Cocker Spaniel

Description: The American Cocker Spaniel has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size. American Cocker Spaniels have a much thicker coat and elegant trousers as opposed to their cousin the English Cocker Spaniel. Known as a merry Cocker, they have charmed themselves into many households through out the world making them the world’s most popular household pet. An excellent bird and small-game hunter, great companion, good with children and all around friendly, lively guy.

Other Names: Cocker Spaniel

Type: Gun Dog

Height: 14 -15 in. Weight: 24 -28 lbs.

Colors: Black, jet black, shading of brown or liver in sheen of coat undesirable; black and tan and brown and tan, with definite tan markings on jet black or brown body; particolors and tricolors. Coat: Short and fine on head, medium length on body, with enough undercoat to give protection.

Temperament: Cocker Spaniels are active, friendly With Children: Yes, if from good blood lines they are exceptionally good with children. With Pets: Yes, sociable and gentle. Special Skills: Field sports dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: High Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: Need careful grooming for about forty-five minutes twice a weeks is definitely necessary for the American Cocker Spaniel. They adapt well to city dwelling, but need sufficient exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight. Learning Rate: High, Obedience – High, Problem Solving – Low

Activity: Indoors – Medium, Outdoors – High Living Environment: Apartment, house, country or city as long as they are exercised the American Cocker Spaniel will adapt. An owner of a Cocker Spaniel should be willing to spend time grooming their coat and handling them every day.

Health Issues: The Cocker Spaniel is quite hardy, but may experience a variety of inherited disorders such as eye problems, hip dysplasia, slipping stifles and epilepsy.

Life Span: 10 – 14 years Litter Size: 4 – 6

Country of Origin: USA History: Despite his name, the American Cocker Spaniel is in fact originally a breed of Spanish blood. The Spanish Spaniel is considered to be the oldest of the recognized spaniels. Developed by crossing setters and spaniels, it was during the seventeen century they were divided into the water and land spaniels. In 1892 the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a breed in England. In the late 1870’s the breed was brought to the United States and here he was developed quite different lines from the English Cocker and is now registered as a separate breed.

First Registered by the AKC: 1878 AKC Group: Sporting Group Class: Gundog Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 8), KC(GB), UKC