Appearance:
Cocker Spaniels are the breed responsible for the phrase ‘puppy dog eyes’. The best known characteristic of this breed is the American Cocker Spaniel dark, expressive eyes. Eyes more often then not filled with a happy, loving, and active disposition. The weight of an American Cocker Spaniel is anywhere between 7kg to 14 kg while their ideal height is 38 cm for males and 36.8 cm for females at the withers. The term ideal though is only in conjunction with the breed standard meaning a dog of a higher or lower height would be disqualified in a conformation show. American Cocker Spaniels are a dropped eared breed and has a full feathered, silky coat. This gorgeous coat is kept long while the breed participates in show but after that the fur is often trimmed short to resemble a "puppy cut". This means trimming back the skirt i.e. the legs, sides and belly. As for colours of the American Cocker Spaniel is has a wide spectrum. Solid blacks, black and tan, silver, to light cream to dark red, and brown or brown with tan points are all common. Tri-colours have large areas of white with another colour(s). Roans are shown in the Parti-color variety and can be black (referred to as "blue roans"), red ("orange roan"), or brown ("liver or chocolate roan"); with or without tan points. In a roan coat, individual colored hairs are mingled in with the white.
Temperament:
As the classic interpretation of this breed suggests American Cocker Spaniels are bouncy, joyful and trusting dogs. They are cheerful and affectionate and for this reason make ideal companions. American Cocker Spaniels are also very expressive; their large brown eyes can hold huge depths of emotion while their happiness is displayed not just through waging their tails, but by waging their whole rear end! They’re great family dogs and are good with children but it is advised that, due to their active, energetic nature, they are carefully trained. It is important to be patient and gentle when training an American Cocker Spaniel as they do not respond well to rough or harsh training. They’re adaptable dogs and are happy both in the country and towns and so long as they receive adequate exercise (roughly 60-80 mins daily – they’re a bouncy breed after all!) they are happy to live in an apartment. They are keen workers and were bred as gundogs. A note on their behaviour should state that this breed does not like people standing over it when the dog is eating and American Cocker Spaniels does not like people putting their faces close to the dogs.
Grooming:
American Cocker Spaniels need special care taken with their coats and, for this reason, are labour intensive dogs when it comes to grooming. The American Cocker Spaniel will require a good, thorough brush every day and require trimming at intervals. They also need bathing quite often to clean their skin and minimise odour. The American Cocker Spaniel, dropped ear breeds require careful attention to be paid to their ears. Their ears should be carefully trimmed and look after to maximise allow for airflow, which will help prevent ear infections, so a good clean and trim is vital. Eyes should be checked regularly and attention must be paid to the lip folds, making sure that they are clean and free from infection. Feet should be checked for matted hair or dried mud.
Health:
In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (23%), old age (20%), cardiac (8%), and immune-mediated (8%).
American Cocker Spaniels are, sadly, susceptible to a variety of health issues, particularly infections affecting their ears and, in some cases, their eyes. Common eye problems in the American Cocker Spaniel include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and cataracts. Regular annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended if you intend the dog for breeding. Autoimmune problems in Cockers include autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) autoimmune thyroidistis and ear inflammations. Familiar nephropathy is a fatal kidney disease that became prevalent in American Cocker Spaniels in the 1980s. Now thanks to carefully maintained scheme occurrences are less common but it’s something worth keeping an eye on. 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).
Health Tests:
Before you invest in an American Cocker Spaniel puppy, make sure that its parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and certified by the Orthopaedic Foundation of Animals (OFA). You can also ask about the medical/health history of the parents. A reputable breeder will not shy away from giving you this information and will be knowledgeable of hereditary conditions seen in the American Cocker Spaniel.
