Understanding the Cocker Spaniel growth chart is a must for pet owners to ensure that their furry friend is maintaining a healthy weight. But to start this off, how much a Cocker Spaniel will weigh actually depends on its type.
The American Cocker Spaniel usually stands from 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall and weighs 20 to 30 pounds; meanwhile, the English Cocker Spaniel’s weight varies from 26 to 34 pounds and measures 18 to 23 inches in height.
However, these numbers are only for full-grown Cocker Spaniels. Fortunately, this guide will discuss the Cocker Spaniel puppy growth chart, which shows how much your dog should weigh at its various life stages.
Cocker Spaniel Growth and Weight Chart by Age
While purchasing your puppy from a reputable Cocker Spaniel breeder is the best way to get a healthy dog, you should still make sure their development follows the specific growth curve for their age, physical activity, and gender.
This includes closely monitoring their monthly weight gain, which can be tricky to conduct if you have never had a Cocker Spaniel puppy before.
American Cocker Spaniel
To make things easier, the following is an American Cocker Spaniel weight chart that shows the ideal weight of both male and female American Cocker Spaniels at different ages:
| Age | Male Weight | Female Weight |
| 1 month old | 2–3 lbs (1–1.5 kg) | 1–2 lbs (0.5–1 kg) |
| 2 months old | 3–6.5 lbs (1.5–3 kg) | 1–4 lbs (0.5–2 kg) |
| 3 months old | 10–14.5 lbs (4.5–6.5 kg) | 5–10 lbs (2–4.5 kg) |
| 4 months old | 9–17 lbs (4–7.5 kg) | 5–12.5 lbs (2–5.5 kg) |
| 5 months old | 15–22 lbs (7–10 kg) | 10–15 lbs (4.5–7 kg) |
| 6 months old | 19–25 lbs (8.5–11 kg) | 13–18 lbs (6–8 kg) |
| 7 months old | 22–27.5 lbs (10–12.5 kg) | 14–19 lbs (6.5–8.5 kg) |
| 8 months old | 24.5–29 lbs (11–13 kg) | 15.5–20 lbs (7–9 kg) |
| 9 months old | 23–29.5 lbs (10.5–13.5 kg) | 18–21.5 lbs (8–10 kg) |
| 10 months old | 24–30 lbs (11–13.5 kg) | 19–22.5 lbs (8.5–10 kg) |
| 11 months old | 25–30.5 lbs (11.5–14 kg) | 20–23 lbs (9–10.5 kg) |
| 12 months old | 25–31 lbs (11.5–14 kg) | 20–24.5 lbs (9–11.5 kg) |
| Fully grown | 25–30 lbs (11.5–13.5 kg) | 20–25 lbs (9–11.5 kg) |
English Cocker Spaniel
Meanwhile, here is a growth chart for male and female English Cocker Spaniels by age:
| Age | Male Weight | Female Weight |
| 1 month old | 3–6 lbs (1.5–2 kg) | 1–4 lbs (0.5–1.5 kg) |
| 2 months old | 6–18 lbs (2–8 kg) | 4–16 lbs (1.5–7 kg) |
| 3 months old | 13–22 lbs (6–10 kg) | 12–20 lbs (5.5–9 kg) |
| 4 months old | 15–24 lbs (6.5–11 kg) | 13–22 lbs (6–10 kg) |
| 5 months old | 21–26 lbs (9.5–12 kg) | 18–24 lbs (8–11 kg) |
| 6 months old | 22–27 lbs (10–12 kg) | 19–25 lbs (8.5–11 kg) |
| 7 months old | 23–29 lbs (10.5–13 kg) | 20–26 lbs (9–12 kg) |
| 8 months old | 24–30 lbs (11–13.5 kg) | 21–27 lbs (9.5–12 kg) |
| 9 months old | 25–31.5 lbs (11.5–14 kg) | 22–28 lbs (10–12.5 kg) |
| 10 months old | 26–32 lbs (12–14.5 kg) | 23–30 lbs (10.5–13.5 kg) |
| 11 months old | 27–33 lbs (12–15 kg) | 25–31 lbs (11.5–14 kg) |
| 12 months old | 28–35 lbs (12.5–16 kg) | 26–31.5 lbs (12–14 kg) |
| Fully grown | 28–34 lbs (12.5–15.5 kg) | 26–32 lbs (12–14.5 kg) |
The growth curve above illustrates that even if male Cocker Spaniels typically have more weight than female dogs, both are still considered medium-sized when fully grown.
However, remember that many aspects can affect the height and weight of a dog, including the exact Cocker Spaniel genetics, diet, environment, and the presence of an underlying disease.
Some breeders have also developed smaller versions of the breed, known as miniature Cocker Spaniels, which fall below the breed’s standards in terms of size.
At What Age Are Cocker Spaniels Fully Grown?
Generally, Cocker Spaniels stop growing and develop their adult weight and size at around 14 to 24 months of age. This means your pup will grow from a tiny ball of fluff into an energetic, playful dog in just a few short months.
You should note, though, that this is only an average. Most American and English Cocker Spaniels will take longer than other dogs to reach maturity, whereas some will attain it by the time they are twelve months old.
Furthermore, how much food you give them will have an impact on their growth rate as well. If you unknowingly overfeed or underfeed your Cocker Spaniel puppy, it can either grow too fast or too slow.
Therefore, English and American Cocker Spaniel owners should be aware of the proper nutrition required for their growing puppies.
How Big Do Full-Grown Cocker Spaniels Get?
Full-grown Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with short legs and lengthy bodies. However, the average Cocker Spaniel’s weight, length, and height vary based on the gender and variety of your pet.
For example, the English Cocker Spaniel’s height ranges from 14 to 17 inches tall, while the American Cocker Spaniel’s height is 13.5 to 15.5 inches at the shoulder.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Cocker Spaniel is also generally smaller and lighter at 25 to 30 pounds for adult males and 20 to 25 pounds for adult females.
On the other hand, the English Cocker Spaniel’s weight can be anywhere from 28 to 34 pounds for adult male dogs and 26 to 32 pounds for adult female dogs.
In terms of body length, an American Cocker Spaniel is about 24 to 29 inches long from head to tail tip. Meanwhile, an English Cocker Spaniel measures 24 to 27 inches long from nose to tail base.
Here’s a table showing the average height, weight, and length of full-grown American Cocker Spaniels for males and females:
| Height | Weight | Length | |
| Male | 14.5-15.5 in (37–40 cm) | 25–30 lbs (11.5–13.5 kg) | 26-29 in (66-74 cm) |
| Female | 13.5–14.5 in (34–37 cm) | 20–25 lbs (9–11.5 kg) | 24-27 in (61-69 cm) |
Here’s a table showing the average height, weight, and length of full-grown English Cocker Spaniels for males and females:
| Height | Weight | Length | |
| Male | 15–17 in (38–43 cm) | 28–34 lbs (12.5–15.5 kg) | 25-27 in (63.5-68.5 cm) |
| Female | 14–16 in (36–41 cm) | 26–32 lbs (12–14.5 kg) | 24-26 in (61-66 cm) |
While the ideal Cocker Spaniel weight, length, and height discussed above are just guidelines, you can use them to determine if your adult dog is at the right weight, overweight, or underweight.
It should also be noted that as your American or English Cocker Spaniel grows, it will likely change in size and shape. This is particularly true with male dogs, as they tend to have a stockier build than female dogs.
How Do I Know How Big My Cocker Spaniel Will Get?
There are several different approaches to estimating the maximum weight and size of an adult male or female Cocker Spaniel.
First, by looking at the Cocker Spaniel growth chart discussed earlier, you can see how big your Cocker Spaniel puppy will get at different ages.
Then, you can use a bathroom scale and measure your dog’s weight each month to determine whether they are growing as expected.
Second, you can get an accurate estimate of your Cocker Spaniel’s weight by taking them to a vet for a checkup. The vet will measure their height and weight and use these numbers to calculate the dog’s body condition score.
Another way is to visit the breeder or kennel where you got your American or English Cocker Spaniel puppy. Genetics plays a vital role in determining a dog’s adult weight, so it may also be helpful to examine its parents.
Finally, DNA testing is also highly recommended because the Cocker Spaniel’s growth pattern is unique in the dog population. This will inform you how much your dog should properly weigh as an adult.
