English Cocker Spaniel: breed description, care, maintenance, photo, nutrition

History of the origin of the breed

The American Cocker Spaniel was developed in the United States by breeding from the English Cocker Spaniel. The breed was primarily positioned as a decorative, domestic dog, but it has many other talents - hunting, searching, tracking and agility. Cocker spaniels are also excellent guard dogs.

There is no exact information about the origin of the breed. Working English cockers are called the ancestors. There is a legend that the very first cocker spaniel came to America back in 1629 with the first settlers from the Old World. It was these dogs that were allegedly seen on board the Mayflower ship, which landed on American shores. Initially, all spaniels were considered one breed.

Only much later, when breeders began the systematic selection of especially desirable qualities in dogs, and standards for the modern breed of American Cocker Spaniels were developed. Initially, the American Cocker Spaniel is a pure hunting dog with keen hearing, keen eyes and a wonderful sense of smell. But anyone who came across this “beast” in person probably felt tenderness and dreamed of having such a pet of their own. You can’t help but like him, he’s such a sweet and charming creature, you can fall in love with him at first sight.

Today this is more of an indoor breed of dog, since people are now less and less interested in hunting. They have a height of no more than thirty-eight centimeters, which means that they are quite small and will get along well even in the smallest apartment. It is worth noting here that the American Cocker Spaniel is very active, or rather, he is always on the move, except for those rare moments, of course, when he sleeps.

The predecessors of the American Cocker Spaniels are the larger English Cocker Spaniels. Dogs similar in appearance to modern American cocker spaniels lived on the American continent before, but it was the dogs imported from the Old World that created the basis for the formation of a new breed. The breed was first presented at an exhibition in 1883.

American breeders sought to differentiate “their” dogs from their English ancestors. Beginning in 1935, cocker spaniel enthusiasts took decisive measures to separate one breed from the other, and after a few years they succeeded.

Pros and cons of the breed

The positive qualities of the dog are: Before you decide to get an English Cocker Spaniel, you need to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of the breed's character.

Hunter abilities.
Endurance and courage.
Insightful mind.
Playfulness.
Wariness towards strangers.
At the same time, it is worth considering the disadvantages inherent in these dogs6
Excessive activity.
Spoiled due to improper training.
Tendency to active barking.

American Cocker Spaniel characteristics and description of the breed

American Cocker Spaniels are cute dogs known for their affectionate and good-natured disposition. Their body is covered with beautiful, very thick long hair. The color can be any (fawn, white with black, red, etc.). The long flexible neck deserves special mention, allowing the dog to find tracks on the ground with particular ease.

The American Cocker Spaniel is the shortest breed of hunting spaniels. They have a compact body with a short back and flat topside. Their legs are strong, straight, with strong bones.

The current breed standard was adopted in 1999. The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the sporting dogs: height for males is 39.4 cm, for females - 36.8 cm. The characteristic features of the breed are harmonious build, gracefulness and cheerful disposition.

