Traditionally dogs are 'sized' according to weight. Naturally there is an average weight range for each breed, with cocker spaniels this is approximately: dogs 12.5 kg - 14.5kg's and bitches 11.5 - 13kg's. These are approximate guides only.

Body weight comprises the muscles, internal organs, water, skeleton (bones), blood & adipose tissue (fat). Strong bone & good muscle tone add to the weight of a dog, however so does excess stored body fat!

Because of the wide variety in bone (substance) & muscle condition found on a dog, the ideal weight for a dog varies. A small boned, poorly muscled dog (unless obviously obese) will weigh less than a big boned, well muscled dog of the same height, therefore the best judge of optimum body condition is by visual means as opposed to the weighing scales.

To allow a dog to live a long, healthy & active life he should be kept in an 'ideal' condition. There are various serious & debilitating ailments associated with excess weight & obesity or indeed in emaciated dogs, these can be avoided or be at a greatly reduced risk of occurrence by keeping a dog in optimum body condition.

Because 'feathering' hides the outline of a dog, the body condition chart below shows the silhouettes of Labrador Retrievers & not Cocker Spaniels - the principle is the same though!

Arial View	Profile	Description
		Emaciated - Rib, lumbar vertebrae (spine), pelvic bones ('pin' bones) & all bony parts are evident (even from a distance). Very narrow across the back, often little more than a hand spans width. No discernible body fat & obvious absence of muscle mass.  Generally unthrifty looking.
		Thin - Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat covering the rib cage. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones less prominent but noticeable. Obvious waist & abdominal tuck (cockers do not normally have a noticeable abdominal tuck).
		Ideal - Ribs not visible but palpable without excess fat covering. Abdomen tucked up naturally & only visible when viewed from side. Waist is visible behind the ribs when viewed from above. Dog is 'padded' but not fat.  He has an 'hour glass' figure & looks healthy, is capable of being fit & active.
		Overweight - General fleshy appearance. Ribs palpable with difficulty. Noticeable fat deposits over shoulder region, over the neck, lumbar spine & tail base. Abdominal tuck is minimal & width across the back has widened. The neck becomes 'stuffy' & has no graceful contours. The dog appears to be one width from front to rear rather than an 'hour glass' figure. Dog will be less nimble than normal & may puff and pant when exercising.
		Obese - Large fat deposits over chest, shoulders, spine & tail base. Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Dog has a 'barrel' shape. Fat deposits evident on the neck & limbs. The neck loses length & look as if it is directly attached to the body. Abdomen distended, width across the back very broad with a sagging topline. Dog will have difficulty moving around & be reluctant to exercise & lack stamina.

All drawings are for illustrative purposes only & have been drawn by Powerscourt Cocker Spaniels.