Dog Breeds: American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel has its roots in another popular breed, the English Cocker Spaniel. English Cocker Spaniels were brought over from, not surprisingly, England. Once in the United States (or what would become the United States) they were bred down in size and given the name American Cocker Spaniel. These dogs, called simply the Cocker Spaniel by the American Kennel Club (AKC), are more popular in North America than their English counterparts. The American version has a shorter muzzle and slightly larger body despite being smaller in size.

This is a sturdy breed, on that can handle the rigors of hunting. Standing no more than 15.5 inches high and weighing no more than 30 pounds, the American Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog. The head is rounded, the muzzle broad, and the jaws square and even. The eyes should be very dark and very round, with one the slightest almond shaping at the corners. Eyes tend to tear, so wipe them daily. Tails were traditionally docked, but since docking is illegal in most of Europe and in some areas of North America (except for medical reasons), this practice is becoming less common.

The coat should be flat, but a slight wave is acceptable. The hairs should have a silky feel to them and there should be feathering on the abdomen, legs, chest, and ears. Colors are many and varied. Any solid color is acceptable, as are merle, black and tan points, parti-colored, and solid color with tan points. Length varies because show lines have longer coats than field lines. If you like to leave your Cocker Spaniel's hair a little longer, daily grooming is required. For those who clip the coat shorter, weekly grooming is enough. This breed sheds as much as any other breed, but frequent grooming and a weekly bath can help combat this.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a bold dog with a gentle nature. Sweet and loving, this breed is intelligent enough to learn quickly and has a high desire to please. This dog loves to play and hates being ignored, but they do tend toward shyness. To combat this, socialize the dog early and often. If this is done, they become very social and shed their pathological shyness.

Great with children, this breed makes an excellent family dog. If not properly socialized, however, they can get nippy. The American Cocker Spaniel needs rules, boundaries, and limitations in order to thrive. And thrive they will. Cocker Spaniels can be perfectly happy on a ranch or in an apartment. They like exercise, but do well indoors because they are small enough to turn your couch into a jungle gym. They're not destructive (unless they're really annoyed), so if you can bear the hopping and wiggling, the American Cocker Spaniel might be for you.

There are some major health concerns that affect the American Cocker Spaniel. This breed is prone to cataracts, glaucoma, cherry eye, ear infections, allergies, seborrhea, and patellar luxation (relating to the knees). There are other minor concerns such as hip dysplasia, liver disease, elbow dysplasia, and gastric torsion. The biggest concern in recent years, however, has been Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). This disease is almost always fatal and can present itself only 48 hours before the dog dies. Talk to your vet about the possibilities of this disease, because it turns out it's relatively common in the American Cocker Spaniel.

Originally a retrieving and water dog, the American Cocker Spaniel is a popular pet and hunting companion today. They make wonderful pets, especially for families, with many of the dogs living to 15 years or more. If you're looking for a dog that will love you every minute of every day (even when you're not home) this energetic breed might be for you.