Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

This beautiful spaniel has very long hanging ears, a rounded, refined and cleanly chiseled head with an abrupt stop, and a profuse, silky, feathered, medium-length coat. The muzzle is wide, deep and broad with a square jaw. The?nose is always black on black dogs, but may be brown on other dogs. The American Cocker Spaniel has a compact, body with a short back. The front legs are straight, with good bone. Dewclaws on front and rear legs should be removed. Their coat is much thicker than the English Cocker Spaniel has, it comes in buff, black, and other solid colors, black-and-tan (like a Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher), parti-color (white with black, white with buff or red, white with black and tan points). Some requirements for correct markings are specified in the relevant standard. The tail is docked to 2/; it is constantly in motion.? Field lines generally have shorter coats which are better suited to work in brush. They also have better hunting instincts. Both types make good pets. This breed is know as a merry Cocker, their charming personality makes them the world?s most popular household pet. The American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent bird and small-game hunter, great companion, good with children and all around friendly, lively guy.

TEMPERAMENT

The Cocker Spaniel is an inseparable friend of children, and respectful of his/her master's authority without much challenge. This breed is sweet, sensitive and endearing, cheerful and merry. They are happy tail-waggers. The American Cocker Spaniel is equally suited to life as a gundog (bold and keen to work) or as a household pet. They are gentle and trusting, with average intelligence. This breed is lively, playful and devoted, but should be socialized well when they are young to avoid a tendency for timidity. Cocker Spaniels love everyone and need people to be happy. They can be difficult to housebreak and some like to bark. However they are mostly easy to train and get along well with other animals. This breed is a very popular breed. Beware of poorly bred puppy-mill Cockers as they may have bizarre temperamental changes and behavioral problems. This would include shy-sharpness, which is a combination of fear and dominance that can cause viciousness. Also aggressive guarding of objects, people and places, hyper-sexuality and roaming.?

GROOMING

Short and fine on head, medium length on body, with enough undercoat to give protection.

HEALTH

The Cocker Spaniel is quite hardy, but may experience a variety of inherited disorders such as eye and ear infections, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Other health concerns include PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hypothyroidism, cataracts, von Willebrand's disease, and slipping stifles.

EXERCISE

They adapt well to a city dwelling or rural country, but need sufficient exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight. Daily walks will do fine to keep the pup healthy and in shape.

TRAINING

Cocker Spaniels are trainable and learn quickly, but do not respond well to harsh training. They should be trained with a gentle hand.

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