Adopting a Cocker Spaniel in London: rescues, rules and health

The count under the short answer is live: it shows every Cocker Spaniel and Cocker cross listed with us in London and within about 35 miles, and our London Cocker Spaniel page links each one to its rescue. Cockapoos have their own page, and the spaniels page shows Springers and other spaniels too.

Battersea says it often sees Cockers given up, "usually because people underestimated the time, training and grooming this breed needs". Spaniel Aid says it receives dozens of applications for young dogs with no issues, while older dogs, pairs and dogs with some behavioural issues often wait several weeks for the right home. That is worth knowing if you are flexible.

A rescue fee pays towards vet work and a dog whose habits its fosterer already knows. Spaniel Aid says its dogs are vet checked, wormed, treated for fleas, vaccinated and neutered where possible, and both spaniel charities add five weeks' free insurance. A bought puppy should already be microchipped by its breeder, as UK law requires by 8 weeks, but neutering and further vaccinations usually come on top of the £400 to £3,000 Blue Cross gives for a puppy.

Then there is the coat. PDSA calls Cockers high maintenance to groom, with a daily brush and, for a show-type coat, a professional clip about every three months. Price a groomer and insurance before you apply.

A rescue Cocker's parents may never have been health tested. The Royal Kennel Club asks breeders for DNA tests for acral mutilation syndrome (AMS) and progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), an inherited eye disease, and recommends tests for adult-onset neuropathy and familial nephropathy (a kidney disease), eye testing and hip scoring. Ask what the rescue's own vet has checked.

• Ears and skin. PDSA lists atopy (allergies causing itchy skin and ear infections) and ear problems, and Battersea says ear infections are common in the breed.
• Eyes. Battersea says Cockers can inherit glaucoma and PRA, and PDSA says there is eye testing for inherited eye conditions.
• Hips and immune system. PDSA also lists hip dysplasia and some auto-immune conditions.

Company matters most. PDSA says Cockers are known for suffering with separation anxiety and should never be left alone for more than four hours, which may still be too much for some. UK Spaniel Rescue won't rehome to a home where the dog would be left longer than that, and if you rent it wants proof that your landlord is happy for you to have a dog.

Energy is the other question. Battersea calls working Cockers "go-go-go types", and show Cockers generally more laid-back, with longer coats. Many are a mix, and PDSA puts the minimum at an hour of exercise a day, so ask the fosterer what this dog is like on a London walk.

Rescue Cockers are adopted, not sold. You apply for a particular dog, the rescue chooses the home that suits it best, and you pay its adoption fee. Young dogs draw many applicants, so be open to an adult or an older dog.

If you decide to buy, Battersea says to choose a breeder who health-tests both parents and can tell you whether the line is working or show, and The Royal Kennel Club runs a "Find a puppy" service. Dogs Trust suggests asking your vet about a pre-purchase consultation. Report a suspected scam advert to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud.