American Cocker Spaniel (American Cocker, Cocker)

The American Cocker Spaniel, also referred to as just the Cocker, is a well-liked breed that is renowned for its loving and playful disposition. These dogs’ endearing personalities and gorgeous appearances have won many hearts. They make stunning show dogs and excellent companions thanks to their expressive eyes and gorgeous coat.

Cockers are tiny to medium-sized canines that usually weigh 20 to 30 pounds. Their long, flowing ears and soft, wavy coat, which comes in a variety of colors, give them a unique appearance. They are a well-liked option for both families and individuals due to their upbeat disposition and desire to please.

This breed is renowned for its intelligence and agility in addition to its good looks. American Cockers have a natural instinct for retrieving and a playful energy that keeps them active. They were originally bred as hunting dogs. They love company and exercise, whether it’s playing fetch in the backyard or taking long walks.

Breed Name American Cocker Spaniel
Other Names American Cocker, Cocker
Size Medium
Weight 20-30 lbs
Height 13.5-15.5 inches
Coat Silky, medium-length
Colors Variety of colors, including black, golden, and tan
Temperament Friendly, playful, and affectionate
Exercise Needs Moderate, daily walks and playtime
Grooming Regular brushing needed

Breed Information

Name: American Cocker Spaniel (American Cocker, Cocker)
Classification: Spitz and primitive type breed (167)
Purpose: hunting
Homeland: USA
Weight: ~7-14 kg
Height: ~34-39 cm
Life: 13-14 years
Color: black, black and tan and mixed (white with another color)
Price: 200-700$

Photo of the American Cocker

Characteristics

Interesting facts and features

First, here are some fascinating life facts about the American Cocker Spaniel that will help you learn more about him:

  • He is vulnerable. For one offense, your raised voice or sharp intonation is enough;
  • But at the same time, he knows how to skillfully manipulate. And if you follow his lead once, he will do it again and again;
  • As a real hunter, energetic and partial to sports. Therefore, for older people, he will become more of a problem than a gift;
  • His silky coat requires constant care. If you are not ready for this, it is better to choose another dog right away;
  • He doesn"t like silence and prefers to constantly talk, that is, bark. But proper upbringing and training will teach him to curb his desires;
  • It is quite difficult to bear loneliness, so you will need to return from work on time, and it is even better if someone is always at home;
  • Has a good sense of smell and enjoys learning useful things, thanks to which he can work both in the circus and as a rescuer.

Nearly everyone who spends time with an American Cocker Spaniel finds him to be a happy and laid-back dog. He is a skilled hunter, curious, and eager to join his owner on any adventure. However, with the right training and upbringing, you will be able to control the cocker’s energy, so there won’t be any unique behavioral issues. The cutest best friend, though, will show up!

History of origin

According to historians, hazy Albion is where the American Cocker Spaniel’s ancestors were transported to America. The breed led a normal life for a considerable amount of time until breeders discovered it towards the end of the 1800s. Following mating and the selection of the best individuals, history proceeded as usual, with the first cocker appearing at the exhibition in 1883. It was smaller and shaggier than the British, but it was still a competent hunter.

After the first standard was released in 1921, the breed split off from its English sibling entirely 25 years later.

The first American cocker arrived in the USSR in the 1970s, but neither dog enthusiasts nor breeders were interested in them. Only ten years later, demand emerged along with the first kennels involved in the breeding and sale of purebred puppies.

Appearance

Among hunting dogs, the American cocker spaniel is the smallest breed. It is not much taller than the British, but it has a much shorter muzzle. The American cocker’s satin coat, which required some relinquishment of its hunting instinct, makes it even cuter. This breed has it developed, though not as brilliantly as its English brother, for example.

Head and eyes

The moderately rounded skull has pronounced eyebrows, undereye hollows, and a stop. The broad muzzle tapers into cheekbones. When the cocker has a square, beveled muzzle, that is ideal.

The almond-shaped, dark-colored eyes are not protruding.

The dog has a good sense of smell because of its medium-sized nose and wide, open nostrils. The primary color determines the color of the nose lobe. For instance, the nose of your light-colored cocker should be brown.

Ears, neck, jaws and teeth

The hair is thick and silky, and the ears are oval and lengthy.

The neck has a lovely curve and is fairly long, tapering closer to the head. The cocker can effortlessly sag its neck to place its nose directly on the ground.

