Cocker Spaniel

Origin:
The American Cocker evolved from the English Cocker, which it closely resembles. It is a bit smaller than its English counterpart, usually has more coat, and has a different body conformation. This small English breed has a common origin with the English Toy Spaniel, Springer, English Cocker Spaniel, and other similar dogs of Great Britain. It probably originated from the careful crossing of setters with smaller spaniels. In the seventeenth century these breeds were divided into water and land spaniels, and further divided into small and large spaniels. From the smaller land spaniels came the ancestors of the American Cocker. The name "cocker" is derived from "cocking spaniel" or one used to flush and retrieve woodcocks. The American version of cockers is generally considered the smallest sporting dog breed.

Aptitude:
The Cocker Spaniel is quite, keen, and industrious, of particular value as a companion dog. It is an intelligent, energetic, and playful dog, having a gentle disposition with children. Said to possess the sweetest temperament of the sporting dogs, the cocker isn't known for timidity, but should be handled gently. As with other small dogs, yelling and threatening can upset the cocker. Field trials for cockers were begun in the US in 1924. Retaining much of their innate hunting instinct, few cockers are used as field dogs today. With training and encouragement, the cocker will flush and retrieve upland game birds for the patient hunter. When so used, the cocker is trained to quarter close to the gunner, and drop or sit when birds are flushed.

Size:
Males weigh about 28 pounds (13 kg) and stand approximately 15 inches (38 cm) tall. Females are slightly smaller, weighing about 26 pounds (11 kg) and standing approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall.

Coat:
Ears, chest, abdomen, and legs are well feathered with long, silky, flat, or slightly wavy hair that is relatively easily maintained. On the head, the hair is short and fine...on the body it is medium length.

Colors:
Cockers are shown separately as black, which includes the various shades of tan and red, and parti-color, which includes two or more definate well-broken colors, one of which must be white.

Coat Care and Exercise:
Grooming is very important in this breed. Thorough brushing and combing an adult should be done everyday, or no less than three times weekly, and cockers should be trimmed and professionally groomed every four weeks.

Attitude:
The cocker is sociable and easily accepts people, other dogs, and most other house pets. It is a merry, peaceable, playful, and intelligent pet with an effervescent disposition. Although originally bred as a gundog, it is generally now thought of as a companion.

Training:
These gentle dogs should be trained with an eye to their amiable dispositions. Cockers are sensitive, but alert and easily trained. They will usually respond to the tone of your voice, and shouldn't be intimidated or nagged.

Easily Care For Your Pet At Home - Treat Illnesses Confidently And Competently, Using Simple Techniques And Inexpensive Natural Ingredients...And Save Thousands Of Dollars In Vet Bills! Veterinary Secrets Revealed