American Cocker Spaniel – breed standards, education and care

The American Cocker Spaniel is a well-liked breed that is well-known for its loving and playful disposition. This dog cheers up many families with its unique long ears and expressive eyes. These beloved companions, who were originally bred for hunting, thrive in homes where they get lots of love and care.

Anyone who is thinking about getting an American Cocker Spaniel should be aware of breed standards. The ideal physical attributes and temperamental qualities that define this breed are outlined in these standards. You can choose a healthy, well-bred puppy by being aware of what to look for, from their size to their coat colors.

For American Cocker Spaniels, training and education are essential. These perceptive canines are willing to please, which makes training them comparatively simple. But early socialization and constant supervision are essential to assisting them in developing into well-mannered adults. We’ll talk about efficient training techniques and helpful hints to make the process fun for you and your pet.

Appropriate treatment for an American It takes more than just food and exercise to raise a Cocker Spaniel. Frequent veterinary visits help to maintain their health, and regular grooming is essential to preserving their gorgeous coat. You can guarantee your cocker spaniel has a happy and full life by attending to their needs. Let’s go more deeply into the details of breed standards, training, and maintenance for this wonderful breed.

Breed characteristics

A strong bond with family

Stance toward minors

Stance toward outsiders

Trainability

History of origin

In the USA, American Cocker Spaniels were bred. Reliable information about the breeds used for crossing and the particular state in which they occurred has not been preserved. The breed is reported to have gained worldwide recognition in just a few decades after receiving official recognition in 1880. The spaniel was bred for hunting; it excels at handling birds, including guinea fowl, wood grouse, and ducks. The dog finds game in any bush or body of water and retrieves it.

Description of the American Cocker Spaniel

Unlike the English Cocker, the American Spaniel has a stocky exterior. The hair on the paws, ears and crown is longer and thicker. The dog belongs to the hyperactive breeds, and many breeders compare it to a wind-up toy on batteries energizer. The American Cocker Spaniel loves active entertainment and willingly takes part in games with a ball or tag. But, despite excessive activity, the breed is balanced and responds well to any changes. Dense hair and soft undercoat protect the dog from frost in winter, from humidity in summer. But the American Cocker Spaniel is not suitable for outdoor keeping, as the breed is prone to diseases of the respiratory system. Drafts and cold wind can cause pneumonia and colds.

Breed standard of the American Cocker Spaniel (appearance)

The breed’s description and appearance should line up:

1. Body. Compact, muscular.
2. Paws. Straight, but not short, with a dry muscle system. The paws are dense, the pads are developed, the claws are long. The color of the claws corresponds to the color of the wool, but more often black. Paws are entirely covered with long fluffy wool.
3. Back. Direct shape, wide, without sagges.
4. Head. Round with a wide forehead and a pronounced transition to the muzzle. On top of the head, curly chubchik made of thick wool.
5. Muzzle. Non -tree, the back of the nose is slightly raised upstairs. The transition from muzzle to forehead forms an angle of 90 degrees.
6. Nose. Rule of a round shape, from light-bending, to black, depending on the color of the dog.
7. Eyes. Almond -shaped form, shallowly planted, but not convex.
8. Bite. Standard, scissor -shaped.
9. Ears. Rounded, hanging, covered with long and thick wool on top. They expand to the base. According to the standard, the tip of the ear should reach the tip of the nose, but with skin, not fur. Ears are set low.
10. Tail. Thick, saber-shaped, covered with long hair. Previously, according to the standard, the tail of the American Cocker Spaniel was docked. This made it easier for the hunting breed to move while working in bushes and tall grass. Now spaniels are more often used as a companion, and the tail may not be docked.
11. Color. According to the standard, any. Dominant colors: black, chocolate or brown, fawn. A light cream American Cocker Spaniel with brown tan markings looks unusual.
12. Coat. Hard on the back, long, soft and straight on the paws, chest, stomach, ears.
13. Size. An adult male at the withers can reach 39.4 cm, a female up to 36.8 cm.
14. Weight. An adult spaniel weighs up to 12 kg.

