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Cocker Spaniel

Origin: Spain

AKC Group: Sporting

Height: 13½-15½ inches (34-39 cm) (Male)

Weight: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg) (Male)

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Origin:

Spain

Male height:

13½-15½ inches (34-39 cm)

Male weight:

15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)

Coat:

Long and silky, very abundant, especially the feathering.

Colors:

The Cocker comes in a large range of color varieties: solid color varieties include black and "Any Solid Color Other than Black" (ASCOB), which ranges from lightest cream to darkest red, including brown; parti-color varieties include black and white, red and white, brown and white, and roans.

History:

All spaniels can be traced to their original country of Spain, where they predominantly hunted game. Wealthy British citizens used them on their estates to flush birds and retrieve game from the water. As the British further refined these spaniels, those dogs best suited for hunting pheasant, grouse and woodcock were delineated "cocking"or "cocker spaniels." The American version of the Cocker Spaniel evolved from early spaniel imports from England. By the 1940s, he had changed fairly dramatically from his English ancestors and became the most popular breed in the United States -a position he held for many years. His popularity was due to his versatility - companion and playmate during the week, hunting dog on the weekends. The surge of intense popularity eventually led to poor breeding practices, and the Cocker's temperament and health suffered. Fortunately, through diligent practices from ethical breeders, today's Cocker is once again a stable and loving companion. He now has more of the "merry" sound temperament that made him so popular in the early 20th century. With his compact size, range of colors, endearing expression and sweet temperament, he is still a much-loved dog.

Personality:

A Cocker Spaniel with a sound temperament is one of the sweetest, most loving breeds of dog. Happy, trusting, intelligent and gentle, with large, soulful eyes, the Cocker Spaniel is utterly endearing. His devotion to play is matched only by his devotion to his owners. These are naturally curious dogs who thrive on being included in everything that goes on around them. Cockers are intelligent dogs and love pleasing their owners.

At home:

Cockers can share their lives with a variety of people, from the very active to the average homebody. They are adaptable dogs who can do well in the country, but their compact size makes them good city dogs as well. Cockers can get quite noisy if left alone for too long. They should be kept leashed or in a securely fenced area when outside. This breed has a tendency to drool, especially around food.

Recommended activities:

Cockers can easily shine in a full range of fun and competitive activities, including obedience, agility, hunting tests, flyball, and much more. The properly trained Cocker makes an exceptional therapy dog.

Exercise:

Cockers are moderately energetic dogs, and their needs can be satisfied by a few walks and some fun play sessions. (They especially love to engage in games.) The Cocker will want to accompany his owner everywhere and is quick to settle down after a long walk.

Feeding:

A Cocker Spaniel should be fed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet. Feed two scheduled meals a day.

Training:

The Cocker Spaniel is intelligent and easy to train. He can learn a wide range of commands and loves being praised for a job well done, so positive, reward-based training works best. Some Cockers can be hard to housetrain but will catch on with patience and consistency on their owner's part.

Compatibility:

Cocker Spaniels love all types of people. They truly adore children - while the years of poor breeding practices gave them a bad name with regard to compatibility with kids, a well-bred, well-socialized Cocker makes an ideal playmate for a child. Cocker Spaniels can also get along remarkably well with other animals, from other dogs to cats to guinea pigs. However, a field-trained or hunting Cocker Spaniel may see smaller animals as prey; these types of dogs and smaller animals would not be ideal housemates.

Health:

The average life span of the Cocker Spaniel is 12 to 15 years. Some health problems of the breed include autoimmune diseases; deafness; ear infections; epilepsy; eye problems; food allergies; hemophilia; hip dysplasia; hypothyroidism; luxating patella; ruptured cruciate ligament; and skin problems.

Fun fact:

Most Cocker Spaniel puppies are born with striking blue eyes, which change gradually over the first year, usually to a shade of dark brown.

Grooming blurb:

His profuse coat needs regular brushing with a pin or slicker brush. The Cocker's ears and lower body furnishings have a tendency to mat and should be gone over with a comb. The coat also needs to be clipped regularly, and many owners often decide to use a professional groomer to care for their Cocker. His large eyes and long, feathered ears need special attention so that they don't become infected or excessively dirty.

Disclaimer:

This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.