The friendly Cocker Spaniel breed is well know for its hunting
prowess, and for it's wonderful abilities as a family companion.
Cockers do require brushing every day (or every other day) to prevent their coat from developing mats.
Traditionally Cockers are tremendously affectionate and friendly toward people, dogs, and other pets.
They are good with children and other pets, though un-neutered males may squabble.
The smallest member of the sporting group, well known and probably named for its proficiency with woodcock, this merry breed is very, very popular.
There are two dog breeds called "Cocker Spaniels" - the English and the American. The American Cocker evolved from their British counterparts and by the 1930's the American variety was given separate breed status from that of the English Cocker. Even later it was further divided into three color types: black, particolor, and ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black).
English Cocker Video
American Cocker Puppy Video
The American Cocker is rarely seen hunting and now most often fulfills the special position of family pet or show dog and has has been shown in the United States since the early 1880s. The English Cocker Spaniel is much more like the working dog form of the Field Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel.
Many of the dogs that have dominated the hunting tests, field trials and the entire hunting scene in the United States in the past several years are Field Bred dogs just imported British lines.
They have a sturdy, muscular and compact balanced body, sloping topline, medium length coat, docked tail, long neck, broad deep muzzle, and show a keen inclination to work. It is said that the Cocker Spaniel originated in Spain where the name 'Spaniel' and his ancestry can be traced all the way back as far as the 14th century.
They are a very active dog breed that needs plenty of exercise. He is also a good playmate for children. He is intelligent, manageable, affectionate, gentle natured, and has a great temperament.
Ideal height of males at the withers is 15 inches and for a female 14 inches and 26-34 pounds in weight. Grooming takes a little work on a daily basis. Professional clipping should be taken into consideration at least once per month in order to help maintain a decent coat.
Country of origin: Spain
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: 24 color variations for the English, 3 varieties for the American
Known health problems: Progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, luxating patellas, hypothyroidism, congenital deafness in particolored dogs, seizures, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy (a kidney disease), heart disease, allergies, and ocassionally, rage syndrome
Famous Cockers: Checkers, owned by Richard Nixon; Lady from Disney's Lady and the Tramp movie; Solomon and Sophie, pets of Oprah Winfrey
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