American Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are gentle and trusting, with average intelligence. These lively, playful dogs are devoted to their people, but should be well socialized when they are young to avoid a tendency for shyness. Cockers who understand that they are not in charge, are good with children. They love everyone and need firm, loving leadership and daily exercise to be happy and emotionally well balanced.

Breed Info:
Exhibited in the US since the 1880s, the Cocker Spaniel remains one of the most popular breeds according to AKC® registration statistics. The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels can be black, black with tan points, parti-colored or any solid color other than black (ASCOB).

A Look Back:
As far back as the 14th Century there is mention of the Spanyell, which came to be divided into water and land spaniels. "Cockers" are the smallest of the spaniels and the Sporting Group. The American Cocker has evolved somewhat differently in appearance from the breed now recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. His desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog; he covers territory speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command. He take to water readily.

Grooming:
Some owners prefer to leave the coat long, brushing daily and shampooing frequently with quarterly scissoring and clipping. Others prefer to clip the coat to medium length to be more functional. Either way, the dog will need regular grooming to keep the coat free of mats. When brushing, be careful not to pull out the silky hair. This breed is an average shedder. The eyes need regular cleaning.

Right Breed for You?
Despite their small size, the Cocker Spaniel is still an active Sporting breed that needs daily exercise. Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family. They do require a fair amount of grooming. While Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housebreak, and submissive wetting is sometimes a problem, they are generally easy to obedience train and usually get along well with other animals.

Source: AKC MEET THE BREEDS®