Moreover, a DNA test will allow you to know whether your puppy has genetic health problems — such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, or heart diseases — that could affect its growth rate or health later in life.
Cocker Spaniel Growth and Development by Age (With Pictures)
Cocker Spaniel puppies usually grow at a slow pace, and they are not fully developed until they are 15 months old. But to understand the process, it is first necessary to look at how the breed develops from birth to adulthood.
Following a discussion of the Cocker Spaniel growth chart, here is a brief overview of the most important stages in the development of American and English Cocker Spaniels by age:
4-Week-Old Cocker Spaniel
During the first four weeks of an American or English Cocker Spaniel puppy, aspiring dog owners should expect them to be quite small and fragile.
According to the Cocker Spaniel weight chart, the average weight of a four-week-old puppy is between one and three pounds, with male dogs weighing slightly heavier than female Cocker Spaniel pups.
Keep in mind, though, that they can’t consume solid puppy food yet at this point, so you will need to provide them with a milk formula if a mother’s colostrum is unavailable.
Puppy owners should also schedule routine vet checkups after bringing their new best friend home. Doing so can help ensure that genetic health issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), are caught early on.
8-Week-Old Cocker Spaniel
Once your Cocker Spaniel reaches eight weeks, you can now transition it to a full-fledged puppy diet. This will ensure that your dog will get all the nutrients it needs to meet the demands of its growing body.
You should also be aware that your canine will be teething at this stage, so make sure you purchase plenty of chew toys for entertainment purposes.
Moreover, eight-week-old Cocker Spaniels will not only start to interact and socialize with other dogs and people but may also begin showing signs of dominance and unwanted traits such as excessive braking.
To avoid this, you should teach your dog basic obedience cues with the help of treats and other positive reinforcement techniques.
12-Week-Old Cocker Spaniel
As the picture of this black-colored English Cocker Spaniel at 12 weeks old shows, these dogs usually grow slowly. This is because they are still in the puppy stage, with 5 to 14.5 pounds of weight and little muscle mass.
However, as your dog ages, you will notice that its body becomes more muscular, its medium-shedding coat thickens, and its face grows longer and more defined.
At 12 weeks, an American or English Cocker Spaniel should also be able to stand up without wobbling or falling over.
5-Month-Old Cocker Spaniel
A 5-month-old American Cocker Spaniel female, at the peak of its growth spurt, will weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. The male Cocker Spaniel weight, on the other hand, typically ranges from 15 to 22 pounds.
At this growth stage, your puppy will start to really hit their stride, and before you know it, those adult teeth will start coming in, and they will be able to eat solid dog food.
Furthermore, fur parents of female dogs may be interested to know that this is also the period when their pets become sexually mature.
For instance, if you own a female English Cocker Spaniel that is 20 weeks old, its first heat cycle will most likely occur around this time.
6-Month-Old Cocker Spaniel
From being small puppies and eating only easy-to-digest puppy food, six-month-old American and English Cocker Spaniels are ready to begin their journey into adolescence.
They are at the peak of their physical development; therefore, they will need proper nutrition, daily exercise, and constant mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Spaying and neutering should also be considered by owners of a six-month-old American or English Cocker Spaniel. Such procedures can help prevent reproductive disorders and pyometra in these dogs.
9-Month-Old Cocker Spaniel
At nine months old, your Cocker Spaniel should have reached most of its adult size. Its body type will be set, so you should not see much more growth in terms of length.
However, you should expect to see some steady weight gain as your dog continues to develop. This is due to its skeletal system growing in density and mass.
As for their mental development, these dogs are still very much puppies. They will be able to focus on tasks they are given but may also be easily distracted by other things happening around them.
12-Month-Old Cocker Spaniel
When your Cocker Spaniel reaches the age of 12 months, you can now gradually introduce adult dog food into their diet. This will help ensure they get the right amount of nutrients required to maintain a healthy weight.
In addition, a one-year-old canine may look significantly different from when they were born. Examples include a change in coat texture and a shift in body shape towards an adult form.
During this period, these dogs will also start to show signs of maturity and independence.
