Pet Wiki

Sprocker Spaniel

Canis lupus familiaris

Also called Sprocker, Springer Spaniel x Cocker Spaniel

A lively, loving spaniel that throws itself into everything it does.

SizeMedium
Weight13.6 to 20.4 kg (30 to 45 lb)12
Height36 to 51 cm (14 to 20 in)12
Lifespan10 to 15 years12
CoatMedium, silky, wavy, feathered
OriginBritain; the deliberate cross is said to have started with gamekeepers, with TrustedHousesitters pointing to Scotland.12
CrossbreedShort profile
tireless and enthusiastic worker
loyal and affectionate
clever and eager to please
12

Personality what they are like

A lively, loving spaniel that throws itself into everything it does. Given enough to do, it is gentle and devoted at home, and its sharp mind and wish to please make it a keen learner, especially when training feels like a job.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, silky, wavy, feathered

A silky, wavy coat with longer feathering on the ears, legs, belly and tail, on a sturdy, athletic spaniel frame with long drop ears.12

Coloursblackliverblack and whiteliver and whiteredcreamfawnblue12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sprocker Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. At least 60-80 minutes of energetic exercise every day, plus scent games, retrieving or training to use its nose and brain.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush most days, with a thorough session weekly, paying extra attention to the feathering on ears, belly and paws. Check and clean the ears weekly and keep nails and teeth in good order.12

Home where they are happiest

Best in an active home with outdoor space, ideally rural or with easy access to fields and walks, and owners who enjoy being outdoors.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A good-quality complete food suited to an active medium dog. Puppies eat three to four smaller meals a day before moving to adult food at around 11 months.2

Company who they like around

Friendly and fond of company. Usually good with children and other pets when well socialised, with supervised play for young kids.12

The story where it all began

The Sprocker grew out of working spaniel circles in Britain, where gamekeepers crossed English Springer and Cocker Spaniels to get a tough, keen gundog for rough ground. Hepper dates the planned cross to around the late 1990s. Both parents share old roots as flushing spaniels used for hunting birds.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name simply blends 'Springer' and 'Cocker'.1

  2. 2

    It was first bred by gamekeepers as a hardy working gundog, not as a pet.2

  3. 3

    The Cocker parent gets its name from hunting woodcock.3

  4. 4

    Spaniels were already described in writing in the 14th century by Gaston III, Count of Foix.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Sprocker' is a portmanteau of 'Springer' and 'Cocker', referring to the cross between an English Springer Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel. Historically, both types were born in the same litters until they were separated into distinct breeds in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.4

Name ideas for your new friend

HamishBonnieSkyeFergusIslaPoppySprocketBrambleCloverArchieDaisyPip

A day in the life told by a Sprocker Spaniel

I'm a Sprocker Spaniel, and every day is a grand adventure. I wake up, stretch, and start sniffing the air for today's mission. First, a game of fetch in the garden – I never get tired of chasing that ball. Then a long walk where I investigate every scent, especially the one under that bush. Back home, I help with chores by nudging socks and bringing toys. After a good cuddle on the sofa, it's time for a nap, dreaming of tomorrow's escapades. Life is full of joy when you're a spaniel!

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

The Royal Kennel Club
Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.5

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sprocker Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your adult Sprocker at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals until about 11 months. Exact times can vary with your routine, but regular meal times help digestion. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.26 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Sprocker Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A good-quality complete food for an active medium dog is ideal. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, keep these well away. For any concerns, ask your vet.27

How often should I bathe a Sprocker Spaniel?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but always use a dog-safe shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Sprocker Spaniel need brushing?

Brush most days to keep the silky coat tangle-free, with a thorough session at least once a week. Pay extra attention to the feathering on ears, belly, and paws. Regular brushing also helps bond with your dog.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Sprocker Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Sprocker Spaniel need?

Your Sprocker needs at least 60 to 80 minutes of energetic exercise every day, plus scent games, retrieving, or training to use its sharp mind. This active breed thrives with outdoor adventures and play.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Sprocker Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste only, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Clean ears gently without pushing anything into the canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.128 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Sprocker Spaniel live?

A Sprocker Spaniel typically lives between 10 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a loving home, many enjoy a long, happy life.12

Is a Sprocker Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, this friendly breed is usually good with children and other pets when well socialised. Supervise play with young kids to keep everyone safe and happy. Early socialisation helps build a gentle, devoted companion.12

Can a Sprocker Spaniel be left alone?

Sprockers are very fond of company and may struggle with long periods alone. How long they can be left varies by individual; it's best to ask a good breeder or your vet for advice tailored to your dog. They thrive in an active home where someone is often around.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

English Springer SpanielField SpanielWelsh Springer Spaniel

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Sprocker Spaniel Breed Guide - TrustedHousesitters trustedhousesitters.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, living
  2. Sprocker Spaniel - Hepper articles.hepper.comused for history, size, lifespan, colours, exercise, grooming, diet, fun facts
  3. Cocker Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for parent breed history, fun facts
  4. sprocker.org sprocker.org
  5. What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.