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© Isselee (Eric Isselée) | Dreamstime.com
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Cocker Spaniel
Also known as: American Cocker Spaniel
Breed origin: England
Original purpose: Hunting dog.
AKC recognized: 1878
AKC group: Sporting
Size:
Weight: males 25 to 30 lbs;
females 20 to 25 lbs
Size: Height: males 14½ to 15½ inches;
females 13½ to 14½ inches
Color: Solid color (black or other solid colors ranging from lightest cream to darkest red, including brown), black and white, red and white (the red may range from lightest cream to darkest red), brown and white, and roans. Any color or color combination may include tan points.
Life span: 10 to 12 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Cocker Spaniel is intelligent, gentle, active, sturdy, outgoing, and friendly. They are one of the most popular breeds for families. dogs that thrive as part of a family. Right Breed for You?: Despite their small size, the Cocker Spaniel is still an active Sporting breed that needs daily exercise. Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family. (The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels can be black, black with tan points, parti-colored or any solid color other than black (ASCOB). His desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog; he covers territory speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command. He takes to water readily.) (Field trials for the breed in the US were started by the parent Field Trial Club in the 1920s, and the Cocker's inherent desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog when judiciously trained. The Cocker covers all territory within gun range speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command, as a rule taking to water readily. From the moment it hit the show ring, however, the Cocker has engaged audiences and remains one of the most popular AKC breeds.)
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© Tootles (Tammy Mcallister) | Dreamstime.com
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Good with children? Yes
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? No
OK in apartments? Yes
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© Carlosphotos (Carlos Santa Maria) | Dreamstime.com
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Intelligent? Yes
Energy/Activity Level: High
Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, agility, obedience, field, therapy
Exercise requirement: Daily walks and/or play sessions in the backyard.
Grooming requirement: Brush at least weekly. Bathe regularly and trim every few months. Some owners keep their Cockers in "puppy cuts", which is easier to maintain and requires less frequent brushing, about once every two weeks.
Known health problems: Ear infections, eye infections, cancer, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, cataracts, autoimmune diseases, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia.
Additional photos of Cocker Spaniel
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
American Spaniel Club
Wikipedia breed information page
American Spaniel Club Rescue
DogBreedMatch
