American Cocker Spaniel

Description

American or "dwarf" cocker spaniels are active, friendly and good-natured medium-sized animals. Over the years, they have gained popularity in all countries of the world. Dogs are suitable for large families with children, but they will also be excellent “companions” for single people.

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Without communication, the species will begin to bark, chew things, or urinate to show its displeasure. This is a sensitive dog that needs an owner. The species always tries to obey and is ready to obey the owner. The animal is calm and easy to train, it respects your authority. The dog needs gentle training methods, as it does not respond well to harshness.

Spanish roots of the breed

The very name of the breed - American Cocker Spaniel - reflects the history of the origin of the dogs. Cockers are direct descendants of spaniels, whose ancestors came to Spain from Asia Minor. In the "land of rabbits", spaniel-like dogs were highly prized for their hunting abilities. They were easily trained on large rodents and birds.

Later, the ancestors of cockers were brought to England (the first description of a breed similar to spaniels in Great Britain dates back to the 10th century). Here they were taken up by local breeders. Trying to preserve hunting qualities, breeders at the same time tried to develop a friendly breed that could become a companion. In addition, the needs of each owner-hunter differed both from the characteristics of the landscape and the type of hunting, and from personal preferences. Dog handlers claim that the British bred about 20 varieties of spaniels. The smallest - Sussex and Field Spaniels - are the direct ancestors of modern Cocker Spaniels.

The English Cocker Spaniel breed was first talked about in 1697. They differed from ordinary spaniels in their thicker coat, small size and weight.

However, cockers were taken seriously only in the 19th century. In 1859, a dog of this breed, Obo, was presented at an exhibition in Birmingham. His descendants, Obo-1 and Chloe-2, were brought to America at the end of the century.

Appearance

Height at the withers: boy 37-39 centimeters, girl 34-37 centimeters.

Average weight: men 11-14 kilograms, women 11-14 kilograms.

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The description of the American Cocker Spaniel breed differs from its English counterpart. The American weighs a little less. However, he has a more rounded head and pronounced eyes. Also, the American's coat is longer, wavy or straight. In general, the American Cocker Spaniel has more hair than the English Cocker Spaniel.

The dog looks slender. She has large almond-shaped eyes and an intelligent look. Animals of black, red, cream shades have black or dark brown eyes. Dogs with red and brown bodies have brown eyes.

The muzzles of the breed are wide, with square jaws. The noses of individuals are large and well developed. In dark-colored dogs they are black, while in lighter-colored dogs they are brown or black. The breed's ears are covered with soft, wavy hairs. The animals have a “scissors” bite, in which their upper teeth neatly overlap their lower teeth.

The pets' necks are long and muscular, their shoulders are sloping, and their chests are well arched. The front legs are straight, muscular, with strong bones. Their hips are wide apart. The hind legs are well developed, which gives the American Cocker a powerful appearance.

The tails are thicker at the base and taper to a tip, which individuals hold at back level or slightly higher.

The dogs' fur is silky and wavy to the touch. It can be of different colors. American Spaniel colors include the following:

• black;
• black and beige;
• black and white;
• black, white and beige;
• brown and white;
• pale yellow;
• platinum;
• chocolate;
• chocolate and beige;
• chocolate and white;
• red and so on.

Video

* We invite you to watch a video about the American Cocker Spaniel . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given dog breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what an American Cocker Spaniel looks like.

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The American Cocker Spaniel is an example of a companion dog. These are very calm, obedient, friendly animals. This breed is a hunting breed, which undoubtedly affected their character and habits. The Cocker Spaniel is an endless source of energy. This is a great friend for children, a companion and assistant for adults. If you decide to adopt an American Cocker Spaniel into your family, be sure to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the breed presented in this publication.

Pros and cons of a dog

Positive features:

• Animals are loving and loyal by nature.
• Pets are smart, so they respond well to training.
• Individuals are easily adaptable, so they can live both in an apartment and in a house.
• They are the right breed if you decide to get a dog for the first time.
• Cockers love daily exercise.

