Dog Breeds > American Cocker Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent dog breed that would make a very good pet for you and your family. Their lovely and active character can become an interesting attraction that your friends and loved ones would surely love.
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Fascinating Facts
The American Cocker Spaniel was originally bred for gun hunting. This breed is one of the Spaniel breeds akin to the English Cocker Spaniel. The name cocker came from the breed’s primary usage in England – hunting for woodcock. The Cocker Spaniel breed originally came from England but in 1940, the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed. In the United States, this breed is called Cocker Spaniel but in Canada and other countries, this breed is called the American Cocker Spaniel.
Physical Appearance
The ideal height of the American Cocker Spaniel is between 14 – 16 inches. Their normal weight is 24 – 28 pounds. Their head is very recognizable even from a distance because of its rounded or domed shape. Its eyes are large, rounded and dark. They have long and furry ears that are set low.
The coat of the American Cocker Spaniel is flat and silky. The American Cocker Spaniel is classified in to three specific divisions according to coat color – the ASCOB (any solid color other than black), black and tricolor. The black color can have pure black or black and tan. The ASCOB can have any kind of color without traces of tan. The tricolor or multicolor includes black and white with tan, black and white, brown and white with tan, brown and white and even red and white.
Grooming
The American Cocker Spaniel’s coat needs more attention when it comes to grooming. Its silky coat should be clipped every two or three months in order to maintain its natural beauty and to prevent it from entangling. Brushing and removal of dead hair should also be done in a regular basis.
Mood
The American Cocker Spaniel is cheerful, playful, amiable and sweet. They are also sensitive, willing to please and quick to respond to their master’s orders. This breed is a very ideal house pet because they do not retain their hunting instincts. However they are curious and greatly appreciate any kind of outdoor activity. There are some barks a lot while some are very obedient.
With Children
The Cockers are playful around children and would greatly make a very good playmate for them. They also make a good companion for those people who like to spend their time alone.
Training & Exercise
Training a Cocker is very easy as long as its owner/trainer/handler use calm and gentle training methods. They respond well to food-reward training techniques and puts hard work on every training menu that it undergoes.
The American Cocker Spaniel needs 2 – 3 hours of daily exercise. They are very good jogging or brisk walking companions.
Health & Life Expectancy
The normal life expectancy of the American Cocker Spaniel is 12 – 15 years. There are numerous illnesses that should be monitored on this breed. This includes patellar luxation, glaucoma, PRA, seborrhea, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia.
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