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American Cocker Spaniel

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General
OtherNames		American Cocker
Dog Group Kennel Club		Gundog
Breed Classification		The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Gundog Group. They will both point and fetch game and although still used as a field dog, are today more often seen in the show ring or as companion dogs.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		< £4
Feeding Requirements		American Cockers are relatively easy dogs to feed as they are small dogs and not fussy eaters. They are not normally greedy but do require a good quality food to keep their coats in good condition.
Other Expenses		Although feeding costs are low, other expenses are potentially high. They have long silky coats which will benefit from professional attention at intervals. Skin problems are rather common and these can lead to considerable expense over a period of time. Puppies will cost around £450 - £650.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size		4
General Physical Description		American Cocker Spaniels are small-bodied, compact dogs. They are workmanlike dogs and well balanced. They are noted for their rounded head and full, silky coat with feathering on ears, chest, abdomen and legs. They move in a smooth, co-ordinated way and appear to cover the ground effortlessly.
Height Min Max Bitch 34cm 37cm Dog 36cm 39cm Weight Min Max Bitch 11kg 13kg Dog 11kg 13kg
Size Category		Small
Weight Height Range		Dogs should ideally measure between 36 - 39cms at the withers and bitches measure between 34 - 37 cms. Both dogs and bitches weigh between 11 and 13kg.
Ailments		The American Cocker has quite a few health problems although many can be treated and with proper care and attention the incidence of others will be lowered. Pups should always be chosen from healthy stock and it is particularly important to do so in this breed because of the number of potential problems. Purchasers should insist on seeing a current eye certificate for both parents because of the number of eye problems in this breed.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Medium
Other
History		The first Cocker in America is said to have arrived with the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower in 1620. Settlers in subsequent centuries brought more with them to help explore and exploit the country's wildernesses. American Cockers were developed from the English Cocker in the 19th century, to retrieve quail and woodcock. Originally they were divided from the English Cocker solely on the basis of size, but over the years they were bred for specific traits and the differences grew greater. By the 1940s the American Cocker differed so much in type from the English Cocker that it became impossible to judge them together and in 1945 the two breeds were separated and each officially recognised with their own standards. Bred as hunting dogs they still retain some of their hunting instincts, some are still kept as working dogs but most are now commonly found in the show ring or as companions. The American Cocker is one of America’s most popular breeds.
Intelligence		The American Cocker is an intelligent dog. Being eager to please and very adaptable they are easy to train for field work, showing or companionship.
Show Characteristics		The head of the American Cocker should be well developed and rounded with eyebrows and stop clearly defined. The muzzle should be broad, deep and square. The jaws should be strong with a perfect scissor bite. The eyes should be full, round and looking forward, with an alert, soft and appealing expression. The ears are lobular, long and well clothed with long silky hair which may be straight or wavy. The neck is long and muscular and the body short, compact and knit together, giving an impression of strength. The chest is deep with well sprung ribs. The legs should be moderately short and strongly boned, the feet compact and round. The tail is carried on a line with the back or slightly higher and in the past has been docked to two fifths of its length. The coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy, it is short on the head and of medium length on the body. The ears, chest, abdomen and legs should be well feathered but not excessively so as to impede movement and function as a sporting dog. There are strict rules covering the colours of American Cockers which come in three varieties. These are Black, Any Solid Colour Other than Black (ASCOB), and Particolours. Blacks and Browns may have some tan in the coat but never white, and the tan should
Country Of Origin		United States of America
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		60 - 80 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Low
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Low
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		American Cockers are cheerful intelligent dogs with a lively curiosity and make ideal companions. They are adaptable and suit both town and country dwellers but are demanding of the owners time. They have great personalities and are known to be mischievous with minds of their own, owners need to be gentle and patient with these dogs. Novice owners would be advised to speak to an expert before purchasing.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		Every Day
Trimming		Frequent
Requires Professional Groomer		True
Grooming		American Cocker Spaniels are labour intensive dogs and need a thorough grooming every day. They require trimming at intervals, particularly working cockers as an untrimmed coat is impractical for these dogs. They also need bathing quite often to clean their skin and minimise odour. Their ears require careful attention as airflow is restricted and ear infections often occur, in addition the long ears will trail in food bowls unless specially designed ones are used, and will need regular cleaning. Eyes should be checked regularly and attention must be paid to the lip folds, making sure that they are clean and free from infection. Teeth will benefit from regular cleaning. Feet should be checked for matted hair or dried mud. Attention to these details will ensure that not only is the dog clean, tidy and comfortable but will help lessen or avoid ma
Colour		American Cockers come in a variety of colours: black, any solid colour other than black, particolours, roans and tricolours. Some tan can also be seen in the coat.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies		True
Tendency to Cause Allergies