Cocker Spaniel
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General Description
(Cocker Spaniel) The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest breed of sporting spaniels. They have a compact body with a short back and a gently sloping topline. Their legs are stout, straight, and well-boned. American Cocker Spaniels have a defined, round head with an abrupt stop and a square jaw. Their friendly eyes are round, dark, and close-set, and their strong teeth meet in a scissors bite. Depending on the color of coat, an American Cocker Spaniel could have a brown or black nose. Their dropped ears (pendulous ears) hang very long, and their tails are docked to less than half their original length. American Cocker Spaniels have a beautifully soft, lush, silky, feathered coat. The coat on this breed is of medium length and comes in a wide variety of colors.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly used as pets, but they also serve a working purpose. They are naturally kind, affectionate, and sensitive, and they are respectful of authority. American Cocker Spaniels are fairly intelligent, trusting, and cheerful. They are usually excellent with children and very even-tempered. However, there are temperamental variations due to the breed’s popularity. When buying American Cocker Spaniels, it’s important to choose them from reputable breeders. Poor breeding can lead to a number of unappealing characteristics and bad behavior in specimens. Well-bred American Cocker Spaniels are lively, playful, and social. They need proper training from a young age to avoid the onset of shyness.*
Cocker Spaniels are good hunters and make great family pets too. They are known for their intelligence and cooperation but may be stubborn. They enjoy interacting with their owners and other dogs. they are a good family pet too. Sometimes training these spaniels may be difficult, but will learn eventually with patience and consistency. The key in training this breed is to keep in mind that these dogs are very sensitive to your emotions and getting upset or frustrated with them is an easy way to lose their trust. For best results be patient.
Size
14 – 16 inches
Weight
15 – 30 pounds
General Health
American Cocker Spaniels are affected by a number of health concerns. IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) is fairly common in this breed, and is usually a life-threatening condition. Eye and ear problems like infections, PRA, glaucoma, and cataracts are common. Ear inflammation, luxating patellas, and hip dysplasia are less prevalent, but they are still a concern. The average life span of an American Cocker Spaniel is 12 to 15 years, and they average 5 puppies per litter.*
Most live on average of 13 to 17 years and yield 5 to 7 puppies per litter.
History
The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed in the United States from careful breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel. The breed is most heavily utilized as a companion and show dog, but it has a number of other natural talents including hunting, tracking, retrieving, and agility. They also make excellent watchdogs.
Maintenance
American Cocker Spaniels need regular trimming and grooming. Even if their coat is left long, it needs to be maintained. Daily brushing and frequent shampooing are sufficient. American Cocker Spaniels’ eyes need frequent cleaning to prevent the onset of irritation or infection. They are average shedders.*
Their ears need to be cleaned at least twice a month, or once a week just to be careful. Otherwise they might develop infection or a case of mites.
Ideal Environment
American Cocker Spaniels are content in any living environment, though they prefer at least a small backyard. This breed needs to be exercised regularly to prevent the onset of weight problems or emotional distress.
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Dennis, MS
We have a beautiful litter of babies that have champion bloodlines. They strut their stuff to show it off. For more...
We have a beautiful litter of babies that have champion bloodlines. They strut their stuff to show it off. For more...
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Pleasanton, KS
Providing Unique & Quality AKC Cocker Spaniels to Loving Homes. We are a small licensed with the state of Kansas, Hobby...
Providing Unique & Quality AKC Cocker Spaniels to Loving Homes. We are a small licensed with the state of Kansas, Hobby...
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Ask a QuestionCocker Spaniel Q&A
Our cocker spaniel has become increasingly plagued with the crusty skin associated with cocker spaniels. I try to manage it with veterinarian supplied shampoo and food. Lately he seems to be "shivering" almost constantly and having difficulty jumping up or down and loses his hind quarter traction more easily. Is there a type of illness that plagues cockers or is this simply a question of age. I think he's only 7/8 years old so that doesn't seem logical to me. I'm just looking for some feed back - I hate to run him into the vet - stressful to him AND me...
regarding the difficulty jumping and traction, you should definelty have your dog evaluated by a neuro vet. our cocker had similar problems including the shaking which was due to him hurting. he got to the point he could barely walk. it turned out that he had a disk that had calcified and the ruptured. we were lucky to catch it when we did as he had imediate surgery and recovered perfectly.
