Getting to Know the Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that falls within two separate categories. First, the American Cocker Spaniel and second, the English Cocker Spaniel. Historians date the Spaniel breeds to somewhere around the 16th century although the variances in breeds did not become well known until around the 19th century. Most people think of Spaniels as being game retrievers, but they were actually used to flush out game for hunters.

In the mid-19th century, showing Cocker Spaniels became popular. Just eight years into the recognition by the American Kennel Club for showing, the two versions – American and English – were placed in different classes. Because of this, the two dogs are now bred specifically to incorporate traits of each. Regardless of its hybrid quality, the Cocker Spaniel falls in the working class, with amazing field and show skills.

American Cocker Spaniels were developed by very careful breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel, even although they now look noticeably different. American Cocker Spaniels are companion dogs where as the English Cocker Spaniel is used more for hunting purposes. The Cocker Spaniel become more and more popular and was one of the most popular breeds of dogs according to the American Kennel club in the 1940′s. Currently, the breed is almost completely used as a companion dog.

The Cocker Spaniel is compact but strong and well proportioned. The eyes are dark and expressive, the ears floppy or lobular, skin loose, and the hair feathered, long, and silky. Most often, this breed has a docked tail to about four or five inches in length. The maximum height for the Cocker Spaniel as accepted by the American Kennel Club is 15 inches, with weight between 24 and 28 pounds. This breed also has a short but deep muzzle and domed head. Both the American and English Cocker Spaniel share the same color or color variations.

This particular breed is very trusting, easy to train and eager to please, making them a great family pet. They are brilliant companion, not nervous dogs, but rather easy going and will rarely act aggressively – especially when socialized properly. These dogs are extremely clever, and stand out in obedience training.

The Cocker Spaniel should be brushed every day for them to stay in good condition. These dogs have a long silky coat that tends to form tangles, but is easy maintainable when groomed every day. This breed loves attention, and therefore will enjoy grooming sessions. If yours are involved in hunting activities, their coats might be clipped for easier care. This is the one breed that will be fine with frequent bathing, and they will also enjoy this. It is advised that only high-quality dog hair products should be used in order to avoid allergies.