Character of the American Cocker Spaniel

Compared to other active breeds, the American Cocker Spaniel is relatively similar. The subsequent noteworthy attributes of character:

• The cocker adores its owner and is attached to any member of the family. Loves children and will happily spend time with them;
• an active dog that finds it difficult to sit still. Without releasing energy, the dog will come up with an activity for itself. The apartment will turn into a kind of sports ground;
• does not tolerate loneliness. During a long wait for the owners, it can damage their property: chew slippers, carpet, furniture;
• loves to chase birds during a walk. The hunting instinct is better developed than others, and the dog will chase birds, while the owner cannot influence the animal;
• does not like drafts and often catches a cold, so it prefers to sleep in a chair or in bed with the owner;
• the breed is active and needs daily walks. The dog must be unleashed, the minimum walk time is 2 hours;
• the dog loves water, so in the summer, walks closer to an open body of water are chosen. Swimming is the best training for a spaniel;
• Treats other pets well. Will sleep with a cat or dog, feeling like one pack with them.
• American Cocker Spaniel rarely barks, only makes a sound when chasing game;
• the breed is not a guard breed and does not know how to protect a house or owner;
• treats strangers with caution, but quickly makes contact and with a good attitude begins to trust a person. Bites in rare cases, expresses discontent by growling;
• the breed belongs to the athletic type, so it needs exercise: running, jumping, swimming;
• American Cocker Spaniel is a very sensitive breed. The dog reacts to any changes in the owner"s behavior.

Caring for an American Cocker

The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed that is prone to irrationality. Because of its lengthy and thick hair, the dog requires ongoing care. The guidelines are adhered to in order to make the dog feel at ease:

1. It is necessary to wash the dog with special shampoos and rinses about once a week.
2. Combing should only be done after washing with conditioner. Dry fur should never be combed every day!
3. After combing, the paws, ears and chest are dried with a hair dryer. Excessive moisture provokes the development of bacterial skin lesions.
4. In the summer and before exhibitions, the fur is lightly powdered with baby powder. It will collect excess moisture and prevent the fur from matting into unsightly strands.
5. The dog"s claws are trimmed once every two weeks. In the summer, the procedure is carried out less often, since the claws are worn on asphalt, concrete.
6. The fur between the pads is trimmed, since it collects debris and creates a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.
7. The ears are wiped once a week with a cotton swab soaked in an alcohol solution of boric acid.
8. The eyes are treated once every two days, mucus, dust and dirt are removed. It is easier to clean the eyes with a damp cotton pad and chamomile decoction.
9. It is necessary to cut the dog from an early age. The fur on the paws, ears and chest is leveled. The fur on the back is shorter and stiffer, it is enough to comb it regularly.
10. The dog is given a separate place in the house. The bed is placed away from drafts. For the American Cocker, separate narrow bowls are purchased, which will protect the dog"s ears during meals.

Go through:

• how to care for a dog;
• how to trim a dog"s claws.

Breed health

Puppies are weaned from their mother"s breast at 1-1.5 months. Up to a year, a puppy is susceptible to various viral and bacterial diseases. The first vaccinations are given before the change of milk teeth in a cocker. Initially, the dog is vaccinated against plague and enteritis. A mono vaccination can be used. But complex preparations will reduce the risk of infection, since one ampoule can combine vaccines against plague, hepatitis, enteritis, leptospirosis, adenovirus. Rabies is vaccinated separately, closer to the animal"s year. The puppy requires vaccination and revaccination at intervals of no more than 3 weeks. A more precise date for the second vaccination will be suggested by a veterinarian after the first vaccination.

The following illnesses can affect American Cocker Spaniels:

1. Otitis. Ear inflammation can be avoided if you carry out treatment in time and use antiseptics.
2. Cataracts, conjunctivitis and other eye diseases. Treat with special drops and antibiotics.
3. Pneumonia, bronchitis. The dog should not be overcooled and lie in drafts.
4. Allergic reaction. Mainly associated with food.

