Cocker Spaniels have been around since about the 14th century; however, these early Cockers were all known as English Cocker Spaniels. After they were brought to the U.S. in the early 1600s, some of the dogs were bred down in size and renamed American Cocker Spaniels. These smaller Cockers were popular among many hunters when hunting woodcocks. Today, American Cockers are still favorite hunting dogs that are able to work on both wet and dry land. Their name is believed to come from the woodcock, which they were excellent at flushing and retrieving. The American Kennel Club first recognized the American Cocker Spaniel as a sporting dog breed in 1873.
The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog that has a round and long head with hanging ears. It has a silky, wavy coat, which needs to be trimmed regularly. Excessive coats can hinder the agility of the dogs. They have soft expressions. The American Cocker Spaniel, also known as the Cocker or Cocker Spaniel, was developed in the United States and is one of the smallest dog breeds in the AKC’s sporting group. Originally bred to hunt woodcocks, the American Cocker Spaniel is not to be confused with today’s English Cocker Spaniel, which has a longer muzzle and stockier body. The American Cocker is a relatively small spaniel that can weigh anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds fully grown. They have a rounded head, short muzzle and can come in many different colors including orange, red, chocolate, black and tan, parti-colored, and merle. While most Cockers have dark brown eyes, merles often have blue eyes. These dogs have long ears with flowing hair and tails that are typically docked. Many of them also sport luxurious feathering on their legs and bellies.
Personality
The Cocker Spaniel is known as the “merry” Cocker which describes this breed accurately. It is playful, sweet, cheerful and willing to please. But it also has a mind of its own and is known to be mischievous or manipulative. They need a firm, yet gentle hand when it comes to training, as they are sensitive and easily stressed by rough treatment or handling. They are generally good with children, as well as with other pets. They need regular exercise in the form of daily walks to be happy and healthy. The American Cocker is a lively sporting breed that loves to play and explore. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your family, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of room for it to run. While originally bred to be an expert hunting dog, Cockers make fantastic family pets as well. These are cheerful and gentle dogs that make terrific family pets. However, they also have strong hunting instincts making them excellent hunting dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spaniels |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Cocker, American Cocker Spaniel |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Cocker Spaniel Build Information
The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog that has a round and long head with hanging ears. It has a silky, wavy coat, which needs to be trimmed regularly. Excessive coats can hinder the agility of the dogs. They have soft expressions. The American Cocker Spaniel, also known as the Cocker or Cocker Spaniel, was developed in the United States and is one of the smallest dog breeds in the AKC’s sporting group. Originally bred to hunt woodcocks, the American Cocker Spaniel is not to be confused with today’s English Cocker Spaniel, which has a longer muzzle and stockier body. The American Cocker is a relatively small spaniel that can weigh anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds fully grown. They have a rounded head, short muzzle and can come in many different colors including orange, red, chocolate, black and tan, parti-colored, and merle. While most Cockers have dark brown eyes, merles often have blue eyes. These dogs have long ears with flowing hair and tails that are typically docked. Many of them also sport luxurious feathering on their legs and bellies.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
The Cocker Spaniel is known as the “merry” Cocker which describes this breed accurately. It is playful, sweet, cheerful and willing to please. But it also has a mind of its own and is known to be mischievous or manipulative. They need a firm, yet gentle hand when it comes to training, as they are sensitive and easily stressed by rough treatment or handling. They are generally good with children, as well as with other pets. They need regular exercise in the form of daily walks to be happy and healthy. The American Cocker is a lively sporting breed that loves to play and explore. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your family, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of room for it to run. While originally bred to be an expert hunting dog, Cockers make fantastic family pets as well. These are cheerful and gentle dogs that make terrific family pets. However, they also have strong hunting instincts making them excellent hunting dogs.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
While many owners prefer to clip their Cocker’s hair, if you choose to leave it long, you will want to brush it at least every other day. Since many of these dogs love to play in underbrush, you will also want to check your Cocker’s hair for burrs from time to time. Finally, you will need to bathe your pet and clip its nails when necessary.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Cocker Spaniel Common Health Conditions
A healthy American Cocker Spaniel can live about 12 to 15 years with proper veterinary care. Unfortunately, there are many health issues that are common to the breed. Some of the more minor problems include patellar luxation, various eye disorders, skin allergies and lip fold pyoderma. Some of the more serious issues include hip dysplasia, liver disease, gastric torsion, cardioyopathy, epilepsy and immune mediated hemolytic anemia.
Cocker Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton both owned American Cocker Spaniels. The American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in the US from 1940 until 1952. American Cocker Spaniels won best in show four times at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
