American Cocker Spaniel

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN United States

MOST SUITED AS Field sports dog by origin, mainly a family pet today.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is about 38cm (17in) for dogs and 35.7cm (14in) for bitches.

COAT
The hair on the head is short and fine while the body hair is medium length. There should be feathering of silken hair on the ears, chest, belly, and legs. American Cocker Spaniels are recognized by this long hair. Almost any colour is accepted, including black, deer red, light beige, black and tan, and multi-coloured.

CARE REQUIRED
The grooming of the coat is very important. With this Spaniel it is necessary to brush and comb the hair every day. Additionally, if you want to keep the dog's appearance according to the breed standard, you will need to take it about every four weeks to a dog-trimming parlour. Of course, the ears should be examined regularly and excess hair between the pads of the feet, under and inside the ear, should be trimmed. If you do not have the time for the grooming required or cannot afford the cost of regular visits to a trimming salon, then it is best to avoid this breed.

CHARACTER
These are lovable, gentle, and playful dogs that are intelligent and obedient.

TRAINING
Training the American Cocker Spaniel rarely leads to any problems. Train them with a gentle hand and bear in mind that they are sensitive to the tone of your voice and any upsets within the home.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Dogs of this breed are very sociable and consequently they get along fine with their own kind and with other household pets. Because they will meekly accept virtually anything, it is sensible to protect them from children's play which can become too rough.

EXERCISE
The American Cocker Spaniel Cocker loves to play and frolic. Provided you bear this in mind, there is no reason why they cannot be kept in a flat. A few of the breed are still used to spring birds for the shoot. Most of them are mad keen on swimming and retrieving.

GENERAL
As one of the world's most popular dogs, they are one of the chosen breeds of puppy millers, so if you choose this breed, you must always check the credentials of your breeder.