The Cocker Spaniel (Cocker Spaniel) is the smallest member of the Sporting Group.
Hisory: The American cocker spaniel came from the English cocker spaniel when the English brought their version to America in the late 1800s. Because American hunters wanted a slightly smaller dog, the American version was developed to hunt quail and other small game birds. The name “cocker” comes from the word “woodcock,” a type of game bird that this dog was particularly good at capturing.
Appearance: He has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size. The large yet compact feet are round and firm with thick pads. The long ears are made of fine leather and are well feathered. The neck is rather long, allowing the dog easy reach to the ground, and the neck flows smoothly into the shoulders. The American cocker has a strong back, and the tail is generally docked. They come in three major color varieties: black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black) and particolor. The other solid colours are chocolate, red, buff, and sable. Particolor dogs are all of the above colors and white. Black and tan, chocolate and tan, and tricolor (white, black and tan) are also common.
Size: Height: Dogs - 15inches (38cm); bitches - 14inches (36cm)
Weight: Dogs - 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Temperament: Bold and keen to work, the American Cocker Spaniel is equally suited to life as a gundog or as a household pet. Playful and sweet, the American cocker spaniel is known as the “merry” cocker. It is a breed that is happy to please its family. It is very good with children and friendly to other pets. They tend to be “softer” dogs who do not do well with rough or harsh training. They are gentle, trusting, devoted and lively, but should be socialized well when they are young in order to help prevent timidity.
Health: Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a variety of maladies, particularly infections affecting their ears and, in some cases, their eyes. Common eye problems in Cockers include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and cataracts. Some minor concerns are hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, PRA, liver diseases, and cardiomyopathy.
Life expectancy: 12-15 years.
Grooming: The eyes nedd regular cleaning. The coat care of the cocker spaniel can be time consuming. If the dog is not going to be shown, the coat can be clipped short for easy care. In cases where the coat is not clipped, the dog must be brushed or combed three times a week in order to maintain a nice coat. When brushing, be careful not to pull out the silky hair. This breed is an average shedder.
Puppy price: $200.00 – $2.000.00