How far can a healthy show cocker walk with breaks in a day?

[AtlasPine]

Hi - some advice please from those in the know!

How many miles do you think a fit cocker could walk comfortably and regularly a day with plenty of build up? I love a 20 mile walk and am getting a dog but don’t want to do anything which would make the dog uncomfortable. (Not every day but not a one off walk for a dog not walked much - maybe long walk twice a week).

And 5-10 miles on normal days - is that ok?

You have to be very careful until they’re a year old. Official advice is that walks should be no longer than 5mins x months of age. So 30 mins walk for a 6 month old. Can be more than once a day.

Once they’re a year old they can definitely go 20 miles, but personally I wouldn’t do that straight off and would work them up to that distance. Also be careful in hot weather - I walk mine before 7am and after 8pm in heat. They need water and food on all day walks too.

All day long if they're fit and healthy!

But I wouldn't start long walks like that until around 18-24 months of age

My parents’ cocker cross would be fine with that. DH runs with him occasionally and he’ll happily do 15 miles at sub 4min/km pace. Our neighbour has a cocker x lab who does at least 10 miles per day (I just checked Strava!) and the occasional 20+ miler.

Just make sure that your dog is fit and the fitness is built up. You can't expect a dog that does 40 mins a day to then be able to do a full day hiking.

From experience he/she will do it, and the next day look at you grinning and saying “more please”. Mine would do 30 miles without issue in her prime.

Brilliant - thank you for the advice all.