The jaws are powerful and nearly square in shape. The medium-sized, strong teeth are also present. Similar to scissors, the bite is classic.

Body, paws and tail

The body is small but powerful. Strong and sloping at the back. The chest has a wide, deep chest.

Each pair of limbs is well-developed, robust, and has muscles that penetrate them. The shoulder blades move quickly and easily while gazing back. Dogs with large hips have an advantage when it comes to pushing off, as do hocks and knees that function correctly. The paws are large, with elastic pads covering the toes that are gathered into a ball.

The tail is docked; it is held parallel to the back or a little higher but not entirely raised. The pet is showing signs of fear or timidity if it is hiding its tail behind its hind legs.

Wool and color

The coat feels good against the skin, either straight or wavy, like silk. An undercoat is present. Having a shorter head, the rest of the body—the legs, ears, and chest—is longer and thicker.

The color can be mixed (white combined with another color) or black, black with tan. Additionally, it can only be one color, any shade of brown, even tan. It is important to specify the fold’s potential location separately. These locations include the space beneath the eyes, cheekbones, inner part of the ear, chest, and legs.

Disqualifying faults

The following issues are grounds for disqualification for the American Cocker Spaniel:

  • Not suitable for growth;
  • Atypical color;
  • Different tan markings;
  • Aggression or cowardice without reason;
  • And others.

Character

The Cocker American A spaniel is like a mild fidget, eager to go on any kind of adventure with his owner. He can communicate with other dogs and even cats with ease, and he thinks his person is the greatest thing in the world. However, dealing with birds presents more challenges, as the cocker can still be thought of as a hunting dog that follows its instincts. It is preferable to start enrolling the spaniel in a training program or to avoid keeping a canary or parrot in the same home as him.

Although he does not always exercise self control, he also gets along well with kids. He might play too much and start biting the infant. Even though he is already retired, a cocker is generally like a child.

It’s important to remember that this breed is energetic, sensitive, and occasionally overly reliant on communication. The cocker is a cunning individual, so even with his eminently comprehensible personality, you will need to relinquish control over the situation because he will seize the opportunity without delay. An American Cocker Spaniel will always be endearing, mischievous, and boundary-less if you give it unrestricted freedom.

The American Cocker Spaniel is not a good dog for people who are seldom at home and spend all of their time at work. A dog with such an owner will quickly grow bored and bring "order" to every room. It requires affection, conversation, and frequent walks.

Education and training

You must teach and train it even if your intention is not to produce a superb hunter from an American. If not, a rule-ignorant animal will grow up and cause a lot of problems just by existing. The breed’s ability to learn quickly is a plus, but the most important aspect of the classes is how lighthearted they are conducted. It won’t be unnecessary to give the cock a treat and a kind word of appreciation when they succeed.

Start by teaching him basic commands like "No!", "Sit!", "Come to me!", and "Place!" Additionally, teach him to use his name. Pick it up more frequently to help the cocker overcome its fear, especially when it comes to being raised off the ground. Because of the sensitive mental structure of this breed, it is never a good idea to treat dogs cruelly.

Cocker spaniels are popular in agility shows in America, so if you intend to take your pet to exhibitions, enroll it in ring training and teach it how to stand perfectly in a rack.

Stop the dog if it becomes agitated during the lesson, bites you, or refuses to obey. Give it a cherished toy, or use food as a diversion.

Hunting

It is rare to witness an American cocker spaniel hunting, despite their innate nature. They like the British better in Europe because they are more focused and submissive. However, you can also teach an American to go hunting. Commencing at a young age is crucial.

Once you’ve brought the bird inside, you can let the dog smell it, tie a string around the bird’s wing, and call the animal over. When you assist him, he ought to take the bait. However, if you allow him to consume the prey, he will grow accustomed to it and will continue to do so. You can move your classes later to the forest or field.

Proper training will ensure that your cocker not only looks for game and takes a stand, but will also wait for you at all times.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a cherished friend for both families and individuals due to its lovely, silky coat and friendly disposition. This breed makes wonderful pets for busy homes because they are playful, loving, and eager to please, in addition to having a lovely appearance. They can live happily ever after in a busy family home or in a more sedate setting thanks to their happy nature and adaptability. American Cockers can make wonderful additions to any family, bringing warmth and joy to their owners’ lives when given the right care and training.

