Overview
The American Cocker Spaniel is a small spaniel instantly recognised by its rounded head, square muzzle, long silky ears and flowing feathering. It is the smallest of the sporting breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club.
Originally a flushing dog for woodcock, it is now mainly a gentle, merry companion and a show-ring favourite.
History
Spaniels came to America with early settlers, and the first Cocker Spaniel was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878. The American Spaniel Club, formed in 1881, worked to define a standard, finished in 1905. The father of the modern breed was Ch. Obo II.
By the 1920s American and English Cockers had grown clearly different, and in 1946 the AKC recognised the English type as a separate breed. The American Cocker was the most popular breed in the United States for many years in the 1940s and 1950s and again in the 1980s, and it reached the UK in the 1950s.
Appearance
A compact, well-proportioned dog standing about 34 to 39 cm tall and weighing around 11 to 14 kg. The head is rounded with a pronounced stop and square muzzle, the eyes are dark and round and the drop ears are long and low set.
The silky coat is medium long on the body and ears, with feathering on the legs and belly. Colours fall into black or black and tan, any solid colour other than black, and parti-colour.
Temperament
Merry, affectionate and eager to please, the American Cocker is a sociable family dog that usually gets on well with children and other pets. It is sensitive and responds best to gentle, positive training.
It can become anxious or noisy if left alone for long periods, and bred for the show ring it is now more of a companion than a working gundog.
Care and exercise
Daily walks and play are enough to keep it content, and it enjoys games and sniffing outdoors. It is adaptable to city or country life.
The coat needs brushing several times a week and professional trimming every couple of months. Check and clean the long ears regularly to avoid infection.
Health
The breed can suffer from a range of problems affecting the heart, eyes and ears. Ear infections are common because of the long, heavy ears, and eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are seen. Choose breeders who health-test.