Negative features:

• Dogs have a lot of hair shedding, especially in spring and autumn.
• They are high maintenance.
• Pets can suffer from many health problems. You must be prepared to pay for vet visits and medications.
• Animals suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.
• Some dogs bark loudly, which can cause discomfort.

Pros and cons of American Cocker Spaniels

When choosing a puppy, you need to study all the pros and cons of the breed you like. If we talk about American Cocker Spaniels, they have an impressive list of advantages.

These dogs:

1. They have a pretty appearance. They have long, thick fur, expressive eyes, and charming ears. Such a pet causes tenderness;
2. They are distinguished by refined manners. Unlike many other breeds, Cocker Spaniels are naturally very well behaved. They have an inflated sense of self-esteem. The pet knows its worth, so it never “loses face” in society;
3. They have a good disposition and are friendly. The playful nature of dogs makes them the “soul” of any company. They easily find a common language with people of different ages and get along well with other pets;
4. Trainable. There will be no problems with them when training. Dogs of this breed are obedient and quickly learn the material covered. Have excellent memory;
5. Clean. Cocker spaniels will never allow themselves to be dirty; they very carefully monitor the cleanliness of their coat;
6. Have good health. The breed is naturally strong. Dogs have excellent immunity. They are practically not susceptible to genetic diseases.

The breed does not have many disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the intolerance of loneliness. These puppies should not be left alone for long. Due to loneliness, they may develop health problems. As a result, dogs develop passivity and bad habits. If you are constantly away from home, then it is better to consider dogs of a different breed for purchase.

History of the breed

Cocker spaniels are descended from spaniels, one of the oldest dog breeds. They were mentioned in the stories of Chaucer (1342-1400) and Shakespeare (1564-1616).

It is assumed that the name came from Spain, since the word "spaniel" is probably of Spanish origin. According to another version, the breed received its name from the French phrase Chiens de l'Espagnol (dog of Spain).

Initially, animals were used exclusively for hunting. The dogs helped look for woodcock, a type of wood pigeon.

American Cocker Spaniels are closely related to English Cocker Spaniels. In fact, it was the same breed until the late 1870s. After this, they began to be separated due to differences in the standards of the Americans and the British.

In the early 1900s, American Cocker Spaniels first captured the hearts of the world. In 1921, the American species became the first to win Best in Show. This happened at a dog show at the Westminster Kennel Club.

The breed was officially recognized in 1945/46.

The English Cocker Spaniel was bred more for hunting, while the American Cocker Spaniel was bred for shows and performances.

Today, it is the smallest recognized sporting dog.

History of the Origin of American Cocker Spaniels

The American Cocker Spaniel was bred specifically for feather hunting. This small, energetic dog originated from Great Britain. It has a very interesting, long history. The first essays on spaniels date back to the fourteenth century. It’s true that back then these animals were called “Spanish dogs.” In those days, these dogs were used as bird hunters. They are small, fast, agile. But in the realities of the modern world, the hunting qualities of the cocker spaniel have regressed. However, they still influence the character and some habits of the animal.

Over time, American dogs were able to discern a talent for hunting not only birds, but also other animals: aquatic and land. Small cocker spaniels did not do well in water, so all the major breeders began breeding land species. This is what gave impetus to the appearance of English toy cocker spaniels in the nineteenth century.

Interesting fact: Around 1870, several English dogs were exported to America. And at the end of the nineteenth century, the American Cocker Spaniel saw the light of day and quickly gained popularity. Even though the English Cocker Spaniel is the closest relative of the American Cocker Spaniel, they are completely different breeds.

For a long time, breeders and other dog breeding specialists prevented the mixing of these breeds so that each of them could retain its original qualities. And for the first time the breed received official recognition only in 1946. American Cocker Spaniels are recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Maintenance and care

As with any other breed, individuals need to be looked after. Brush the coat regularly and have it trimmed by a groomer. A pet that has not been cut for a long time will look untidy. The specialist will perform a haircut using a clipper and can also create various hairstyles.

Exercise regularly to keep your pets fit and avoid gaining weight. In addition, feed them with high-quality food that meets all their needs. Set up a mini area for them to sleep comfortably.

Dogs need to be brushed every day and examined at the same time. Don't let their long hairs get tangled.

