Discover Everything About American cocker spaniel
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed that exudes elegance and grace. His beautiful, silky fur, long ears and expressive eyes make him a real eye-catcher. It belongs to FCI Group 8, which includes retrieving dogs, scavenging dogs and water dogs. In contrast to its relative, the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker Spaniel is slightly smaller and has a finer bone structure. The fur is plentiful and well feathered. Although there is no clear separation between performance and show lines, some breeders tend to breed dogs that are more focused on appearance or working ability.
| Height | 34 - 37 cm (Female), 34 - 39 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 11 - 14 kg (Female), 11 - 14 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Happy, gentle, intelligent |
| Coat | Silky, medium length, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Varied (solid, two-color, or speckled) |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € € |
History
The story of the American Cocker Spaniel begins in Spain, from where the spaniel breeds found their way to England. The Cocker Spaniel's origins lie in hunting, where they were used as hunting dogs to drive game out of thick undergrowth. In the 19th century, spaniels in England were differentiated according to their area of operation and the cocker spaniel got its name because of its ability to hunt woodcocks ("cock" = snipe). In the late 19th century, Cocker Spaniels were brought to America, where breeders began developing their own version of the breed. The American Cocker Spaniel became smaller over time and acquired a silkier coat than the original English Cocker Spaniel. In 1946, the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
The American Cocker Spaniel was bred to hunt birds and retrieve game.
USA
1800
Character & Temperament
The American Cocker Spaniel is an extremely loving and happy dog. He is known for his gentle nature and his enjoyment of company. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the American Cocker Spaniel still has a keen sense of smell and a penchant for working outdoors, but it also makes a fantastic family dog. The American Cocker Spaniel is often very people-oriented and enjoys being near his family. He is playful and can get along well with children if properly socialized. However, you should make sure that small children treat the dog with respect as he can sometimes be a bit sensitive. An American Cocker Spaniel can learn to stay alone, but he prefers to be in company and can develop separation anxiety if he is left alone too often and for too long. Despite his gentle nature, the American Cocker Spaniel has a strong hunting instinct that you should keep an eye on. His hunting instinct also makes him a keen observer of his surroundings, although he is not necessarily a watchdog. The American Cocker Spaniel's temperament varies depending on the lineage. Some lines are more calm and sedate, while others are more active and playful. Regardless of lineage, it's important to provide your American Cocker Spaniel with a balanced mix of mental and physical stimulation to keep him happy and well-adjusted.
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Did you know that the American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog in America in the 1940s and 1950s, partly due to the famous Disney film "Susie and the Tramp"?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
Cockers are large enough to be athletic but compact enough to be portable. A Cocker in full fur rewards the extra grooming time by being the prettiest dog in the neighborhood. These energetic, athletic dogs love playing and brisk walks. The happy and exuberant Cocker Spaniel, with its big, dreamy eyes and mischievous nature, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They were originally developed as hunting dogs, but cockers gained their popularity as all-round companions.
Housing & Care
The American Cocker Spaniel is also suitable as a city dog as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children, but it is important that interactions are supervised as he can be somewhat sensitive. In relation to other pets, including cats, the American Cocker Spaniel can get along well if properly socialized from an early age.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The American Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent dog that enjoys learning and being encouraged. It is well suited to dog sports such as agility, obedience and flyball. However, you have to be careful not to overuse the dog. There is a risk that the American Cocker Spaniel will become a "ball junkie" if he becomes too focused on retrieving. It is important that he learns frustration tolerance and impulse control in order to develop balanced behavior. Since the American Cocker Spaniel was originally bred for hunting, it has a certain hunting instinct. It is advisable to offer alternative activities that satisfy his natural urges without him having to hunt. Good training and socialization are crucial so that the dog can participate happily in social life and is compatible with its environment.
Nutrition & Care
The American Cocker Spaniel needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. High-quality food that is tailored to the needs of the different phases of life is essential. Fresh water should also always be available. Grooming the American Cocker Spaniel requires time and dedication. It has a dense undercoat and a long, silky top coat. The fur tends to become matted and needs to be brushed regularly. The ears should also be kept clean and checked for infections. The American Cocker Spaniel sheds moderately and copes well with the climate in Germany as long as it is protected from extreme temperatures.
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This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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