The American Cocker Spaniel's head is proportional to the size of the dog. The muzzle is deep and wide, the expression is soft, intelligent, touching and lively. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle and the brow ridges are well defined.
The ears should be set no higher than the bottom line of the eyes. The ear flap is long and drooping, the skin is thin. The ears are densely covered with hair.
The eyes look straight ahead. Due to the shape of the eyelids, the eyes look almond-shaped, not deep set, but not bulging either. Eye color is dark brown, and the darker the shade, the better. The dog's nose is straight, the nostrils are well developed. The nose is quite large. In black and white, black and tan and black dogs, the color of the lobe is black. For dogs of other colors, a brown or liver colored nose is acceptable.
Scissor bite. The jaws are even, rectangular, the teeth are strong and not too small. The upper lip covers the lower jaw.
The body of the American Cocker Spaniel is distinguished by a topline that flows down to the muscular croup.
The chest is deep, reaching down to the elbows. The chest is quite wide, but its width should not interfere with the straightness of the movement of the forelimbs. The ribs are curved. The back of the American Cocker Spaniel breed is strong and sloping towards the base of the tail.
The forelimbs of the American Cocker Spaniel are muscular and have strong bones. The elbows are located under the highest point of the shoulder blades. The paws are compact and rest on hard pads. They should not be turned either out or in.
The hind limbs of the American Cocker Spaniel are parallel to each other both when the dog is standing and when it is moving. The thighs are clearly defined and powerful. Dewclaws, if present, are removed. The paws are large, but compact, round in shape. The pads are hard.
The American Cocker Spaniel's tail is docked. The tail harmoniously continues the line of the top; it may be raised somewhat upward, but not as much as that of a terrier. The tail should also not be down. When animated, the dog wags its tail.
The American Cocker Spaniel's coat varies in quality on different parts of the body. On the head the hair is thin and short, on the body the hair is of medium length, the undercoat is developed. The belly, ears, limbs and chest are covered with decorative fur. It should not be too abundant, hiding the silhouette of the dog and its movements. The coat is slightly wavy or straight, silky.

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The color can be any (fawn, white with black, red, etc.). With a single color there may be a small white spot on the chest, with mixed colors - individual colors should be distributed evenly over the body (1:1 or 1:1:1), and none of them should predominate; with roans - white hair should be evenly distributed throughout the body. Roans can have different shades: blue, red, red-brown, lemon. In black and tan dogs, tan spots should be located above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, on the throat and chest, on the front legs to the elbows, on the hind legs to the hocks, as well as on the inner surface of the legs and under the tail, around the anus. Disadvantages: small white markings on the chest in dogs of the same color, blurred or slightly blackened tan marks, insufficiently clearly demarcated spots in mixed colors.

Characteristics and breed standard

The English Cocker Spaniel is a small dog with well-developed muscles. The chest is wide, the legs are straight, of medium length, strong.

Height at withers: males 39-41 cm, females 37-39 cm Weight: 12.5-14.5 kg

Color: chocolate, black, gold, red, possible presence of tan marks. A white spot is allowed on the chest. There are two-color (black and white, lemon and white, chocolate and white, red and white with or without markings) or tri-color (black and white or chocolate and white with tan) spaniels. The common color is roan (roan-blue, chocolate-roan, roan-red, possible presence of tan marks).

The dog's body is covered with soft, smooth, silky hair. On the hind legs the hair forms “pants”, on the muzzle and paws it is short. The length of the ears is continued by the long, straight coat.
The nose is black, chocolate color is allowed if the coat color is chocolate or white-chocolate.
The ears are long, hanging, low-set - the “calling card” of the spaniel.
The tail is docked or naturally shaped and carried below the level of the back when the dog moves.
The eyes are expressive, large, with a smart and at the same time playful expression.
Eye color varies depending on coat color: brown, dark brown, hazel.

For clarity, we will show the differences in the exterior of the English and American Cocker Spaniel.

American Cocker Spaniel character

American Cocker Spaniels are friendly, optimistic dogs full of enthusiasm. They are generally obedient and highly trainable. An affectionate and good-natured character, tenderness, devotion, willingness to obey any commands of the owner, lack of expressed aggressiveness towards strangers and other dogs, the ability to get along well with children - modern American cocker spaniels owe their popularity to these qualities.

American Cocker Spaniels are usually used as pets, but sometimes serve humans in work. They are naturally kind, affectionate and sensitive, respecting the authority of their owner. American Cocker Spaniels are quite intelligent, trusting and cheerful dogs. They tend to get along well with children and are quite even-tempered. However, there are differences in temperament due to the popularity of the breed.

When purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel, it is important to choose a reputable breeder. Poor breeding can cause unattractive character traits and bad behavior in individuals. Purebred Cocker Spaniels are lively, sociable and playful. Constant training is necessary from a very early age to avoid excessive shyness.