Because of the shape of the ears, air cannot circulate in them as well as it should. Often, moisture gets trapped in the inner ear, creating the perfect environment for yeast infections to spread. Therefore, if the animal gets wet or you have given it a bath, check your pet's ears. They must be dry.

Another peculiarity is that dogs are susceptible to eye diseases. Check and clean your dogs eyes regularly.

To ensure your pet's well-being during the cold season, purchase a jumpsuit for him. You can also find dog clothing patterns online.

Cheerful hunter - American Cocker Spaniel

This is an amazing breed that sometimes combines opposite qualities: kindness and anger, aristocracy and hunting passion, small size and big ambitions. The American Cocker Spaniel first appeared on the American continent in the 16th century along with the first settlers from Europe. Although the component of the name - spaniel - clearly indicates its Spanish roots. Historical chronicles have preserved information, including pictorial ones, about Spanish and English aristocrats who were literally obsessed with hunting and accompanied by beautiful dogs with long hair and the same ears.

In fact, this is one of the most famous small-sized gun dogs that have been used for centuries to hunt game birds in steppe or swamp conditions. In Russia, the American cocker spaniel is very popular, but here it is practically not used for its original purpose. Hunters quite reasonably note that the dog’s long hair and ears prevent it from wading through thorny thickets in search of shot game. But they admit that when hunting waterfowl, it has no equal. Today, lovers of this breed most often see it as a companion dog for keeping in a city apartment or private house.

Description

This is a truly picturesque small dog. Its height at the withers does not exceed 38 cm in males and 35 cm in females. The high carriage of the head and the muscular long neck give the small body a proud look. A wide and deep chest, a straight back - all these are signs of a hunter. The square-shaped muzzle is 0.5 times the length of the skull. The drooping ears are covered with thick, long hair, like the rest of the dog's body. Color can range from beige-tan, brown to black.

Character

First of all, it should be noted that the American Cocker Spaniel is unusually intelligent and amenable to training. His character is friendly, which especially attracts those who want to have a lap dog as a friend. However, in case of danger, this cheerful game can stand up for both itself and its owner. We must not forget that he has very strong hunter's jaws and excellent teeth. American Cocker Spaniel puppies quickly adapt to living conditions in an apartment, they love to play with children and are generally very affectionate and loyal.

Care and maintenance

First of all, a four-legged friend needs not only cleanliness and good nutrition, but also the opportunity for active movement. Moreover, this word does not only mean daily walks and running around with children or other dogs. Yes, the American Cocker Spaniel now rarely has the opportunity to show his hunting abilities, but he can be helped in this. He will be happy to find and bring thrown balls, sticks and other objects, and tasks for him can be made more difficult, for example, by training him near a pond, allowing him to show his swimming abilities. This will be the real training. The dog, despite its external sophistication, is very active and fast, so running a race is a great pleasure for both it and the children. As for care, it is quite ordinary, except that the long coat requires special treatment: it needs to be combed regularly, cleaned of debris and thorns after a walk. But it is rarely recommended to bathe him, only with special shampoos purchased at a pet store.

Where can I buy

You can, of course, buy a puppy at the poultry market, making sure that it is a real American Cocker Spaniel. The price in this case may be more affordable. However, if you want to get a purebred dog, you still need to contact breeders. But even here you need to know a few tricks.

Thus, breeders try to sell puppies as quickly as possible, but there is no need to rush: a baby under two months of age separated from its mother can get sick and generally grow up weak and frail. And the seller may be silent about some signs of non-standard, which means that before buying a dog you need to learn as much as possible about the characteristics of the breed. And if this miracle has appeared in the house - an American cocker spaniel, then there is nothing else left but to love him with all your heart and be friends with him 24 hours a day. Yes, he will leave no other choice.

Nutrition

Many owners wonder: how to feed a cocker? Dogs need to be fed high-quality, natural, balanced food that meets all their needs. Also, food should suit different stages of life. They are not known to be picky about it. The approximate amount of food that should be given to the animal, depending on its activity:

• Weight 11 kg: feed from 148 to 193 g.
• Weight 12 kg: feed from 158 to 207 g.
• Weight 13 kg: feed 165 to 216 g.
• Weight 14 kg: feed from 177 to 232 g.

