American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel: BREED BOX Country: United States Size: 24-30lb (11-13.6 kg), 14-15 in (36-38 cm) Temperament: Affectionate, geat with children Grooming: Extensive Recognition: FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC

The American Cocker Spaniel has been one of the most popular dogs in the United States for decades. At one time this breed and the English Cocker Spaniel were considered the same breed but they have been separated in the U.S. and in Great Britain (and elsewhere) since the 1940s. Although similar in many ways, the two breeds are different today. In the U.S. “Cocker Spaniel” refers to the American Cocker Spaniel. In the U.K. “Cocker Spaniel” refers to the English Cocker Spaniel.

Breed History

Spaniels have been around since about the 14th century when they were already separated into land and water spaniels. The land spaniels were then further divided based on their size and function. The “cocker” spaniel was used for hunting woodcock. They were the smallest of the spaniels at that time and they are still the smallest spaniels today in the Sporting Group. They began appearing at dog shows in England in 1883 and they were recognized by the Kennel Club in Britain in 1892.

Cocker Spaniels were recognized by the AKC in 1878. In the United States the Cocker Spaniel began to develop a slightly different type, size and coloring from the dogs in Britain. Many of these changes were made to allow the dogs to hunt game that was native to the U.S. which wasn’t found in Britain. This led to a divergence in the breed between dogs in the U.S. and those in the U.K. By the 1940s the two types of Cocker Spaniels had become separate breeds in the U.S. This difference was finally recognized in the U.K. in 1970. The difference was recognized by separating the dogs into the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Breeding between the two breeds is not allowed.

Appearance

The American Cocker Spaniel is a small spaniel with a sturdy, compact body. They should be merry and well-balanced. They have a rounded skull with an intelligent, alert expression and soft, appealing eyes. The breed has long spaniel ears. American Cockers typically have very long, profuse coats that can reach the floor if they are allowed to grow out and if they are properly cared for. The tail is docked.

The coat comes in several colors: black, ASCOB (any solid color other than black) and parti-colored. Parti-colored dogs have two or more solid, well-broken colors, one of which must be white. Dogs can also have tan points

The American Cocker Spaniel stands 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They typically weigh 24 to 30 pounds, although pets may weigh more since the dogs are inclined to gain weight.

In The Home

The American Cocker Spaniel has long been one of the most popular pets in the United States. They were the number one dog registered in the U.S. for 25 years. They are a medium-sized dog with a gentle, happy personality. They are generally easy to care for and they are usually good with children. They are very affectionate and willing to please.

The Cocker Spaniel does require regular daily exercise. They are a sporting breed and they are an active dog. They need play and some room to run. They can do very well as apartment dogs, provided they have a dog park or a place to run and play each day. However, they usually do best if they live in the country or in a suburban setting with a yard of their own.

Cocker Spaniels typically get along very well with other pets, including other dogs and cats.

As with most dogs, Cockers should be socialized from a young age to help them build confidence and to avoid behavior problems as adults. Take your Cocker puppy with you to places where dogs are welcome. Encourage unfamiliar people to pet your puppy and introduce your puppy to other friendly dogs who are leashed. Socialization at this young age can prevent problems like separation anxiety, nuisance barking and destructive chewing later on.

Cocker Spaniels are easy to train and they can do well at obedience, rally and agility. You may want to consider taking your Cocker Spaniel to obedience classes to teach him some basic obedience.

As sporting dogs, Cocker Spaniels can have a “soft” temperament. This means that they do not respond well to harsh training methods or to anger or being yelled at. When training your Cocker or teaching him anything, you will get the best results if you use positive reinforcement. Praise him and give him treats and he will learn fast.

Care

Cocker Spaniels do have a long, heavy coat. For show purposes this coat is pampered and groomed. However, many pet owners choose a simpler haircut for their dogs. You can talk to a pet groomer about the best way to keep your Cocker Spaniel’s coat. Some people keep their dogs trimmed very short. Other people choose a pet style that simulates a show cut without all the work. You will need to brush your Cocker regularly and he will need regular baths. You will also need to clean his ears regularly to avoid ear infections. Cocker Spaniels are particularly prone to ear problems. You will also need to trim his nails regularly.

As with other dogs, the Cocker Spaniel is subject to some potential health problems. If you are interested in getting a Cocker Spaniel you should talk to a breeder about possible health problems in the breed. Ask about health testing. Health testing can often help avoid problems from being passed on to a dog’s offspring.

Problems that may occur with Cocker Spaniels include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), canine glaucoma, lens luxation, juvenile cataracts, and hip dysplasia. Of course, not all of these problems occur in every dog but you should talk to a breeder about the issues.

Where to Find a Cocker Spaniel

It’s always a good idea to look for a good breeder. The AKC parent club for the American Cocker Spaniel in the United States is the American Spaniel Club. You can contact them for information about breeders and for more information about the breed. You can also contact them for information about Cocker Spaniel rescue.

There are many Cocker Spaniels in the United States and it’s not uncommon to find Cockers in animal shelters. Even with rescue volunteers trying to help dogs, they can’t get to every Cocker Spaniel in the U.S. Check with your local animal shelter to see if they have a Cocker Spaniel who needs a home.

• Ideal Owners: With their loving and charming personalities the American Cocker Spaniel makes wonderful family pets. They are outgoing, friendly and socialable dogs. They are great companion and children dog
• Other Names: Cocker Spaniel
• Coat Color: Variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 13 years

American Cocker Spaniel Reviews

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