Description

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the sporting spaniels. The name Cocker is due to the fact that they’re ancestors were used to hunt Woodcock in England. Rumor has it that the Cocker Spaniel came over on the Mayflower, and finally became a separate breed in 1947 separate from the English Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker male is 15 in. tall and weighs around 15 to 30 lbs. The Cocker female is 14 in. tall and weighs around the same as the male 15 to 30 lbs.  The American Cocker Spaniel has a long silky soft flowing coat that comes in a large variety of colors and shade ranging from Black to Sable and patterned in Tri-colors and Roans. The coats can be cut short for convenience.

Temperament

The American Cocker Spaniel is a soft natured dog and won’t do well under severe training methods, but rather a  gentle but firm hand is what is needed in his training. Happy and outgoing the American Cocker is always willing to please his people. Good with children and generally good with other family pets.

Grooming/Exercise

This breed will need a lot of upkeep with its coat. Regular brushing is important as well as frequent bathing. They will need to have their coats clipped every so often to maintain an nice appearance. One should be careful when brushing to not pull out the hair, but rather work through any tangles. This dog has energy to burn and should go on long daily walks avoiding areas that can snag the coat. The Cocker will do fine in a townhouse but would be better suited to a home with a secure yard to play in.

Health

Life Expectancy is 12 to 15 year.

Possible Issues

• Rage Syndrome (when a dog attacks for no reason, and has a disoriented look on his face. The is a condition that is rare and seems to only affect solid colored dogs)
• Hip Dysplasia
• Cataract
• Glaucoma
• Patellar Luxation
• Allergies
• Liver Disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Gastric Torsion