Breeding

An important characteristic when breeding individuals is the health of the future parents. Before mating two dogs, make sure that they do not have any hereditary diseases. The most favorable age for mating is 2 years. Although puberty occurs earlier, it is still recommended to wait to make sure your pets are healthy. The bitch's estrus lasts 71-127 days. It is “visible” to the human eye that occurs in 21-32 days.

The animal's gestation period lasts about 58 days. The average number of puppies is 5. However, even with such a small number, not all survive.

During and after childbirth, a sudden drop in the mother's temperature may occur. Enlist the help of a veterinarian to ensure the process goes smoothly. If your pet is taking too long to give birth, the puppy may be stuck and the birth canal is narrow. Therefore, it is better to enlist the help of your veterinarian in advance.

Puppies

Newborn pets are noisy and active. You must protect your home and garden from them in advance. Any puppy will feel vulnerable when leaving its mother and brothers, which is something to consider.

The best time to adopt a puppy is when you can be with him for the first week. This is necessary for the socialization of the baby. Puppy proofing your home and garden means removing any tools that might be noisy or those that could cause him injury.

Kids love to chew things, so it's better to hide the wiring securely. All individuals are sensitive to noise. It is important to reduce noise levels when a baby arrives in the house. What a baby American cocker looks like is shown in the photo.

Puppies must have an appropriate diet so that they can develop and grow as expected. Feed him 3-4 times a day with approximately the following amounts of special food depending on his body size:

• two months - from 150 to 231 g;
• three months - from 176 to 257 g;
• four months - from 187 to 268 g;
• six months - from 189 to 270 g;
• seven months - from 171 to 250 g;
• eight months - from 153 to 240 g;
• ten months - from 135 to 193 g;
• eleven month - from 132 to 191 g.

When the puppy is 12 months old, he can be fed like an adult dog.

Many people wonder: why does the baby bite? This is due to the fact that until the age of two months he simply has not yet learned to play correctly.

Caring for an American Cocker Spaniel

It is not the American Cocker Spaniel that requires maximum attention in terms of care, but its luxurious coat, which requires special treatment.

Among the main procedures for caring for the fur of such a pet will be water procedures and combing.

To prevent a dog from being afraid of a comb or a bath, it must be taught to do so from puppyhood.

Breeders recommend brushing your American Cocker Spaniel at least once a day. This is usually done immediately after walks to remove various small debris caught in the dog’s thick fur.

Photo 5. American cocker spaniel ears require special care

It is recommended to carry out water procedures at least once every three weeks.

To make their lives easier, many owners of such dogs resort to a simple solution - they simply trim the dog. However, in this case, a new concern appears - this is a visit to the hairdresser, who will also have to be visited quite often - once every month and a half.

It is worth paying considerable attention to caring for your dog’s ears. The thin ears of such a spaniel can be easily scratched, which is desirable to avoid, but which is sometimes difficult to notice.

The spaniel's ears are very long and during the dog's meal they can simply get dirty with food. A simple ear garter or a “skull” with a narrow neck will help with this.

Given the sociable nature of these dogs, the most important thing for them is to be in a social circle.

Therefore, the spaniel does not require long walks and regular agility (although this is desirable for any dog).

Prices for American Cocker Spaniel puppies will depend on the pedigree and the presence of disqualifying defects, that is, non-compliance with the breed standard.

Prices for these puppies can start at $300. For the most part, you can buy an American Cocker Spaniel puppy for an average of 500-700 dollars, and specimens of “blue” blood, where the pedigree is replete with the names of champions, can cost 2000-2500 dollars.

Brief video review of the American Cocker Spaniel breed:

Dog character

The breed is often called the fun-loving cocker, and for good reason. The animals are famous for their cheerful personalities, which is why they are popular as pets.

By nature, they are energetic and intelligent individuals. Therefore, they need to be given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If left for long periods of time or not given enough attention, cockers can develop some unwanted behavioral problems. This makes them unmanageable and difficult to handle.