Hi,try Innova EVO food. Sounds like food algeries.Both of my dogs do great on this food. All skin issues gone! Hip/back problems are something else. they require a Vet's attention
Have you tried a good coal tar shampoo? It is good for cocker spaniels. Keep him brushed out, and check for any external parasites that he may be scratching at.I would also suggest NuVet vitamins. They are super wonderful for allergy / skin problems and take care of their internal organs as well.We raise Cocker Spaniels and all of our dogs get NuVet vitamins.
Cocker Spaniels are a wonderful breed, but they require a lot of attention and grooming. I would take him to the bet immediately if he is having difficulty jumping up or losing traction as this could indicate a serious hip/back problem. The sooner the vet can determine what the problem is the better off both you and your precious pup will be. : )
one of my cockers had the same problems. He stopped walking and had to take him to a neurocenter for sugery. He recovered from that. Now, you may need to get a allergy blood test to find out what the problem is. No shampoos o different food helped my dog, every dog is different and a blood test is the best option. Until then, get some allergy pills from your vet. I do recommend Evo food, as seems to have a lower dose of dust mites.
Shivering can be a sign that the thyroid is out of whack. Ask your vet to do a simple blood test to determine if your dog has a hypo or hyper thyroid issue. Our old girl was diagnosed at age 11 or 12, and made it to 15 through daily maintenance drug (levyrothyroxin). (heart failure was the final insurmountable challenge for her)
My cocker spaniel has a crust on one side of nose is this something that needs to be treated by a vet?
it may be because she cant lick it and its drying up, our american cocker had it straight across the top of her nose but she was find with it. the vet didnt subscribe anything so i believe it should be ok
My cocker had the same thing and how I solved the problem was by cleaning her nose after she ate because she would get food on it and didn't get it clean. I never had the problem again. To get rid of a bad build up at first use a warm wet compress to the area and when it is soft enough it will come of with a little help. You may need to put antibiotic ointment on it if it has been on there for a while. This will heal quickley. Hope this helps, Kim
my pup cockerspaniel vey cute he is 8 weeks ol and is bitting and grawling like he is playing but i need to know if this is a big concern what i can do to control it because he play bits my small kids and i heard their great with kids he loves them but i need to know if he is doing it now willl he do it when hes older i dont want him to bit n-e one when he gets big so help people how do i nip this in the but while he is big because i love him alot by the way he is a male and his name is T Mac!!!help
Talk to a trainer and get the little bites under control. My female did the same. As soon as I felt teeth on my skin, I would stop playing and pull my hands away from her, if she continued (usually she would)then I would calmly close and hold her mouth and say wrong. She is now 13 months old and we don't have any play biting problems. I had to be consistant and get it every time. I got this tip from our puppy trainner.
our american cocker spaniel connie is 8 weeks old and she does exactly the same and has even taught our golden retriver who is 8 weeks old to do exactly the same, i dont mind them doing it but if they go to far i do tell them NO without being aggressive, but they are young and they are getting the feel of things, give it a few weeks then start being more on the ball about it.
most americans do it, give it a month and they will grow out of it, they are only playing bless them.
I've got a puppy from a recent litter that is a black white and tan. He also has big patches of silver on him. Others out of the same litter also have some silver on them. Could you tell me if that changes what color that is? Or what you call that? Cheryl
Hi there,Our two and a half year old female is turning silver too. I've never seen anything like it. She was solid black with just a few white wiskers on her chin. If you ever find out please let me know..
It might bea vitemin defitionsy or just the changing nature of your dog's coat. It shouldn't be anything too seriouse but just to be sure talk to your vet. :)
ive seen an american cocker spaniel at a dog show that is party colours but also has silver on it and people seem to think its fine, even though it doesnt win alot and is very ugly but its perfectly healthy. if the kennel club dont mind then it should be fine
I would have to see a picture to be sure but it sounds like you might possibly have a merle cocker. You can go to www.merlecockers.com and read more about merle cocker spaniels.
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I uploaded a picture of Gertie,she is my wifes best friend when I am not here.Gertie is a loyal pet,very spoiled.She is a blessing in our lives as well as my wifes.
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