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History
The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed from English Cocker Spaniels brought to the United States. The American Cocker is smaller than the English Cocker and has a different conformation. The name "Cocker" comes from the woodcock, a game bird these spaniels flushed particularly well. Today, the American Cocker Spaniel serves primarily as a companion and glamorous show dog.
Description
A beautiful spaniel with very long, hanging ears, a rounded head, and a profuse, silky, feathered coat. The head is chiseled with an abrupt stop. The muzzle is broad with a square jaw. The upper lip hangs down, covering the lower jaw completely. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The nose is always black on black dogs, but may be brown on other dogs. The eyes are round, set on so they look straight forward. The eye rims are slightly oval. The body is compact, with a short back. The topline should slope gently downwards from front to back. The front legs are straight, with good bone. Dewclaws on front and rear legs should be removed. Coat comes in buff, black, and other solid colors, black-and-tan (like a Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler), parti-color (white with black, white with buff or red, white with black and tan points). Some requirements for correct markings are specified in the standard. The tail is docked to 2/5 its original length.
Talents
Hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, and agility.
Personality
Merry and endearing. A happy tail-wagger. Gentle and trusting. Average intelligence. Lively and playful. A wonderful companion for children. Respects authority without much challenge. Sensitive. Socialize well when young to avoid tendency to timidity. Devoted. Needs people.
Behavior
Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Easy to train.
Independence: Not particularly dependent or independent.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.
Noise: Likes to bark.
Notes
Beware—Cocker Spaniels are a very popular breed. Many inferior animals are being sold. Don't buy a Cocker from a puppy mill! These dogs can have very poor health and temperaments. Buy only from a reputable source. Can be difficult to housebreak. Prone to cataracts, slipped stifle, PRA, hip dysplasia, hemophilia, heart disease, stomach and ear problems. The eyes need regular cleaning. Some like to bark. Field types differ from show types. Field lines generally have shorter coats, better suited to work in brush. They also have better hunting instincts. Both types make good pets. The coat needs regular grooming and quarterly scissoring and clipping.
Grooming
Grooming: Extensive grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: Skilled trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Feathered coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Docking: The tail is customarily docked.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: A good jogging companion.
Indoors: Fairly inactive indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years).
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