American Cocker Spaniel
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
The American Cocker Spaniel was first bred in the USA from English spaniels imported from the UK, but by the 30s the American variety had become so different from its English ancestors that it was given separate breed status.
Appearance
American Cockers weigh between 24 to 28 pounds (11 to 12.75 kg) and stand 15 inches (38 cm) maximum height. They come in three colour variations: black, ASCOB (Any Solid Colour Other than Black) and particolour. The other solid colours are chocolate, red, buff, and sable. Particolour dogs are all of the above colours and white. Black and tan, chocolate and tan, and tricolour (white, black and tan) are also common. Roan (black and white or red and white hairs interminged) occurs rarely. The domed head, large dark expressive eyes, short deep muzzle, and abrupt stop are characteristic breed points. The coat is flowing, long, silky and abundant. The long, luxuriantly feathered ears are a striking breed feature. Some cockers bred for hunting tend to have shorter coats and a longer muzzles than pet or show cockers.
Temperament
If ever there was a "happy" dog, the American cocker is that dog. They are constant tail waggers, are intelligent and willing. They are considered a "soft" temperament dog, as a Tosa Inu is considered somewhat less soft(!) Very popular, some breeders have focused on quantity of animals for sale rather than focusing on breeding healthy dogs. BEWARE THE PUPPY MILL PUPPY! SEEK OUT A REGISTERED BREEDER!
Health
Cocker Spaniels may suffer a variety of maladies, inlcuding infections of their ears and, in some cases, their eyes. Possible eye problems in include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), glaucoma and cataracts. Auto-immune problems in cockers include auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and ear inflammations. Less common are luxating patellas and hip dysplasia. Dogs used for breeding can be checked for both of these conditions, and dogs free of hip dysplasia can be certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
History
The name cocker comes from their history hunting woodcock In the United States the breed is registered under the name "Cocker Spaniel", as is the English Cocker Spaniel in the UK, which causes confusion between these two breeds. Originally a gun dog, the Cocker now is usually kept as a family pet or show dog and is rarely seen hunting. Some lines are still bred for fieldwork, and a small movement works to preserve the hunting abilities of the breed.
They can be a faithful and responsible children's companion. Cockers have been a highly popular American breed since the 1940s, occupying the top position in number of American Kennel Club registrations from 1940-1952. The breed declined a bit in popularity and then resurged to #1 in registrations from 1984-1990 though as dog fashion changes, in 2006 they had slipped to 15th most popular dog.
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