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Sporting breeds: American Cocker Spaniel
Origin
The American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were originally the same breed. Descended from the original Spanish spaniels of the 1300s, the Cocker was not recognized a s breed in its own right until 1862. Since the early 1880s many dogs have been imported to the United States. The dogs in the United States have developed differently in size, type and coloring from the English Cocker Spaniel.
The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the sporting-dog family. He has ranked in the top 10 of breed popularity for many, many years. He is a valued huntsman. He's been known by various names since his beginning, among them "cocker," "cocking spaniel" and finally Cocker Spaniel. The name derives from his proficiency in hunting woodcock.
The Cocker was first shown in England in 1883, but he was not recognized as a breed until 1892. He's been exhibited in the United States since the early 1880s. The Cockers ran their first Field Trials in the United States in 1924, hosted by the newly formed Cocker Spaniel Field Trial Club.
General description
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 24-28 pounds
Color: There are three varieties of the Cocker Spaniel, differentiated by color.
Black: Solid black, or black with tan points. The black should be jet, without shadings of brown or liver. A small white spot allowed on the chest or throat.
Ascob (Any Solid Color Other than Black): Any other color than black, must be solid and uniform in shade, except for the feathering, which may be a lighter shade, including any solid color with tan points. A small white spot on the chest or throat is allowed.
Parti-color: Two or more definite, well broken colors, one of which must be white, including those with tan points. Roans are classified as parti-color.
Grooming requirements
The American Cocker Spaniel needs to have his body and his ears brushed daily. A full-coated Cocker has a very dense coat on his legs, and this needs to be lifted as its brushed or it will mat next to the skin. Their legs alone take about 20-30 minutes to properly brush if they are maintained daily. A metal comb must be run through the legs after brushing, and it needs to touch all the way to the skin in order to be sure there is no matting present. They need to be groomed by a professional groomer every four to eight weeks in order to keep them in the proper cut for the breed. As for the ears, food does get caught in them if a spaniel bowl is not used when feeding. This food needs to be removed with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Wetting the area will help the debris come out. The ears must be cleaned every two weeks in order to avoid any type of infection. The top one-third of the ear must be shaved in order to allow air to flow to the ear canal.
Health considerations
The Cocker is particularly prone to eye and skin problems, but has a range of health problems. Over-breeding, backyard breeding and puppy mills produce many, many health problems through lack of proper genetic breeding practices and just plain common sense.
Special care must be taken to only get a puppy from a very reputable, experienced, responsible breeder with healthy tested stock. Good genetic breeding practices are the cure for most health problems.
Breed characteristics and personality
A strong word of warning on the purchase of this breed. The Cocker's popularity has spawned many backyard breeders and puppy mill breedings. It is of the utmost importance to get a puppy from a well established, knowledgeable and reputable breeder. Indiscriminate breeding has all but ruined a good many of these dogs. The mother of the pups should be healthy and friendly, as should all the pups in the litter. If the mother is timid, nervous, unfriendly and piddles on the floor when someone looks at her, chances are the pups will be the same way.
The Cocker is one of America's top 10 breeds in popularity as a family dog. He has an outstanding temperament and is most gentle with children. A good playmate with a big heart, he's an unfailing companion. Suited for life in just about any situation, he is easily trainable. An ideal family dog when purchased through a reputable breeder.
Cheerful and sweet, the Cocker is an inseparable friend of children and respectful of his master's authority. Above all, he must be merry, sound and well balanced. He must be equable of temperament and show no sounds of timidity.
Uses
Although still a capable hunter when purchased from field lines, the Cocker today is first and foremost a companion dog.
Web links:
AKC American Cocker Spaniel page
Cocker Spaniel Club Of Western Pennsylvania Inc.
Thunder Bay Cocker Spaniel Club
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