PetCocker Spaniels are affectionate, merry dogs with those signature long, heavy ears — which are also the source of their most common health expense. Combined with a notable list of eye conditions and skin sensitivity, this is a breed whose everyday vet costs add up. Here's what Canadian owners should plan for.
Cocker Spaniel at a glance
| Typical adult weight | 11–14 kg |
| Height | 36–43 cm at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Breed group | Sporting (Spaniel) |
| Coat & shedding | Long, silky coat; moderate shedding, regular grooming and ear care |
| Energy level | Moderate to high — a merry, active family dog |
| Insurance snapshot | Moderate premiums but high claim frequency — recurring ear, eye and skin issues mean the policy gets used often |
Common Cocker Spaniel health issues
| Condition | How common | Typical treatment cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic ear infections (long, heavy ears) | Very common — the defining ongoing cost | Low to moderate per episode, frequently recurring |
| Cherry eye (prolapsed third-eyelid gland) | Common — often bilateral | Moderate surgery, per eye |
| Glaucoma and other eye disease | Breed-associated | High — can threaten vision; ongoing |
| Skin conditions (allergies, seborrhea) | Common | Variable, often ongoing |
| Hip dysplasia | Moderate | High if surgical |
| Autoimmune conditions (e.g. AIHA) | Elevated relative to some breeds | High if it occurs |
| Ear hematoma (from head shaking) | Common secondary to ear infections | Moderate; may need surgery |
Our Recommendation
For a Cocker Spaniel, comprehensive coverage with a wellness add-on, enrolled early, is a strong fit. This is a 'frequent moderate-cost events' breed — recurring ear and eye problems mean you'll use the policy regularly, and a wellness add-on helps with the routine ear cleaning and maintenance. Enrol before any ear, eye, or skin condition is documented, since these breed-prone issues become pre-existing exclusions fast.
What drives a Cocker Spaniel's insurance cost
Cocker Spaniels are a "frequent moderate-cost events" breed. Their long, heavy ears trap moisture and drive chronic ear infections — the defining recurring cost — and they are prone to cherry eye (~$500–1,200 per eye, often bilateral) plus glaucoma and other eye disease that can threaten vision. Skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and autoimmune conditions such as AIHA round out the picture.
How to structure coverage for a Cocker Spaniel
Comprehensive coverage with a wellness add-on fits well — you'll use the policy regularly for ears, eyes and skin, and the wellness portion offsets routine ear cleaning. Enrol before any ear, eye, or skin condition is documented, since these breed-prone issues become pre-existing exclusions fast — and once one cherry eye is on record, insurers may exclude the condition in both eyes.