a Cocker Spaniel cost? Well, this depends on where you source the Cocker Spaniel.

Rescue Puppy

One of the best places to find a Cocker Spaniel is at an animal rescue. Animal shelters often have puppies and dogs looking for a new home. 

If you are lucky to find a Cocker Spaniel in search of a new home, you should most certainly JUMP at the opportunity to bring it home. 

Though Cocker Spaniels can cost a lot in uptown pet shops, if you consider adopting a puppy or a dog from an animal rescue, it will cost you next to nothing… often FREE.

Even if there were a fee to be paid, it would be a minimal processing fee, which doesn’t amount to much compared to the actual costs of buying a Cocker Spaniel from a breeder or pet shop. 

Hence, the first place you should look is an animal rescue because it feels better to adopt a dog than buy it from a shop.

Adopting any dog can be very rewarding. As mentioned, if you are LUCKY enough to find a Cocker Spaniel at an animal shelter searching for a home, you should most certainly JUMP on that!

Breeders

If you need information about breeders in your locality, it is best that you approach the local pet store. They will have information about trustworthy and reliable breeders that you can contact. 

Picking a breeder is a critical aspect of buying a Cocker Spaniel. The health of your Cocker Spaniel and your pet’s lifespan depends on how the parent dogs are treated. 

Also, trust a reputable breeder because these dog breeders feed parent dogs a proper diet (high-quality dog food) who are cared for and loved during the breeding process. 

DO NOT go anywhere near a puppy mill. 

Cocker Spaniel ownership can be beautiful; however, you must find a trustworthy breeder who will deliver a healthy pet to you.

The Cocker Spaniel price depends on the breeder and the breeder’s reputation. Though the Cocker Spaniel price may be higher when sourcing from a responsible breeder, the source can be trusted. 

You can find a list of breeders if you search online; however, the reputation of these breeders will have to be researched and reviewed.

At the end of the day, your breeder’s reputation defines your pet’s health, so this is not somewhere you want to cut corners. 

Online Website (Eg: Craigslist)

Owning a Cocker Spaniel simply means finding the right source from whom to get your Cocker Spaniel. 

Cocker Spaniels can be found online, waiting for you to make the transaction and take them home.

That is right; online websites are some of the BEST places to search for a source to buy a Cocker Spaniel. 

Regardless of where you live, you will find a forum or a Facebook group that may help you find a source in your locality.

a cocker spaniel seated in the grass next to a brick wall

Simply searching for Cocker Spaniels for sale, including your location, will bring about a list of results that can all be potential leads in sourcing a Cocker Spaniel. 

If you are searching for a Cocker Spaniel puppy, all you have to do is search for a Cocker Spaniel puppy online and find a seller looking to sell Cocker Spaniel puppies. 

Websites such as Craigslist and Facebook are perfect places to search for a backyard breeder in search of a new home for their new puppies. 

If you are looking for a specific breed, color, or pattern, it is best to check these online resources because you would unlikely get a more comprehensive selection at a pet store. 

The Cocker Spaniel cost will depend on where you source the Cocker Spaniel puppy from. However, it is more likely that you will find people looking to give Cocker Spaniel puppies up for adoption on the internet instead of anywhere else.

Steps to Adopt a Cocker Spaniel Dog

a charles king spaniel and a cocker spaniel dog breed

Adopting a Cocker Spaniel can be one of the most rewarding things. If you are lucky enough to find a Cocker Spaniel looking for a new home, the adoption process is simple. 

It is the task of finding the dog that is up for adoption. The first thing that you have to do is check the animal shelters. Contact all the animal shelters in the area and check if they have any Cocker Spaniels up for adoption. 

Otherwise, you can check online for people looking for homes for Cocker Spaniels puppies. 

Once you have found the Cocker Spaniel puppy or dog, it is a matter of simply filling out the paperwork when it comes to the dog’s registration. 

Registration

Registration is the formal documentation of the adoption. You can get the registration done at an animal shelter.