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This is perhaps the only breed of dog that, even as adults, does not lose the behavior of puppies; they are just as funny and playful. Even if there are small children in your house, this dog will become their faithful companion and guard. Despite his small size and “plush” appearance, he is very brave, and also treats everything connected with his owners with great understanding.

Cocker Spaniels are active dogs, especially when they are young. They get along well with children and are tolerant of even very young children.

American Cocker Spaniels can handle being alone, but not for long, so don't leave your Cocker alone for too long periods of time. They need constant contact with people and without enough attention, they can develop bad habits such as excessive barking and others, which can become a problem for the owner.

The need for a lot of attention makes these dogs quite demanding pets, so some people may find them clingy. It is better not to get an American Cocker Spaniel for people who do not have enough time to take care of their pet or for those who do not want to do this.

American Cocker Spaniels are charming creatures with refined manners and a sense of self-worth. American Cocker Spaniels are quite adapted to living in a metropolis. Fun games and walks always bring them pleasure.

How to choose and where to buy an English Cocker Spaniel puppy

If your goal is to buy not just any dog, but an English Cocker Spaniel, then you need to search among litters with a pedigree. This puppy may not necessarily be from champion parents, but at least its origin will not be in doubt. It often happens that a dog without a pedigree outwardly meets the standard, but has a character and habits that are completely unusual for the breed, which greatly upsets the owners.

When you come to a meeting with a dog breeder from whom you are going to buy a puppy, pay attention not only to the dogs themselves, but also to the behavior of the owner. A real cocker breeder will not rush to sell a puppy at any cost; he really cares about his pets. Unfortunately, there are situations when owners of bitches sell puppies that were raised incorrectly and did not receive enough food and vitamins. It is very difficult to correct the mistakes of such a dog breeder, because the first months are the most important for the development and formation of the dog.

Each litter usually contains promising puppies and little ones for the soul, who have some serious and not so serious deviations from the standard. Usually promising puppies are sold at a higher price, but at such a young age it is difficult to determine whether they will grow up to be kings of the ring and the hunt. If you are not sure of the sincerity of the breeder, then take with you a specialist who will help you choose a puppy that suits your goals. It's a shame when you dream of a breeding bitch, but get a dog that is obviously not suitable for breeding, even despite the presence of eminent ancestors in the pedigree.

A more understandable question is the choice of the gender of the future puppy. Male Cockers look more impressive, as lovers of this breed say, “well dressed,” but they are distinguished by a more independent disposition. In addition, they love to go for walks in search of love, which gives their owners a lot of anxiety. Girls are more elegant, obedient and affectionate, but when getting a bitch, you must calculate your strength: do you have the time, money and, most importantly, the desire to breed, maintain and place offspring. Although some dog breeders swear that they are not planning anything like this, subsequently they often have to babysit the puppies for a couple of months instead of going to the seaside.

Price of puppies

Puppies without documents, that is, without a puppy card, cannot cost more than 10 thousand rubles . The cost of purebred English Cocker Spaniel puppies averages 15 thousand rubles .

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American Cocker Spaniel maintenance and care

In everyday life, Cocker Spaniels are not too whimsical, but they still need to be looked after. A dog's luxurious attire requires care and attention. Your puppy should be taught to brush from the first days of his life in your home. Be consistent: once you start combing, finish it. Puppies are brushed daily, and adult dogs - at least once every 10 days.

The requirements for the quality of the coat and the styling of the American Cocker Spaniel are quite high. His coat should be both silky and not too soft, straight, but slightly wavy. The Cocker Spaniel has its head cut short. Medium length hair is left on the back and shoulders. The ears, chest, belly and paws are covered with very long hair.

The American Cocker Spaniel needs to be washed once every 10–14 days. After washing, do not rub the wool with a towel so as not to tangle it, but simply blot it and dry it with a hairdryer. The dog also needs regular (4 times a year) haircut. Use only high-quality dog washing products to avoid allergies and skin irritations.

