American Cocker Spaniel
From Pet Health Learning Center
Contents |
Physical Characteristics
Breed Group:
Sporting / Gun Dog
Weight:
Around 18 – 28 pounds. Height: Approximately 14 – 15 inches.
Color(s):
There are three major color groups officially recognized for the American Cocker Spaniel:
Black (including solid black, and black-and-tan)
ASCOB (any solid color other than black; can range from silver, buff, dark red, to shades of brown)
Particolor (largely white, with at least 10% of other colors)
Coat:
The American Cocker Spaniel has a silky, feathery coat that is of medium length. It needs regular grooming including brushing, bathing, and trimming. They are moderate shedders.
Overview
Character:
The American Cocker Spaniel is a joyful, trusting breed that has been a popular choice for house pets or companion dogs for generations. They are sensitive, outgoing, and quick to become friends with anyone. A well-bred, properly trained American Cocker should not display shyness or aggression. American Cocker Spaniels are typically well-balanced, versatile dogs that can take on many roles.
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
History:
While “cocker spaniel” is commonly used to describe this breed in North America, in truth there are two kinds of cocker spaniels: the English, and the American. After the original introduction of English cockers into the US, the two breeds began to develop differently, and people started to treat them as different breeds. The official recognition finally came in 1946.
Name:
The term “cocker” may have stemmed from the use of this breed to hunt woodcocks in England. Cocker Spaniels are also affectionately known as “cockers.”
Temperament:
The American Cocker is a happy, easygoing, and lively dog. They are eager to please their owners, very sociable, get along well with children, and as such are excellent family pets. Their loyalty and active nature also makes them great working dogs, and some are still used as hunting dogs today.
Care
Training:
American Cocker Spaniels tend to be “soft” dogs, meaning that they are sensitive and do not take harsh training well. More positive type of training is more suitable with this breed.
Activity:
American Cockers are active, and despite their small size can have a lot of stamina. Therefore they can be quite active even indoors. They need regular exercise, and enough space indoors to play around, in order for them to burn off all that energy.
Ownership:
An American Cocker Spaniel demands quite a bit of attention in terms of grooming and exercise needs, which owners should be prepared for. Irresponsible breeding in the past has resulted in some aggressive and badly behaved Cockers; as such, owners are advised to choose breeders carefully when considering a puppy.
Breeders
No breeders listed at this time.
