What You Need To Know About The American Cocker
Before purchasing a new dog it is very important to learn as much as you can about the breed. By doing this you can weigh up the pros and cons associated with the breed and decide whether it is the right kind of dog for you and your family. One of the most popular dog breeds here in the United States is the American Cocker Spaniel. Could the American Cocker be the breed of dog that you have been looking for?
The History
The Spaniel group of dogs originated in Spain and they were imported to Britain for the purpose of retrieving small game, especially birds. There are two types of cocker, American and English. The American cocker is derived from the English and both get their name from their skill at retrieving a bird called the Woodcock. English Cocker Spaniels were introduced to the United States in the 1880s. By 1945 the American Cocker was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club. Although certain dogs from this breed may still have strong bird hunting instincts today they are mainly used as companion dogs though some owners choose to show theirs professionally.
Physical Appearance
The American Cocker is a very beautiful dog breed, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular. They are a small to medium sized dog. The American cocker should ideally weigh between 24-28.5 pounds. The male should measure 14.5 to 15.5 inches at the withers. The bitch should measure 13-14.5 inches at the withers.
The American cocker has a beautiful long coat of soft fur with feathering on the legs and belly. The coat can come in a variety of appealing colors including black, black and tan, buff, tri-color and parti-color. The coat does require extensive grooming and you will need to take this into consideration before purchasing an American Cocker.
The American Cocker has a very unique face and head shape which makes it look different to the English variety of cocker. The eyes are large and alert, the head is very rounded, the muzzle is quite short and the ears are long and pendulous. The American Cocker seems to bounce as he walks and his tail is almost always wagging with delight.
Temperament
If you are looking for placid non-aggressive dog that loves people and gets along well with pets then the American Cocker is perfect for you. The American Cocker is a happy emotionally stable, trustworthy yet energetic creature. They are easy to train so long as your methods are not overly severe and do not involve shouting. The American Cocker is a gentle and sensitive dog and does best with an owner who has a similar temperament.
Like all dogs the American Cocker needs socialization but generally they get along fine with both human and canine strangers because they are not a dominant breed. This breed generally loves children too and is even fine with babies and toddlers.
Health
On average the American Cocker has a life span of ten to eleven years. Most of them die of cancer, old age, cardiac issues or immune system problems. Because the American Cocker has always been an immensely popular dog breed there are some problems with over-breeding. Consequently they are prone to health issues such as eye infections, ear infections, deafness, hip dysplasia, skin disorders, urinary tract problems and certain autoimmune concerns.
Requirements
Whenever you consider purchasing a particular breed of dog you must also think about what you can do for it. Never bring a dog into your home unless you are confident that you can cater to all of its needs and requirements. The American Cocker is an undemanding dog in terms of feeding. However it does require a lot of grooming. Unless you carefully brush him each day his long hair will become tangled and matted. You must also take care to clean out an American Cocker’s ears and eyes with warm water on a regular basis to reduce the risk of infection
The American Cocker also needs quite a lot of exercise, especially while he is still a young dog. He needs at least one brisk walk every day. He also enjoys having a large yard in which to run and stretch his legs. The American Cocker can be left on his own for a while. However, you should not leave him by himself for a very long time otherwise he will end up with separation anxiety issues. This breed loves humans, which is why he requires a great deal of love, play and interaction on a daily basis.
