American Cocker Spaniel: Pictures, Info & Care Guide
The American Cocker Spaniel is a popular family-friendly pet for many households.
From its loyal and energetic temperament to its characteristic big eyes and floppy ears, this breed can make an excellent companion if you take the time to properly groom, train, and care for it.
Overview of the American Cocker Spaniel dog breed
| UTILISATION | Flushing dog, companion. |
| FCI-CLASSIFICATION | Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs. |
| BREED GROUP | Sporting |
| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | United States of America |
| HEIGHT | 14–16 inches (37–39 cm) tall at the shoulder |
| WEIGHT | Male: 15–31 lbs (7–14 kg), Female: 15–31 lbs (7–14 kg) |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 10-14 years |
| TEMPERAMENT | Affectionate, sociable, outgoing, eager, joyful, gentle |
| INTELLIGENCE | High |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | Occasional |
| DROOL AMOUNT | Low |
| EXERCISE AMOUNT | Moderate |
| ENERGY LEVEL | Moderately high |
| BARKING LEVEL | Frequent |
| TRAINABILITY | Easy |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | On the head, short and fine; on body, medium length, with enough undercoating to give protection. |
| COLORS | Dark deer red, sometimes black hairs |
| SUMMARY | Good with elderly, children, other dogs and animals. Loves water. Apartment-friendly. Very loyal. Requires a lot of grooming. Susceptible to health issues and weight gain. |
History and Origin of the American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel’s roots can be traced back to the United Kingdom, where British hunters bred them for their almost unparalleled skill when it comes to hunting small game.
As early as 1893, “Cocker Spaniels” were recognized by the English Kennel Club and two varieties of the breed were recognized – Field Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels – according to their size.
Americans became enamored with these canines and in 1800s they made their way across the pond to become popular pets in households throughout America.
The American Kennel Club recognized the American Cocker Spaniel as a breed in 1878.
American Cocker Spaniel Physical Characteristics
The American Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 15 and 31 lbs (1-14 kg).
They can reach heights of 14 to 16 inches (37-39 cm).
Weight and height of females and males tends to be on par.
Their double coats consist of long fur over their body with a thick, waterproof undercoat.
The American Cocker Spaniel’s fur can come in several colors including black, tan, cream and liver as well as tricolors like roan or chocolate and tan.
They have expressive faces with large soulful eyes, rounded heads and short muzzles.
Not only do they look adorable, but their friendly demeanor makes them perfect family pets!
American Cocker Spaniel: Temperament and Personality
The American Cocker Spaniel is a kind, gentle and cheerful breed with a natural love for people and children.
These pups were bred to be companion dogs, so they need a lot of attention and affection from their owners.
They are playful and love activities like fetch, chase or swimming — but can also be quite laid back when just hanging out at home.
The breed is intelligent but sometimes stubborn which requires consistent training from an early age.
They have a lot of energy so it’s important to stick with the training and provide them with enough exercise or they can become destructive around the house.
American Cocker Spaniel: Health and Care
The American Cocker Spaniel has a few common health problems or conditions.
These include allergies, hip/elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eye diseases and patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation).
It is important to take your pup for regular check-ups with your veterinarian and also provide them with proper diet and nutrition break and exercise routinely to keep them healthy.
Additionally, they need a lot of grooming since they have long medium coats. This includes brushing, combing and occasional haircuts as needed.
Training and Exercise Requirements of the American Cocker Spaniel
While American Cocker Spaniels are known to be an independent breed, they do benefit from regular training and exercise.
Training is essential in providing mental stimulation while also teaching basic commands such as sit and stay.
Exercise can help burn off excess energy to prevent destructive behaviour and the recommended amount of exercise for the American Cocker Spaniel is two moderate 20 minute walks a day plus playing fetch games. In total around an hour of exercise per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an American cocker spaniel a good family dog?
Yes! The American Cocker Spaniel is known for being gentle and loving, making them a great choice for families.
Known for their playful nature and hypoallergenic coat, they are an ideal choice for those looking for a loyal, affectionate companion.
What is the difference between a Cocker Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel?
The main difference between a Cocker Spaniel and an American Cocker Spaniel is their size.
An American Cocker Spaniel is slightly larger than a traditional English Cocker Spaniel, usually weighing around 15-31 pounds and measuring up to 15 inches in height.
They have a stockier build with longer ears and a fluffier coat compared to the English counterpart.
The American variety tends to be more active, with an added desire for affection and attention from its owners.
Another difference between Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel is that the former has a longer, flatter snout while the latter has a more rounded snout.
Additionally, the coat of an American Cocker Spaniel is thicker and curlier than a Cocker Spaniel’s.
Are American Cocker Spaniels barkers?
An American Cocker Spaniel will typically bark out of excitement or alertness as most breeds do.
With training and proper socialization, however, barking can be reduced and managed, making the American Cocker Spaniel an excellent companion for families looking for a playful and loyal pet.
Do American Cocker Spaniels shed a lot?
American Cocker Spaniels do shed occasionally and can have a thick undercoat that tends to shed more than their topcoat.
Regular brushing and grooming can help manage the shedding process, but it is important to understand that they do require regular maintenance.
