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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel has long, suspended ears, a rounded head, and an abundant
silky coat. Feathering occurs on the ears, abdomen and legs. The head is defined
with an abrupt stop and the muzzle is wide with a square jaw. The upper lip droops
downward, covering the lower jaw completely. The teeth should meet in a scissor-like
bite. On black dogs, the nose should always be black. The nose may be brown on other
dogs. The eyes are circular and the eye rims are somewhat oval. They have a compact
body with a short back. Their topline should gently slope downward from front to
back. The front legs should have good straight bone structure. The dewclaws on all
legs should be removed. The cocker spaniels coat color is divided into black, parti-color,
and any solid color other than black. Black can include black-and-tan but the cocker
spaniel should be jet black without brown shadings. When showing this breed with
tan markings they should only be over the eyes, on the muzzle and cheeks, undersides
of ears, on all legs and feet, and under the tail. It is optional if there is tan
on the chest. The tail is customarily docked at 2/5 its original length and constantly
wags. Cocker Spaniels have an effortless, graceful walk which looks as though they
are floating across the ground.
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Temperament
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The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the top breeds chosen by families. If well-bred,
they are cheerful, sensitive, trustworthy, and have sweet dispositions. Cocker Spaniel's
also respect their master and will not challenge their authority. They love everyone,
generally gentle with children and usually get along with other animals. Since this
breed is so popular, many are mass bred without concern for temperament or possible
genetic ailments. Make sure to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder. Also
make sure that they have completed a puppy temperament test.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 15.5" ; Weight: 15-30 lbs.
Female Height: 14.5" ; Weight: 15-30 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Major concerns with this breed include glaucoma, cataracts and patellar luxation.
Occasionally seen are elbow dysplasia and gastric torsion.
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Living Conditions
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American Cocker Spaniels fit into almost any household and can adapt to a variety
of lifestyles and age groups.
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Exercise
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Cockers have lots of energy and need regular exercise.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-15 years
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Grooming
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Prospective owners should be aware of the care necessary to keep the American Cocker
Spaniel in top form. Regular combing and brushing is important with this breed.
The hair should be trimmed level with the pads. The pet's coat should be brushed
immediately after outdoor play. Check often for matting. This breed does shed.
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Origin
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It is said that the first Cocker Spaniel arrived in America on the Mayflower with
the Pilgrims in 1620. However, during the next few centuries, settlers also brought
cocker spaniels with them to help explore the new world's wildernesses. In the 19th
century, the English Cocker Spaniel was developed into the smaller American version
to flush out and retrieve fowl while hunting. The breed was originally divided from
the English Cocker based on size, but after many years of breeding of specific traits
the differences were great enough to separate the breeds. By the 1940s, the American
Cocker was so different in appearance and stature that it was impossible to judge
them in the same category. In 1945, the two breeds were separated and the American
Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized with their own standards. They are also
one of America's most popular breeds. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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