Animal care, diet, and genetic predisposition all affect life expectancy. The breed has a life expectancy of up to 13 years on average.

Puppy training

As soon as the puppy gets acclimated to its moniker, you must begin training. Basic commands such as sit, place, no, lie down, come, next to me, and walk are taught to the dog. Playful training is necessary to keep an active dog interested in learning and from asking to go for a run.

Special treats are given to the dog as motivation during training. Due to the breed’s predisposition to food allergies, spaniels should not eat human cookies or sausages.

You will need a leash, collar, or harness in order to train the dog. To prevent rubbing off the hair on the neck, small examples of the breed are led around in a harness. For spaniels, a basic training course suffices. For this breed, a service and guard course is inappropriate. The owner walks the animal into the forest with other well-trained dogs to teach it hunting skills.

Feeding

The American Cocker Spaniel is prone to obesity and frequently experiences indigestion. Using specialized dry food for feeding, such as Royal Canin Cocker Adult, Go Sensitivity + Shine Turkey Dog Recipe, Brit Care, is easier because food allergies also alter diets. For small breeds that have sensitive digestion and a propensity for allergies, any brand will work.

It’s also acceptable to feed mixed meals. Natural goods are incorporated into the diet:

• fermented milk products: cottage cheese, kefir, low-fat sour cream;
• lean meat: beef, turkey, rabbit;
• cereals: rice, buckwheat, rolled oats;
• quail eggs, no more than 1 per day;
• seafood without bones and shells.

In the event that the dog only eats natural food, vitamin complexes are added as a supplement. For spaniels, the following vitamins are appropriate: Beaphar Duo Active, Hokamix 30, Excel 8 in 1 Multivitamins for Puppies.

An American Cocker Spaniel in black and white is seen in the picture. The dog’s curly black ears add to its attractiveness.

It’s adorable to see a red cocker with a naughty curly forelock.

The puppies’ chocolate coloring gives them a more bearded appearance.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a well-liked breed distinguished by its striking appearance and amiable disposition; however, prospective owners must be aware of the breed’s standards, requirements for education, and maintenance. This post will explore the characteristics that set the Cocker Spaniel apart, covering training, grooming, and health issues. In the end, it will offer a thorough how-to for anyone wishing to bring this lovable dog into their home.

Reviews from breeders

Elena: Those who are short on free time should not own a cocker spaniel because they need constant care. The dog develops depression, aggression, and irritability if they don’t go for daily walks. The dog loses all self-control.

Oleg: If an elderly person is willing to walk their dog every day in the company of other dog owners, then spaniels are a good fit for active families with kids and even for the elderly. This breed of dog requires company and lengthy walks.

Yaroslav: Cockers require daily comb-overs due to their thick, extremely soft fur. The fur gathers in clumps, making it extremely difficult to comb the paws and ears if you miss one procedure. The owner must have extra patience because combing the dog’s ears is nearly impossible.

Price of a puppy

A purebred puppy can be purchased from nurseries or through specific clubs. You can buy a dog at the market without a pedigree, but nobody can promise that the puppy will become an American Cocker Spaniel.

In Ukraine, a puppy costs 9,800 UAH, while in Russia, it costs 18,000 rubles.

Any prospective owner needs to have a thorough understanding of the American Cocker Spaniel. These dogs are excellent family pets because of their reputation for being amiable and loving. However, because of their long, gorgeous coats, they need regular grooming. Keeping them neat and orderly improves their general health in addition to making them seem their best.

The key to training a well-mannered Cocker Spaniel is education. The development of a content and self-assured dog depends on early socialization and fundamental training. Positive reinforcement techniques applied consistently are quite effective. Keeping them occupied with different activities can also aid in preventing behavioral problems and boredom.

All things considered, having an American Cocker Spaniel can be tremendously fulfilling. Numerous homes are made happier by their loyalty and playful nature. They can flourish and make devoted companions if given the proper care, guidance, and attention. If you embrace the journey with your Cocker Spaniel, you’ll make lifelong friends in the fur!

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