Once you have found the Cocker Spaniel puppy or dog you want to adopt, speak to an animal shelter in your area, and they will provide you with the registration papers. 

The registration papers have to be fully filled and signed, and once you have filled in your basic information, it is just a matter of signing the papers, which give you legal guardianship of the Cocker Spaniel. 

Owning a Cocker Spaniel can be a wonderful thing. Adoption is a GREAT way to own a Cocker Spaniel. Not only do you get an AMAZING dog, you’ll also be spending next to nothing. 

The animal shelter may ask you to pay a nominal processing fee, which is nothing compared to the actual cost of buying a Cocker Spaniel. 

The registration process is simple, and if you get the dog microchipped, you can find it even if it gets lost. 

Cost of Raising a Cocker Spaniel Dog

a cocker spaniel seated on a table

The Cocker Spaniel’s cost will depend on how you raise the Cocker Spaniel. The cost of raising will vary depending on the Cocker Spaniel’s diet that you feed. 

Dog sitters, poop bags, nail trimming and grooming, house training pads, dry dog food, dog beds, dog walkers, a dog sitter, and other dog supplies all cost money. If you hire a dog walker, you could be looking to spend a fair bit of money. 

The cost of a senior dog will vary from the cost of a puppy. To give you an estimate, the annual cost of a Cocker Spaniel is around $3000. Let’s compare the costs with that of a Cocker Spaniel. 

Meals

Compared to other dog breeds, you would be looking to spend a little less on meals.

Depending on the dog’s background, you should choose a diet that best suits its needs. The dog’s age is also a dependent factor in the cost of meals.

Puppies eat less than grown dogs, so you could expect to incur less of a cost in feeding a younger pup than an adult dog. 

Meal costs (dog food) can be as low as $15 a month and as high as $150 a month, depending on the brand and type of food you feed your Cocker Spaniel. 

Remember, the better your Cocker Spaniel is fed, the more chances of a healthier lifespan; hence, you must consider a cost of meals closer to $100. 

Further to the meals that the dogs eat two to three times a day, a dog’s life includes treats, which can cost you about $15 to $50 a month.

These are the average costs when it comes to feeding your Cocker Spaniel. As an owner, you have to be aware of the costs of raising a pup. Owning a Cocker Spaniel is a big responsibility, and you should be sure you are up to the task. 

Health and Vet Visitation

Assume for a second that your Cocker Spaniel catches an ear infection. Ear infections are pretty common in Cocker Spaniels.

To treat ear infections, you most certainly will need the advice and direction of a licensed veterinarian (vet visits). 

Hence, you have to consider the costs of vet visits. You should purchase pet insurance to cover the costs of vet visits.

Pet insurance will allow you to relax as the dog owner, knowing the insurance covers all possible ailments and the costs of treatments. 

a cocker spaniel getting examined by a vet

Pet insurance for a Cocker Spaniel can cost between $100 and $300.

If you need help purchasing pet insurance, speak to a vet clinic, which will provide directions on how to purchase the insurance for your pet. 

This dog breed is healthy; however, they have various health complications at older age. Hence, it is essential that you consider the costs of healthcare.

Without pet insurance, you could be looking to pay thousands of dollars if your pet ever needs special treatment for an illness or condition. 

Grooming

Cocker Spaniels have beautiful hair which requires proper maintenance. Hence, if you plan on taking your dog to a professional dog groomer, you also have to consider the cost of these visits. 

Though you can save a lot of money grooming your Cocker Spaniel at home, sometimes you just want to treat your dog to excellent grooming.

If this is the case, single grooming by a professional groomer can cost between $60 and $90. However, do note that professional dog groomers even charge you more than the quoted amount. There are also smaller places which charge you less. 

That being the case, if you plan to groom your Cocker Spaniel at home, all you would need is some good dog shampoo and dog supplies, which are a more affordable purchase than taking your dog in for weekly or monthly professional grooming. 

Grooming costs can add up relatively quickly if you rely on a professional groomer. You could pay anywhere between $60 to $180 a month on grooming.