The Cocker Spaniel's eyes and ears require special care. The eyes should be cleaned thoroughly using a cotton pad with water, do not use soap. Regular eye care can help prevent infection. Clean your American Cocker Spaniel's ears regularly. Otherwise, ear infections or mites may develop. Dogs with such long ears require a deep bowl.

Due to the fact that Cocker Spaniels are active dogs, they need daily walks. Although they can tolerate short periods of inactivity, it is best not to allow this to happen. Daily walks and energetic games will help your American Cocker Spaniel stay in shape. Involve your cocker spaniel in the family's daily activities, teaching him to fetch you slippers, for example, this will help him avoid boredom and maintain a healthy mind.

The disadvantages of the breed include the need for careful care of the dog’s coat, claws and eyes, as well as the breed’s susceptibility to certain diseases. But if these difficulties do not scare you, feel free to choose a puppy: you will get a gentle and devoted friend, and your children will get a cheerful playmate!

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American Cocker Spaniel Training

Dogs are easy to train and get along easily with other animals. Training is necessary for the American Cocker Spaniel, especially if you plan to take your dog to shows. For a breed with such a striking appearance, the ability to present itself favorably in the ring is extremely important, and taking into account the fact that the dog is considered athletic, it must also actively demonstrate a desire to work.

Of course, some decrease in interest in the breed is a consequence of a significant distortion of the original purpose of the breed. The American Cocker was bred as a hunting breed, but gradually, thanks to its more developed coat and its exhibition successes, it turned into a show dog and companion dog. Now it’s difficult, looking at a well-dressed cocker, to imagine him hunting - in the bushes, in the swamp and with a duck in his teeth.

True, in America, Finland and some other countries, they now pay great attention to the hunting abilities of “Americans”, and they often become winners in prestigious hunting competitions.

Many of the show's outstanding winners proudly bear the CD (Companion Dog) title, which is awarded after passing special tests. Therefore, the American Cocker can rightfully be considered a universal dog, and its purpose will depend only on our goals and preferences.

American Cocker Spaniel Health

The breed is characterized by several diseases, among which the most common are diseases of the ears and eyes; diseases such as epilepsy, disorders of the cardiovascular system, and disorders of the musculoskeletal system are noted. Carefully monitor your dog’s condition and at the first signs of ill health, contact a specialist. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is highly prevalent in this breed and is a life-threatening condition.

The average life expectancy of American Cocker Spaniels is 12-15 years, with an average of 5 puppies born per litter. Most spaniels live from 13 to 17 years, with litters of 5 to 12 puppies. Puppies at birth weigh 150-200 grams.

American Cocker Spaniels are prone to the following diseases:

Urolithiasis disease
Chronic hepatitis
Seborrhea
Atopy
Food allergies
Melanoma
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Otitis

Eye diseases in the American Cocker Spaniel:

cataract
glaucoma
progressive retinal degeneration
corneal dystrophy
corneal ulcer

Diseases

The English Cocker Spaniel, whose diseases can be acquired or hereditary, gets sick infrequently, as they are active, healthy dogs. Cockers have ailments:

psychological: hysteria, tendency to panic, aggression;
skin diseases: for example, asthenia, when the skin lacks normal elasticity, strength, sensitivity, their skin is also susceptible to infection with yeast fungi, but most often it is secondary. A dog infected with fleas tears its skin into injured areas and later Candida or Malacesia fungi colonize;
diseases of the visual organs: cataracts, glaucoma, cherry eye, entropion, distichiasis:
diseases of the musculoskeletal system: hip dysplasia;
If the ears, one of the most vulnerable parts of a dog’s body, are not properly cared for, otitis may develop.
food allergy.

To prevent the occurrence of psychological and physical problems, visit your veterinarian regularly and ensure proper care and nutrition.

Photos of American Cocker Spaniel

red american cocker spaniel

american cocker spaniel photo red