Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 24-28 lbs.
Life Span: 12-15 yrs.
Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Overview
The American cocker spaniel can be a delight or a medical and behavioral
nightmare. The delightful cocker loves children and is very friendly, gentle,
playful, and trainable.
Unfortunately, due to careless breeding, many American cockers are aggressive,
nippy, intolerant of children, and difficult to train.
If you want an American cocker, begin obedience classes and socialization
with adults, children, and other animals early. The cocker does well in
the city, suburbs, or country.
Appearance
The cocker's coat is silky and flat or slightly wavy and may be black, any
other solid color, black and tan, or particolor.
The ears, chest, abdomen, and legs are well feathered, the ears lobe-shaped
and long.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The cocker should be brushed and combed two to three times a week and trimmed
every two to three months.
The ears should be cleaned weekly, and the ear flaps, which tend to end
up in the food bowl, need to be wiped off daily.
This dog needs brisk walks and playtime every day.
Origins
The American cocker spaniel is descended from the English "cocking" spaniels
that were used to flush woodcocks from their hiding places in the 19th century.
Special Alerts
It is especially important to obtain a cocker spaniel from a reputable breeder;
indiscriminate breeding has resulted in dogs with some serious problems.
Do not buy one from a pet store.
Breed-related health concerns: deafness, skin problems, hypothyroidism,
autoimmune diseases, eye and ear problems, patellar luxation, urinary tract
problems.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
