Description:

The American Cocker Spaniel, was originally developed from breeding of the English Cocker Spaniels brought to the United States. The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller than the English Cocker Spaniel. The name "Cocker" comes from the woodcock, a game bird these spaniels are said to have flushed particularly well. Nowadays, the Cocker Spaniel is mainly seen as a companion and show dog. Cocker Spaniels are also used for hunting, tracking and retrieving. They also make good watchdogs. Cocker Spaniels have long hanging ears, a rounded head, and a silky medium-length coat.

Size:

Dogs: Height 15 ½ inches (38cm.) Weight: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg.)

Bitches 14 ½ inches (36.8cm.) Weight: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg.)

Coat and Grooming:

The coat comes in black, buff and other solid colours, black-and-tan, parti-color (white with black, white with buff or red, white with black and tan points).The eyes need regular cleaning. The grooming of the coat is important, with daily brushing and combing advised and quarterly scissoring and clipping. Others may clip the coat to medium length. Whichever the preference, the dog will still need regular trimming. When brushing, be careful not to pull the silky hair. This breed is an average shedder.

Ease of Training:

Training of the American Cocker Spaniel is normally relatively straightforward.

Temperament:

Lovable, gentle and playful dogs, Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and obedient. Suitable as a gundog or as a household pet, the Cocker Spaniel is respectful of its master's authority. Cocker Spaniels are usually good with children. They can however be tricky to housebreak and some will bark a lot. However they are mostly easy to train and get along well with other animals.

Exercise:

American Cockers have plenty of stamina and need regular play and exercise.

Health Problems:

Some major concern in American Cocker Spaniels are cataracts, glaucoma and patellar luxation. Some minor concerns are hip dysplasia, seborrhea, entropion, ectropion, PRA, allergies, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency and cardiomyopathy. Occasionally seen are gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)

Life Expectancy:

About 12-15 years.