My very own 4-year-old buff Cocker Spaniel, PauPau, has attained its full-grown size by the time it reached 12 months of age However, its long and silky hair did not stop growing up until a couple of months more.
However, at that stage, I did not stop giving it the supplementation I had been giving for its growth and skin and coat development so that its full potential could be achieved.
2-Year-Old Cocker Spaniel (Fully Grown)
Unlike small dogs such as Shih Tzus, Maltese, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds, which often take nine months to mature, Cocker Spaniels stop growing once they have reached 15 months old.
Thus, once your American or English Cocker Spaniel turns two years old, you can expect that it will stay the same size for the rest of its lifespan. You will also find that your adult Cocker Spaniel’s metabolism is affected by age.
So to avoid exceeding the average weight for these dogs, it is best to feed your canine an appropriate amount of dog food daily.
By understanding all these stages, you can give your American or English Cocker Spaniel the best possible life and make sure they live to their fullest potential.
This short video also shows how an English Cocker Spaniel puppy grows and changes over time, from birth to two years old:
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Should a 6-Month-Old Cocker Spaniel Be?
Based on the Cocker Spaniel growth chart earlier, the expected weight and height of a 6-month-old dog depend on its sex and whether it is an American or English Cocker Spaniel.
Specifically, a 6-month-old male English Cocker Spaniel is heavier than its female counterpart, with an average weight of around 22 to 27 pounds. Meanwhile, a male American Cocker Spaniel weighs 19 to 25 pounds.
In contrast, the female English Cocker Spaniel weight generally varies between 19 and 25 pounds at six months of age, while the female American Cocker Spaniel puppy weighs between 13 and 18 pounds during this period.
How Does Neutering/Spaying Affect My Cocker Spaniel’s Growth?
Neutering/spaying your Cocker Spaniel can help prevent unwanted puppies and many health problems, such as uterine and breast cancer, testicular tumors, and prostatitis. But they can also affect your puppy’s growth.
In female Cocker Spaniels, spaying may lead to a decrease in appetite, weight gain, and changes in behavior. This is most likely due to their reduced estrogen levels following the surgery.
Conversely, male Cocker Spaniel puppies will experience a growth spurt after being neutered that can last up to two years. In some cases, they can grow too fast and become overweight or obese.
What Weight Is Overweight for a Cocker Spaniel?
The Cocker Spaniel growth graph indicated that the breed’s ideal dog weight, regardless of gender and whether it is an American or an English Cocker Spaniel, should be between 20 and 34 pounds.
Hence, if you have a Cocker Spaniel weighing more than 34 pounds, you should consider reducing its dog food intake to achieve weight loss. It is also possible to increase your dog’s exercise routine to help it lose weight.
However, before changing anything in your pet’s diet or lifestyle habits, consult with a vet first. They will help you determine what factors may have contributed to your puppy’s weight gain and suggest the right treatments.
What Size Crate Does a Cocker Spaniel Need?
Unlike its small King Charles cousin, an American or English Cocker Spaniel needs a medium-sized crate. The crate’s exact size will depend on your dog’s age, but a 24″ x 17″ x 19″ high one will be suitable for most adult dogs.
Such a dog crate will run you between $50 and $370. This range reflects the different types of crates available today, including plastic, wire, wooden, and metal.
However, if you are looking for something that is easy to move around, consider getting a foldable dog crate instead of a standard one. This will allow your Cocker Spaniel to travel with you without feeling unsafe.
Final Thoughts
Cocker Spaniels, in general, are one of the most popular purebred dogs in the United States. However, many dog owners aren’t sure how to monitor their Cocker Spaniel’s weight and development.
Hence, they end with an American or English Cocker Spaniel that’s overweight or underweight.
But if you want to make sure your dog’s life is as happy and healthy as possible, then you need to know how to keep your Cocker Spaniel puppy growing at a healthy rate.
Hopefully, the Cocker Spaniel growth chart provided in this guide assisted you in understanding your Cocker Spaniel’s development process. This way, you can help your pooch grow up strong and fit.
So now that you know the average size and weight of a healthy Cocker Spaniel during its various life stages, tell us about your dog’s weight in the comments! Be sure to bookmark this Cocker Spaniel growth chart as well!