They are very gentle and quite sensitive by nature, making them good with children. The animals are sociable, and they also have highly developed hunting instincts. Therefore, dogs will happily chase smaller animals whenever they have the opportunity.

Some individuals love to listen to their voices. This needs to be stopped while the dog is still young. But do it gently - don't scold too much as they are very sensitive by nature.

Other individuals bark only when there are strangers or when they don’t like something in their environment. The dogs are natural watchdogs and are always eager to let their owner know when there are strangers. Animals rarely do this aggressively, preferring to keep their distance.

Character of the American Cocker Spaniel

The breed standard considers excessive aggressiveness and imbalance in these pets unacceptable, and this is carefully controlled by responsible breeders.

The American goal of creating a true family friend has been achieved. The American Cocker Spaniel is a true companion, similar in behavior to beagles or Labradors.

These dogs are characterized by a sense of tact and understanding when the owner is clearly not interested in them. They will not demand undue attention to themselves if a person is busy with his own affairs.

If an opportunity arises to show his activity (and American cockers have more than enough of it), then the pet will not miss it under any circumstances.

They love to play and take part in any other activities, even if they are not always designed for dogs...

Photo 4. American Cocker Spaniels get along well with pets

And you need to pay attention to these dogs periodically, because they are incredibly sociable pets.

Being very loyal, these spaniels get along well with children, thanks in part to their activity and love for games.

But their activity in no way affects obedience - the dogs are pliable, and their training poses virtually no problems.

They also have a sense of self-esteem, so the dog should only be punished if there is really a reason.

The popularity of the breed is associated not only with its innate enthusiasm and unique charisma, but also with the fact that these dogs get along well with other pets and do not disdain making friends with cats.

In this tendency, these pets can run around the house tirelessly for a long time.

American Cocker Spaniels do not tolerate loneliness well, so it is not recommended to leave such a dog alone for a long time.

These dogs use their charm and charisma very skillfully, which can turn a pet into a real shaggy manipulator.

In “charm mode,” these dogs beg for something tasty or try to “cut off” the punishment for an offense as much as possible. And the American Cocker Spaniel, alas, is quite prone to misbehavior.

With improper upbringing (lack of it), these dogs can show aggression during their games. Not on purpose. After all, this is a game.

But biting legs, grabbing pants and shoes - this can appear from an early age.

It would seem that it’s not scary. However, if attention is not paid to this, then such overly active games can become a real problem, which will be very difficult to cope with if the dog has already grown up.

Education

These are smart pets who always strive to please their owners. Because American Cockers are easy to learn new things, they are easy to train. But, like all breeds, raising and training a Cocker Spaniel must begin early. Puppies need to be socialized from a young age so that they become outgoing, confident adult dogs in the future.

It is important how you train your pet. They do not like rude treatment and will also appreciate encouragement.

Owners should begin training by establishing ground rules, limits and boundaries. The puppy must understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not. The first commands that a baby should learn are:

• Come.
• Sit.
• Stay.
• Quiet.
• Leave it.
• Down.
• Place.

Types, standards and varieties

Externally, the American Cocker Spaniel is a compact, proportionally built, muscular dog of medium size. This breed is characterized by a beautiful head with a snub nose and low-set, hanging ears. Of course, the undeniable advantage and real pride of the American Cocker Spaniel is its thick and shiny coat. Almost any color is allowed for these dogs: single-color, two-color (black and tan, black and white), mixed (piebald, tri-color). The Cocker is the smallest hunting dog breed in the world - the height of males at the withers is 37-39 cm. The weight of the average representative of the breed reaches thirteen kilograms.

Diseases

They are generally healthy dogs, although, like many other purebred breeds, they are susceptible to certain hereditary diseases. Problems that are most common:

• Hereditary cataract.
• Retinal dysplasia.
• Progressive retinal atrophy.
• Goniodysgenesis.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Knee dysplasia.
• Multifocal retinal dysplasia.
• Distichiasis.
• Corneal lipidosis.
• Dry eye.
• Ear problems.
• Heart problems, including cardiomyopathy.
• Canine epilepsy.
• Eversion of the century.
• Entropion/cherry eye.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Seborrhea.
• Phosphofructokinase deficiency.
• Liver diseases.
• Allergies.
• Pancreatitis.
• Chronic heart failure

All these diagnoses must be made by a veterinarian, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The puppies had to have their vaccinations before they were sold. Your veterinarian will determine your follow-up schedule.

