Breed: American Cocker Spaniel| Size: Medium | Average lifespan: 12+ years | Character: Gentle, affectionate, and playful | Coat: Medium-long-haired | Origin: United States.
With their little round heads and hanging ears, the American Cocker Spaniel is the epitome of a gentle and jovial dog. They are medium dogs that have a pleasant character. Their good looks also make them ideal for beauty contests.
The origins of the American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a particularly joyful dog.
The genealogy of the breed
Before becoming their own breed, this dog descended from its counterpart on the other side of the Atlantic, the English Cocker Spaniel, whose origins date back to 1881. Two English Cocker Spaniels, Chloe II and Obo, were bred in the United Kingdom. During her gestation period, Chloé II was brought to the United States, where the Cocker Spaniel first appeared. The breed we know today developed from this litter: two puppies named Obo II and miss Obo II respectively.
The development of the breed
This dog wa officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) on January 1, 1965, with a more refined appearance than its English cousin.
The character of the American Cocker Spaniel
Affectionate, gentle, dynamic, and jovial—this breed is very social. They are just as sociable with humans as they are with other dogs. In addition, they are particularly easy to live with, which makes it easier to train them. Their intelligence is appreciated in many areas.
The qualities of the American Cocker Spaniel
This is a very cheerful dog that loves to play. If properly socialized during their youth, these dogs adapt perfectly to living with other animals, even cats. They have a gentle disposition and a rather calm temperament, although they do need to exercise. This dog prefers open spaces, but will adapt very well in an apartment if they have an available owner who allows them to stretch his legs regularly. They are robust and have excellent stamina, making them a good game-lifter or jogging companion. American Cocker Spaniels are never timid or aggressive for no reason, although this will depend on their training. Their docility and intelligence make them easy to train.
Are there any downsides to having an American Cocker Spaniel?
These dogs get very attached to their owners and they do not handle solitude well. That is why when they find themselves alone at home, they can sometimes get into mischief, by destroying your belongings, for example. Their hunting instincts are particularly present, so it’s possible for them to flee. But, in general, they will come back because they build strong bonds with their owners.
This breed is sensitive. They will not tolerate any form of violence, whether it be physical or verbal. Violent behavior could lead to stubbornness. These very active dogs need at least two long walks a day to channel their energy. Lastly, American Cocker Spaniels are big eaters, so they tend to put on weight easily if their owners aren’t careful about what they eat.
The physical characteristics of the American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel charms people with their beautiful face.
The physical differences between the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed that came from their English cousin, however, we can name a few significant differences between the two breeds. First, the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller than the English Cocker Spaniel, who has longer legs. The muzzle of the American is curled up and shorter. The English has a rather rectanguler and long head, while the American has a rather round one. At first glance, the rustic aspect of the English Cocker Spaniel is perfect for hunting, while the more delicate allure of the American Cocker Spaniel makes them excellent for dog beauty competitions. With that being said, their coats are the main thing these two Cocker breeds have in common: both have medium-length coats that can touch the ground.
General
This is a medium-sized dog that is characterized by their long, hanging ears and their coat. Their hair is slightly wavy, without being frizzy, and is a texture that is silky at the touch. They generally reach their paws. Although it has a beautifully chiseled head, it has a solid, sturdy body.
Head
The head of this dog breed is delicately drawn. Their rounded skull gives them a gentle look. We can also find this gentleness in their character. Pure, clearly visible lines form its superciliary arches. The snub nose is broad and high, with well-developed nostrils and a fairly square jaw. Its ears are rooted at the lower level of the eye, long, hanging, thin and well-fringed. Their eyes are almond-shaped, with a round, dark-brown eyeballs.
Body
Built for lifting game, American Cocker Spaniels have strong, muscular backs. The body is longer from the sternum to the point of the buttock. Their chest is high, reaching down to the elbows. Being an energetic dog, their short tail is waggly, but never too low or erect.
Coat, color, and grooming
Grooming needs to be regular because they have a medium-long coat.
Coat
Generally, the coat of this breed reaches the floor. Their abdomen is covered with medium-long, wavy hair that doesn’t get frizzy and aren’t that abundant. Some parts of their body are fringed, like their ears and on the backs of their legs. Like most water dogs, they have an undercoat, which allows them to be able to handle low temperatures. However, the American Cocker Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic breed.
Colors
They can be monochrome, bicolored, or multicolored. Regarding the types of colors, they can be:
- Jet black, with possible tan tips,
- Black and tan,
- Black and white,
- Cream,
- Dark red
- Roan.
How do you groom the coat of your American Cocker Spaniel?
This dog has an annual molting period, with a relatively moderate hair loss. However, their grooming needs to be frequent and regular. It is best to visit a professional dog groomer once every three months. It’s also very important to keep a close eye on their ears. This is because they are prone to ear infections.
Did you know?
Their popularity grew thanks to the animated Disney film Lady and the Tramp, which came out in 1955.
The American Cocker Spaniel at a glance
Size: 34 to 36 centimeters for females, and between 37 and 39 centimeters for males.
Weight: between 9 and 12 kg (≈ 19.8 to 26.5 lb) for females, and between 10 and 13 kg (≈ 22 to 28.7 lb) for males.
Health: This is a dog with a number of genetic predispositions, including eye issues such as retinal atrophy, glaucoma, cataracts and ear infections. This breed is also at risk of anemia, hip dysplasia, gum tumors, heart defects, incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, epilepsy and kidney failure.
Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Is the American Cocker Spaniel good with children? Being a very jovial, playful, social and affectionate dog, they are the ideal family pet. They are very gentle and playful with children.
Is the American Cocker Spaniel easy to train? As they are intelligent and docile, the American Cocker Spaniel is easy to train. Moreover, their agility and stamina make them perfect show dogs.