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Cocker Spaniel
Other Names: Cocker Spaniel Country of Origin: Wales Dog Group Kennel Club Gundog General appearance: Cocker Spaniels are well balanced and compact with an intelligent expression. They should measure about the same from their withers to the ground as their withers to the start of their tail. Colours: Cockers Spaniels come in a range of colours although solid colours should only have white markings on the chest. Size: Bitch 34cm - 37cm Weight: Min Max Bitch 11kg (24lbs) 13kg (29lbs)
Temperament: Cocker Spaniels are generally affectionate, friendly, faithful and playful and make good family pets. Cocker Spaniels are beautiful dogs that can get along well with older children and animals providing they do not pester. This very gentle breed can become somewhat of a tyrant if not given the proper attention or socialization. These are busy, friendly little dogs who thrive on human companionship, wanting nothing more than to please their owners. Cockers are a very happy breed, constantly wagging their tails and bringing 'presents' to one and all. Movement: Cover ground well with good drive Care and Training: Their coats must be brushed regularly. The excess hair around the ear passages and beneath the ears must be removed to ensure the ears are adequately ventilated and that no infections set in. They should be stripped out 3 or 4 times a year by a professional groomer. It is possible, however, to learn how to do this yourself. Highly intelligent dogs who are very easily trained, Cockers like to please and are eager to learn. Overall Exercise 40 - 60 minutes per day Feeding Requirements: Puppies must be fed according to the breeder's diet sheet to ensure the bones and muscles develop correctly. As adults, this breed can very greedy so care must be taken to avoid obesity. Exercise: Med Grooming: High Noise: Med Personal Protection: Low Suitability As Guard Dog: Low Level of Aggression: Low Compatibility With Other Animals: High Suitablity for Children: High Often docked? Yes Average Litter Size: 6 Life Expectancy (yrs): 12 - 15 years.
Health issues: The Cocker Spaniel is quite hardy, but may experience a variety of inherited disorders such as eye and ear infections, epilepsy . Other health concerns include PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hypothyroidism, cataracts, von Willebrand's disease,
History: The name of the Cocker Spaniel comes from what they were once used for, hunting woodcock. Despite his name, the American Cocker Spaniel is in fact originally a breed of Spanish blood. The Spanish Spaniel is considered to be the oldest of the recognized spaniels. Developed by crossing setters and spaniels, it was during the seventeenth century they were divided into the water and land spaniels. Legend says that the Cocker Spaniel was first brought to America in 1620 aboard the Mayflower, but much speculation is needed on this theory. In 1892 the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a breed in England. In the late 1870s the breed was brought to the United States and here was developed into quite different lines from the English Cocker. Americans and English Cockers were soon bred for different reasons, the English more for hunting, and the American more for show. Soon, the new version of Cocker Spaniel needed a name, and it was decided on American Cocker Spaniel. In 1946 the American was registered as a separate breed. The breed was still used for hunting, although bred for appearance. The breed would be used to hunt on the weekends and would be used as a playmate and companion during the weekdays. Currently, the American Cocker Spaniel does not exercise its hunting skills nearly as much as before, but is widely used and recognized as a companion all across the world today. Due to its popularity, some lines contain standoffish and untrusting dogs, which are most likely the result of puppy mills. American Cocker Spaniels are among the best breeds for temperament, thus making a shy or suspicious Cocker Spaniel a poor choice.
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