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The Canine Chronicles Directory
English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels have flat, silky coats. The legs and underside of their
body is well-feathered and their hair is medium in length. The coat colors are generally
black, liver, red, white/black, white/liver, white/red, or a solid color with tan
or white markings. The well-developed head is modestly chiseled and has a distinct
stop. The muzzle is almost the same length as the skull. They eyes should be dark
brown or brown depending on the coat color. However, they can be dark hazel in the
liver-colored varieties. The nose color also depends on the coat color. It can be
either black or brown. The pendant ears are set low and should be level with the
eyes. They should be well-covered with hair and should reach the nose if pulled
forward. The strong jaw has teeth that meet in a scissor-like bite. The well-developed
neck should be of average length integrating with the sloping shoulders. The strong,
compact body should have a level topline and slight slope from the withers to the
tail. The deep chest is well-developed and moderate in depth. The straight forelegs
and muscular hindlegs should be well-boned. The hindlegs should also be well-rounded.
The round, firm feet should have thick pads and arched toes. The tail is customarily
docked and sits slightly lower than the topline.
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Temperament
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English Cocker Spaniels are energetic, lovable, sweet, affectionate and friendly
dogs. They thrive on human companionship, are great with kids and get along with
other household pets. However, they do not tolerate teasing well. This breed is
generally extroverted although some lines are more reserved. Males tend to be more
cooperative than females. Females tend to be slightly more dominant.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 15-17" ; Weight: 28-34 lbs.
Female Height: 14-16" ; Weight: 26-32 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Major concerns with this breed include ear infections. The ears should be checked
often especially during the summer. The low hanging ears are prone to ticks and
burrs which can be a cause of deafness.
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Living Conditions
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English Cocker Spaniels do fine in an apartment but do better with an average size
yard.
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Exercise
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Cockers have lots of energy and will enjoy any exercise that its owner gives.
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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 English Cocker
Spaniel in top form. Regular combing and brushing is important with this breed.
The ears should be checked often for grass seeds or an infection. Brush or comb
regularly. Check often for matting. This breed is an average shedder.
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Origin
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In 1300, the first known recording of the "Spaniel's" existence was described by
Gaston Phebus and English Cocker Spaniels are one of the oldest types of land spaniels.
They can be traced back to 14th century Spain. Before the 1600s, all spaniels were
categorized together. The larger breeds were used to spring game and the smaller
breeds to flush out woodcock game. The names Springer and Cocker were derived from
these uses. The Kennel Club of Great Britain separated these breeds in 1892. By
the 1930s, the Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed in the British Isles and
remained so for nearly 20 years. Breeders in the United States soon began their
own breeding programs and then in 1940, the Kennel Club divided the groups into
the American and English Cocker Spaniels. 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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