Care

Both a house and an apartment are suitable for habitation for the American Cocker Spaniel. He is led outside to relieve himself and go for a stroll. And in order to preserve his posture, they assist him in getting down for the first six months.

The dog needs a space of his own in the house. Arrange toys and dishes on a "bed," though the latter may be in the kitchen. The cocker’s home should be remote and free from windows or batteries. He might not lie exactly there for the first few days, but if you carry him and tell him to "Place," he will eventually grow accustomed to it.

Walking with him twice a day is better. Allow him to run outside, toss him a ball, and engage in a game of "Pull!" in which you are pulled along by the dog while wearing a leash.

Hygiene

Cocker spaniels need a lot of maintenance. Of course, you can take your dog to a salon, but the cost is high.

Purchase a comb, a slicker brush, hard and soft brushes, and a tangle-removing tool if you intend to do a lot of the work yourself. Your cocker spaniel needs to be brushed each day.

Twice a week, this breed is cleaned. You can purchase the specific shampoo and conditioner you need at a pet supply store. Remove tangles as soon as possible before taking a bath.

Ears also need particular attention. Tie the ears back on the head of the cocker spaniel during mealtime to keep it from becoming distracted by them or dirty. Examine the ear canals every few days because they get clogged easily and are a breeding ground for ticks. Cotton pads and hydrogen peroxide work well for treatment.

Strong tea or chamomile solution can be used to treat the eyes. If your pet eats a natural diet, brush their teeth a couple of times per week. Less frequently can those who are "drying" do this.

It is crucial to trim an American Cocker Spaniel beginning at two months of age, as skipping this period may cause the pet to experience stress in the future. It is sufficient to trim a domestic cocker twice a month.

Nutrition

Meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), cereals (rice, buckwheat), cottage cheese, kefir, vegetables, and fruits should all be staples of the American diet. Sea fish can occasionally be given, but without bones. Treat your pet with a cracker, egg, or some dried fruit every now and then.

Health

The most common conditions that affect cocker spaniels are allergies, infections, eye conditions, and illnesses like:

  • Hepatitis;
  • Joint dysplasia;
  • Atopy.

Choosing a puppy

Avoid selecting a cocker spaniel puppy online or from a vendor at the market as you may end up purchasing a sick or non-pedigreed puppy. Visiting a nursery that specializes in the breed is preferable.

Determine whether you want a dog as a pet, a way to produce children, or something to show off at shows. The show category is more costly to maintain as well as purchase.

Another factor is the cocker’s sex. Girls tend to be more gentle, calm, and kind. You can get into leadership disputes with boys for a while.

We also suggest that you look into the kennel’s reputation, the puppy’s pedigree, and as much information as you can about the parents. Assess the baby’s degree of conformity to the standard when you meet it. A happy, clean, and reasonably well-fed cocker spaniel is a sign of good health. The coat should be shining, the gums pink, the nose damp and cold. Remember to verify the brand, all paperwork, and age-appropriate immunizations.

How much does an American cocker cost?

The price range for a domestic American cocker spaniel is 20,000–25,000 rubles. The cost of the show class is more, at roughly 30,000 rubles. A minimum of 50,000 rubles will get you a dog of a rare color and from champion parents.

In conclusion, the American Cocker Spaniel is a delightful friend distinguished by its lively and amiable disposition. They make wonderful family pets because of their loving nature, and they frequently develop close relationships with their owners. This breed is ideal if you’re searching for a playmate for your children or a devoted walking companion.

In addition to being incredibly cute, cockers also have a vibrant personality that makes for an engaging companion. Training is enjoyable because of their eagerness to please and their playful antics, which can brighten any day. Just keep in mind that they need company and playtime on a regular basis because they are social creatures.

They do need some grooming to maintain the pristine condition of their gorgeous coats, but the work is well worth it. Not only does a well-groomed American Cocker look amazing, but she’s also healthier. They can have happy, fulfilling lives if they get regular exercise and mental stimulation.

You’re in for a treat if you’re thinking about bringing an American Cocker Spaniel into your house. These dogs will fill your life with unending happiness and loyalty if given the proper love and care. They are a great addition to any family because of their affectionate and playful nature, which guarantees that you will have a furry friend by your side for many years to come.

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Daria Lebedeva

Dog lover. I constantly study the characteristics of different breeds, their character and needs. I publish articles on how to choose the right breed that suits you and how to provide the best living conditions for your pet.

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