American Cocker Spaniel | The Joyful & Graceful Dog Breed
The American Cocker Spaniel is small-sized, happy-go-lucky, and sociable dog breed that has a silky coat, dark round eyes, and a friendly character. Popular simply as the Cocker Spaniel in America, these dogs have captured the hearts of many people with their friendly personalities and beautiful looks. The American Cocker Spaniel has been developed from the hunting dog to become a great family pet, show dog, sports companion and therapy dog. In this article, we will take a closer look at the breed’s history, the peculiarities of its temperament and the reasons for its high popularity among people.
History of the American Cocker Spaniel
The breed has its origin from the English Cocker Spaniel which was taken to North America in the nineteenth century. As Americans continued to breed the breed, they bred a dog of a certain look and disposition that was better suited for petting and conformation shows than hunting.
In the 1940s, the American and English Cocker Spaniels were different enough to be classified as different breeds. The American Cocker Spaniel grew in popularity and was one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, especially after the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp in which the main female character, Lady, was an American Cocker Spaniel.
Classification of American Cocker Spaniel
By Purpose
The American Cocker Spaniel was primarily a hunting dog for occasion such as woodcocks/cockers hence the name or cocker spaniel but has evolved to be a pet dog in the modern society. Although originally bred for hunting and is still capable of performing hunting tasks with great excellence in field trials, the modern Cocker Spaniel is kept as a companion or family pet or involved in activities such as agility, obedience, and therapy.
By Size
The American Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium breed of dog that has a fine and noble appearance:
Size: It measures between 13.5 to 15.5 inches in height at the shoulder level.
Weight: This varies from 20 to 30 pounds with females weighing slightly less than the males.
Body Structure: Known for its rounded head, expressive dark eyes, and long, luxurious ears. Some of the unique features include the fact that the breed has a silky hair coat that is feathered which needs to be groomed often.
Most Popular American Cocker Spaniel Traits
The American Cocker Spaniel is loved for its beautiful appearance and its temperament that makes it easy to fall in love with it.
Sociable: Another characteristic that can be attributed to the breed is its friendly and people-friendly behavior. Cockers are sociable animals that require the company of humans and are friendly to children and other animals.
Active and Jovial: Although the American Cocker Spaniel has a graceful look, he is a very active breed that loves to engage in games, strolls, and other forms of exercise.
Intelligent and trainable: They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train and follow commands and therefore suitable for obedience trials and dog competitions.
Beautiful Coat: They have long, silky and beautiful coat of hair that can be black, buff, parti-color and many more. They require a good grooming to enable them maintain a good coat in this context.
Loyal pets: They are friendly and attach themselves with their families and have a great passion towards household activities.
Factors to Choose an American Cocker Spaniel
The following is a guide that can help you understand some of the key points about the American Cocker Spaniel breed that you need to take into consideration when choosing this dog as your pet.
Grooming Needs: Their coat is very attractive and should be brushed, groomed and trimmed regularly to avoid formation of mats.
Exercise: Despite the fact that these are not very active breeds, Cockers require daily exercise in the form of walks, play, and mentally stimulating activities.
Socialization: The children should be well socialized early enough to avoid being stressed by new environments or people as they are likely to be sensitive.
Health Concerns: There are some diseases that are common with most pure bred dogs and also affect the American Cocker Spaniels such as ear infections because of their drooping ears, eye disorders including cataracts and lastly hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups are essential.
Emotional Need: They are very much people oriented and can hardly stand being alone for a long time. They can do well in homes that they are pampered a lot and given much attention and company.
How to care for an American Cocker Spaniel
With owning an American Cocker Spaniel comes responsibilities in order to make sure the pet is in good health and condition.
Grooming: You should brush your Pomeranian daily and bathe him once a month while professional grooming should be done every 4-6 weeks to ensure that its coat is in good condition and to avoid ear problems.
To ensure that the pet is mentally stimulated, it is advisable to provide puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to avoid cases of boredom that lead to destructiveness.
Positive Training: Cocker spaniels are very sensitive and therefore should be trained using positive methods only. Severely harsh training can create fear or anxiety in the dog.
Health Check up: They should be taken for regular checkups, vaccination, and dental check up to ensure they are in good health.
Interaction: They are affectionate and love attention, therefore, should be taken around the house and involved in family activities so that he/she feels like a member of the family.
Fun Facts About the American Cocker Spaniel
Hollywood Star: This breed was made popular by the Walt Disney movie ‘Lady and the Tramp’ where the beautiful lady dog goes by the name of the breed, the American Cocker Spaniel.
Campaigning Companion: It is interesting to know that the U.S. President Richard Nixon had an American Cocker Spaniel named Checkers during his political career.
In the United States, the breed became the most popular for many years, particularly in 1940s and 1950s.
Other achievements: Despite the fact that American Cocker Spaniels are primarily bred for their looks, they are also good athletes who are capable of participating in agility, obedience, and field trials events.
Coat: They have a smooth and short coat that can be solid black, buff, chocolate, and parti-color (two or more colors) or roan.
Where to find American Cocker Spaniel
Before you decide to buy an American Cocker Spaniel, it is crucial to research the breeders and choose those who take care of the health and temperament of their dogs and responsible breeding. Check whether the breeders have health certificates for both the parents and whether you are allowed to see the puppies and the dam.
There is also the option of adoption; there are many Cocker Spaniel rescues and shelters where dogs are waiting for their forever homes.
FAQs about the American Cocker Spaniel
Conclusion
The American Cocker Spaniel is an attractive, charming, and affectionate dog breed. This breed may be small in size but its beauty, friendly personality and affectionate nature ensure that it is still a popular dog breed to this present day. In any case, as a family pet, a show dog, or a dog for training for various activities, the American Cocker Spaniel is a great selection. When properly cared, trained and loved, this elegant and friendly breed will be a source of happiness and friendship to you and your family for as many years as you want.