Training

Training is an essential aspect of interaction for dogs.

They learn to understand the owner’s commands, and that is how they learn to understand between good and bad behavior. 

Hence, some training is essential for all dogs, and Cocker Spaniels are no different. 

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent dogs capable of learning commands and instructions very well. However, the training cost varies on how you approach it. 

For instance, hiring a professional dog trainer could cost you upwards of $2000 or more just to train your dog in some basic commands. 

an american cocker spaniel getting command trained by the owner

There is the option of training your dog yourself. Though you may think you are not to the task of training a dog, there are some AMAZING resources online that you can purchase, which will train and guide you on how to train a dog.

These courses usually cost only a few hundred dollars and may even teach your dog some advanced tricks. This is a very budget-friendly option regarding the training costs, which otherwise could pile up. 

Training is essential to your Cocker Spaniel. If you love spending time with your Cocker Spaniel and have the time to train yourself, you both would have an EXCELLENT time.

It is better when the dog learns from the onset to listen to the owner’s commands as opposed to a professional dog trainer. 

These online resources and courses are developed by world-recognized dog trainers, who know what they are talking about, so you can most certainly TRUST them!

Overall Annual Expenses

The annual costs of owning a Cocker Spaniel will range from $2500 to $3500 or more. They cost just as much as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

The main cost includes meals, vet visits, dog toys, grooming, and other costs. 

Cocker Spaniels are not a cheap breed of dog. It will cost you a pretty penny each year to care for and provide for them. 

Tips on Saving Money for Cocker Spaniel Owners

a cocker spaniel dog with a pink bandana standing next to a wooden fence

When it comes to tips on saving money, the first thing that is the most obvious is to adopt if you can. You will save so much more money if you choose to adopt than have to buy a dog or puppy. 

Adoption is the easiest way to get a Cocker Spaniel at zero to minimum cost. 

Apart from that, you can also save money on grooming by doing the grooming at home.

Bathing and caring for your dog should be something that you enjoy doing. Hence, though professional grooming can be a luxury for many people, it is a luxury many people cannot afford. 

Hence, opt to groom your Cocker Spaniel at home. And while you are at it, train your Cocker Spaniel yourself.

There are tons of online resources and courses that will cost you less than having to hire a professional dog trainer.  

This is somewhere you can choose to save some money.

Lastly, buy pet insurance. Pet insurance, though paid yearly, is a weight off your shoulders. You won’t have to worry about paying thousands of dollars for treatment for conditions your Cocker Spaniel may develop.

You could save a lot of money as the dog ages and vet visitations become more common. 

Other Dog Breeds Pricing Guides:

Final Thoughts

Cocker Spaniels are an AMAZING breed of dog. Considered an expensive breed, dog owners with families adore the charming personalities of these dogs. 

If you were searching for answers regarding the costs of buying and owning a Cocker Spaniel, this buyer’s guide will surely provide you with the answers you were looking for. 

Remember, if you are lucky enough to find a Cocker Spaniel at a local animal shelter looking for a new home, do not waste time and hesitate. These expensive dogs will cost you a pretty penny, while adoption will cost you nearly nothing, if not FREE!

FAQs

Yes, it can be easy to manage more than one Cocker Spaniel as these dogs are typically gentle and have a playful nature.

Yes, Cocker Spaniels are known to be exceptionally friendly and gentle, making them a great companion for family and friends alike.

Yes, maintaining a Cocker Spaniel can be costly, with expenses ranging from $2500 to $3500 annually.

Yes, Cocker Spaniels that have been properly trained are considered safe to have around young children.

Before buying a Cocker Spaniel dog, consider the reputation of the breeder and the source, as well as factors such as age, breed and color. Ask all the questions necessary to ensure you can trust the source.

The price difference between a purebred Cocker Spaniel and a mixed Cocker Spaniel dog can be significant, with a purebred costing up to three times as much as a mixed Cocker Spaniel.

Was this article helpful?

Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

Leave a Comment