American Cocker Spaniel - Sporting
Family:
Gundog, Spaniel
Area of origin:
United States
Original function:
bird flushing and retrieving
Average size of male:
Ht: 14.5-15.5, Wt: 24-28
Average size of female:
Ht: 13.5-14.5, Wt: 24-28
Other names:
Cocker Spaniel
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Energy
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Exercise
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Playfulness
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Affection
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Friendliness towards dogs
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Friendliness towards other pets
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Friendliness towards strangers
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Ease of training
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Watchdog ability
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Protection ability
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Grooming
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Cold tolerance
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Heat tolerance
Picture: Robert Dowling/Corbis |
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American Cocker Spaniel Temperament
This breed is known as the 'merry' Cocker, and the name is most fitting. He is playful, cheerful, amiable, sweet, sensitive, willing to please and responsive to his family's wishes. He is not known for retaining his hunting instincts, but is inquisitive and will appreciate a country outing. He is equally at home in the city and will happily walk on leash for his exercise needs. Some bark a lot; some are overly submissive.
American Cocker Spaniel Care
Although he enjoys a romp, the Cocker can receive adequate exercise with a long daily walk on leash. The coat of the Cocker requires a greater commitment than that of most breeds, although pets can be clipped short. In order to maintain a nice coat, he will need to be brushed and combed two to three times a week, in addition to professional clipping and scissoring every two to three months. Special attention must be paid to ear and eye cleanliness in this breed. The profusely coated feet tend to carry debris. The Cocker is not mentally able to live outside; this is such a social dog that to banish him outdoors would not be acceptable. Cockers have a tendency to become overweight.
American Cocker Spaniel Health
Major concerns: cataracts, glaucoma, patellar luxation
Minor concerns: CHD, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency, cardiomyopathy
Occasionally seen: gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia
Suggested tests: eye, knee, DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency, (hip)
Life span: 12-15 years
Dogs Related to the American Cocker Spaniel
American Water Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel
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