Some American Cockers gain weight after being spayed or neutered. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog's waist. If your dog begins to gain weight, adjust his daily caloric intake and increase his exercise.

Individuals are susceptible to allergies. Main reasons:

• Certain products.
• Airborne pollen.
• Dust mites.
• Environment.
• Flea and tick bites.
• Chemicals found in household cleaning products.

Once the cause is determined, you need to eliminate the allergen.

Choosing an American Cocker Spaniel Puppy

If you have chosen this particular breed of dog, we will not dissuade you. The American Cocker Spaniel is a worthy representative of the dog tribe, which also has many advantages for urban keeping. Its moderate size and flexible nature allow it to get along well even in a small apartment. However, you and I are choosing not a bicycle, but a living creature, so in any case, weigh your decision well. Before going to the kennel, decide on the gender of the future pupil, the desired color, as well as the purpose for which you are purchasing a dog. If you do not plan to participate in exhibitions and want to take a puppy, as they say, “for the home, for the family,” the problem of choosing is greatly simplified. Take someone you like or someone who has their eye on you. It happens: a minute ago it was a flock of absolutely identical fluffy buns, but suddenly your eyes collided, and you know for sure - here it is, your dog. It's another matter if you dream of an exhibition career. In this case, knowledge and experience are necessary, although they are not a guarantee that you are acquiring a future champion. If you don’t have this knowledge, you can always consult an expert, or even better, take him with you to the kennel to help you choose a dog. Recommendations for choosing an American Cocker Spaniel puppy are as follows: the baby should be fairly well-fed, cheerful and playful. Indicators of a dog's prospects are a beautifully shaped head, a correct compact body and well-defined angles of the limbs. Of course, these indicators will change with age, but they give an idea of ​​​​the dog's future appearance. The personality of a puppy is a matter of personal preference. A playful, temperamental puppy is a good choice for a large family with children. For an elderly person, it is better to take a calmer, balanced dog. Whether you're adopting a companion dog or a future champion, make sure your little one is healthy. He should have a wet and shiny nose, clear eyes (no discharge), a firm, soft belly and normal stool. An important indicator of a cocker's health is its coat - it should be clean and shiny. Ask the breeder what vaccinations have been given and whether the puppies have been dewormed.

Interesting Facts

• Dogs have long been favorites among the rich and famous. Actor George Clooney has an elderly cocker spaniel named Einstein that he rescued from an animal shelter in California. Duchess Kate's younger brother gave her a baby named Lupo for her wedding. David and Victoria Beckham have a pet named Olive.
• Presidents Truman and Nixon had cockers named Feller and Checkers.
• Today the breed is the 30th most popular registered breed in the United States.
• Fudge's pet graduated from Edinburgh Napier University dressed to match his owner. The animal, named Ginger, took Gaelic lessons with his owner. Ginger mastered basic Gaelic commands in just three weeks.
• Dogs can identify cancer cells by smell. This was confirmed for the first time in a study in England. It was held in 2004. In an experiment when detecting cancer, a cocker named Tangle had the best indicator. Its accuracy was 56%.
• According to observations, 85% of dogs visit the veterinarian at least once a year.

Origin

Spaniels are one of the ancient dog breeds, known since the Middle Ages. So, there is a legend about the Spanish crusaders who used these dogs for hunting, and some sources indicate that dogs similar to spaniels existed in ancient Rome. Presumably, this is when the breed got its name (from Spania, Spain).

The breed was first mentioned in documents in the 14th century in the work of G. Phebus, who was engaged in describing the fighting and hunting breeds of dogs that existed at that time. In the 17th-18th centuries, the breed spread throughout Western Europe and was divided into several varieties.

In the 19th century, the cocker spaniel breed appeared, which, as a result of intensive selection, was also divided into several breeds, incl. English cocker spaniel, from which a dwarf variety . The breed appeared in Russia only in the 70s of the 20th century.