Cocker Spaniel (American & British)
Group: Sporting
Lifespan: 12-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 1-7
Average Weight: 15-30 lbs.
Average Height: 14-15 inches
Exercise/Actvity Level: Moderate
Temperment with:
Children 
Other Dogs Other Animals
History
The Cocker Spaniel is a breed of 2 origins, the American and the British Cocker Spaniel, both are from the United Kingdom and were later brought to the USA and Canada. Both types were used to hunt, retrieve and flush out small game. The name Cocker Spaniel, comes from the type of game called the Woodcock, which is a popular bird they hunt.
Traits
The Cocker Spaniel is a very happy and energetic breed. They usually bond to one person in the family and are very friendly if raised with other animals and children, should become stable and well adjusted adults. Some Cocker Spaniels, have the reputation for not doing well with children, but this is not a trait of the breed, it is a trait of the behavioral lineage which isn’t common. They should be tested for an assessment of their temperament at puppy hood to ensure the new owner what this puppy’s personality will be like and if this will fit with their own. Cocker Spaniels are also notorious barkers!
Appearance
Weighing in at 15-30 lbs (7-14 kgs) and averaging 14-15 inches high, the Cocker Spaniel is a medium sized dog. Both varieties have long furry ears and a short muzzle. Their coat is extremely soft and can be either a black & tan, buff, parti colored, or black. The Cocker’s eyes are large and round and their nose is of medium size and is correspondent to the colour of the dog, so with buff is a neutral colored nose, and with a black is a black nose. Their body is smaller and lightweight and their tail is docked for show purposes.
Health
The Cocker Spaniel is prone to eye diseases, some of which are Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Glaucoma, Entropian, Cataracts and Ectropian. They are also genetically disposed to Luxating Patella’s, Hip Dysplasia, Liver Disease, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, Cardiomyopathy, and Seborhhea. Cancer, Bloat, Otitis Externa and Urolithiasis might also be diseases in which a Cocker Spaniel can be prone to. Be sure when deciding to buy a Cocker Spaniel that the parents can be viewed when deciding amongst the pups and that the breeder is reputable.
Training
The Cocker Spaniel is a sweet and loyal breed and need to be trained in a gentle yet firm manner. They will need consistency and on the whole are quite easy to train. They are a definite companion breed and love to be around their families. Cocker Spaniels are known for being a harder breed to housetrain so special attention should be brought to that.
Care
The Cocker Spaniel is a moderate maintenance breed and will need to be brushed a few times a week. Their fur is extremely soft and will shed an average amount so they need to be bathed about once every month or two. They are prone to multiple eye diseases so extra care to their eyes will be needed and keeping them clear and clean of discharge.
Breed
This breed is categorized in the Sporting Group. They will do well in an apartment as they are smaller so they will need regular walks or a yard to run around in. The average lifespan of the Cocker Spaniel is 12-15 years. They have on average 1-7 pups. When obtaining a puppy Cocker Spaniel, , keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!
Reference pages for Information:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm Cocker Spaniel Breed Information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Cocker_Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Information
http://www.csrbc.org Cocker Spaniel Rescue
http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk Cocker Spaniel Club
http://www.akc.org/breeds/cocker_spaniel/ Cocker Spaniel AKC Standards
