Cocker Spaniels

Cockers are great family dogs, although some have been known to be snappy.  If you can meet the parents, see how their dispositions are and socialize! socialize! socialize!  I know that they can have allergies and hip/elbow problems, also problems with their eye's (I think it's called cherry eye).  Talk to the breeder and make sure the parents are tested for problems Cocker Spaniels have and if you find a reputable breeder, they should disclose any known familial problems.

I have a 2 year old Chocolate cocker spaniel. She is generally a pretty good dog but seems to be snappy at times but otherwise she is a very sweet dog  She did have "cherry Eye" when I got her but we had that removed and she is doing fine.
 

Cockers are wonderful dogs.  I've had and bred cockers.  Unfortunately, for a while there they were in the top 10 most popular dog and were WAYYY overbred and often bred poorly.  A well bred cocker spaniel, from stable, HEALTH TESTED parents, can be a wonderful pet.  A cocker from a byb can be a nitemare of genetic health problems and behavioral problems.

Hi! I own an Amer. Cocker Spaniel. She is my first dog ever. Very attentive, good listener and very quick to learn and please. I would highly recommend this breed to anyone! Grooming is a little much. Allergies run high. Ears need tended to weekly( cleaning ). She is truely terrific! always happy to see me very versitile. likes the car too. A little exiteable about new things and people in a happy way!
                           sincerely,
                                   Mary Jane

They need to be groomed every 6-8 weeks and are prone to matting around their skirts  (if you chose to groom them that way)
 
As far as what I've observed, a whole lot are plauged with ear problems. We have seen cockers with ears that are open and bleeding because they're so sore and I have also seen a great number of older cockers who the vet said they would be more comfortable if they just sew up the ear canal so no more bacteria can get into it.
 
Also a lot have problems with anal glands and they can be prone to obesity. We once had a little old lady bring in her ancient cocker who was about 50 pounds! The lady says that she gives the dog a cup of food in the morning, and then fills it up again when the dog finishes it- so it's never empty! Poor dog waddles when it walks and has infections in the skin-folds.
 
A lot are very sweet, and a lot are nasty. Agreed it's in the breeding, but I've seen a cocker from generations of titles and champions be a biter, and then a rescue cocker be an absolute angel.
They also have a nervous/excited piddle thing going on sometimes too.
 
They probably were/are so popular thanks to Disney's Lady and the Tramp.

My Mom has a cocker but the ear problems only came on as she got older. They got really bad and the vet said that my Mom could take her to the university of Mn and have her ear canals removed and then sew her ears down but my mom wouldnt do that. Anway my Mom just kept cleaning her ears until she was about 12 then she put her to sleep so she didnt have to suffer anymore. Other than the ear problems Blondie was a great dog and always loved when kids would stop by to visit and pet her.