| Breed Description
- American Cocker Spaniel |
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| Kennel Club Group |
Gundog |
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| General Size |
Medium |
Exercise requirements |
Medium |
| Adult Height |
14" - 16" (36 - 41 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
High |
| Adult Weight |
24 - 30 lb (11 - 14 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
High |
| Average Lifespan |
12 - 15 years |
Grooming Requirements |
High |
|
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| American Cocker Spaniels are compact dogs, small bodied and well balanced. They have a unique rounded head shape with abrupt stop and sport a silky coat with feathering on the legs, chest, abdomen and ears. The chest is deep and legs straight, moderately short and strongly boned with the feet compact and round. Colouring is black, buff, and other solid colours plus black and tan or particolour. On the move they cover ground smoothly with an effortless motion. |
| The first (English) Cocker is reputed to have arrived in America with the pilgrim fathers on the Mayflower in 1620 and later settlers brought more with them to help explore and exploit the country's wildernesses. The American Cocker Spaniel was developed from careful breeding of these English Cocker Spaniels and by the 1940's the American Cocker differed so much in type from the English Cocker that it became impossible to judge them together. In 1945 the breeds were separated and each officially recognised with their own standards. |
| American Cocker Spaniels are an intelligent breed, being eager to please and very adaptable they are easily trained for showing, field work or simple companionship. With a cheerful and sensitive disposition the American Cocker Spaniel is an inseparable friend to children and is respectful of its master's authority. They are lively, playful and devoted but should be socialised well when they are young to avoid a tendency for timidity. |
| The American Cocker loves exercise and games, which they need on a regular basis, they do well with both an urban or rural lifestyle. With their gundog heritage they love to play 'fetch' games but do not enjoy too much 'rough and tumble'. American Cocker Spaniels are labour intensive dogs needing a thorough groom every day. They also require trimming at intervals and attention needs to be paid to their ears for the possibility of canker. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| The American Cocker as a breed suffers quite a few health problems, most likely are joint problems at the knees, hips and possibly elbows. Attention needs to be paid to their heavily covered ears to guard against canker. Other common ailments include cataracts and glaucoma, skin problems are not unusual. |
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