If you think the American cocker spaniel is simply a smaller version of the English cocker spaniel, you’d be correct. He was bred to be more of a companion and less of a hunting dog, and in the USA, he’s become one of the most popular companion dogs. Beloved for his happy-go-lucky personality and his stunning good looks, the American cocker spaniel is a good family dog, but beware of his stubborn streak. He’s not the easiest to train… and is likely to twist his human’s arm into getting the treat just for being cute and friendly!
American cocker spaniel
History
Originating in Spain and migrating to England and around Europe, the broad spectrum of spaniel breeds – from cockers to springers and a variety of waterdogs – were once divided into water spaniels and land spaniels. These dogs were trained to spring and retrieve game fowl for hunters; each developed to hone very specific skills for specific terrain and game. The more specialised their function and the more unique their location, the more they differentiated from each other – especially in the late 1800s when written breed standards were established to standardise breeding practices.
The cocker spaniel was bred to hunt woodcock – their small size making them perfect for getting into dense underbrush, while their thick coats protected them from thorns and branches. The original cocker spaniel became popular as a hunting dog in the UK as well as in the US. The first cocker spaniel in America was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878 and a few years later, the American Spaniel Club (the oldest breed club in America) was established. The split between the English cocker spaniel and the American cocker spaniel happened when the son of the original English cocker spaniel was born quite a bit smaller than the English breed standard allowed. Despite his diminutive size, he was still an excellent hunter and companion, and American breeders decided they preferred this smaller dog. Thus, the American cocker spaniel breed standard was born.
In 1946, the AKC differentiated between the English cocker spaniel and the American cocker spaniel (in America, he’s simply called ‘cocker spaniel’). By the 1950s, he was one of the most popular breeds in the States, thanks to legends like Lady and the Tramp and President Nixon’s dog, Checkers.
The American cocker spaniel also made his way back to the UK where he still maintains a modicum of popularity, and he is fairly popular in South Africa (although not as prevalent as the English cocker spaniel).
Temperament
The major drawcard of the American cocker spaniel is his happy and gentle temperament. Considered a ‘merry’ dog and an amicable companion, he is relaxed, intelligent, sweet, affectionate and eager for a jaunt around the neighbourhood as long as he’s in his human’s company.
Most American cockers are alert and playful, seldom timid or shy. However, his immense popularity has made the breed susceptible to unscrupulous breeding – in which backyard breeders don’t carefully breed for health and temperament. Aside from affecting breed personality, this also puts the dogs at risk of health issues, which is why it’s crucial that would-be owners do their research and not buy puppies that are overly scared or whose parents’ health certifications are not available.
That being said, the American cocker spaniel is quite sensitive, which can also make him nervous. Even though he’s happy to see you, he could pee-on-greeting – he is known for submissive urination.
Health
The American Spaniel Club recommends that breeders maintain consistent health testing to ensure the breed is protected from breed-related health problems. Consistent testing also allows breeders to build up an important database of health history, which is critical to any breed. The American cocker spaniel is a small and therefore long-lived breed. He is susceptible to the following conditions:
- Eye issues: Cataracts; glaucoma; progressive retinal atrophy (CRA)
- Allergies: Food, skin and environmental allergies
- Orthopaedic issues: Patellar luxation; hip dysplasia
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA): A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own red blood cells
- Primary seborrhoea: Condition caused by the excess production of skin cells
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
Exercise Requirements
As a breed with a hunting history, the American cocker spaniel requires daily exercise to use up his moderate energy and to keep his muscles and bones healthy. He loves to walk alongside his humans and/or enjoy a game of fetch, so getting a little of both in every day will keep him healthy and will strengthen your all-important bond.
Intelligent and eager to please, the American cocker spaniel will do his human’s bidding, granted he’s trained with kind, sensitive methods and doesn’t sense disapproval (or experience punishment) during training. Positive reinforcement training works wonders for this dog, as he’ll want to do what you expect of him and get rewarded for it! He gets along well with other dogs and can even learn to love cats and other pets if he grows up with them. Early and consistent socialisation can only make his good manners even better.
Grooming Requirements
One thing the American cocker spaniel needs a lot of is grooming. Daily brushing will help to keep his long, gorgeous coat free of mats, but he also needs regular clipping and bathing, after which detangling and blow-drying are required. Then his ears need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried – this is a grooming-intensive dog. Aside from his fur coat and ears, the American cocker also needs daily teeth brushing and regular nail clipping too.
Ratings
Statistics
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Type | Gundog Group |
| Average adult weight | 11 kg |
| Average adult height | 37 cm |
| Average life span | 14 years |
| Breed family | |
| Area of origin | USA |
Gallery
