Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniel

ADDITIONAL COCKER SPANIEL PICTURES

Family: Spaniel

Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Origin: United States of America

Date of Origin: 19th century

Originally used for: Hunting

Used today: Companion, sporting

Other Name(s):

History of the Breed: The Spaniels date back to the 14th century over time the breed was divided into water and land Spaniels and later divided based on size. "Cockers" are the smallest of the two types of Spaniels and to this day the smallest in the Sporting Group. Their name is thought to be derived from their skill with the woodcock.

General Appearance: A small Spaniel dog. The head is chiseled with an abrupt stop. The muzzle is wide deep and broad with a square jaw. The brown eyes are large are round. The ears are long with the typical Spaniel feathering and look. The chest is deep with well sprung ribs. The Cocker is covered in a medium-length, double coat and is finished with a docked tail.

Height & Weight:
Height 14.5 - 15.5 inches
Weight 15-30 pounds

Coat: The coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy.

Color: Three color varieties:
Black - (ASCOB) any solid color other than black and particolor
Particolor - are all of the colors and white
Roan - black and white or red and white hairs intermingled (not as common).

Grooming needs: Medium, eyes will need regular cleaning. Some owners prefer to leave the coat long, brushing daily and scissoring and clipping every two to three months. Some owners including hunters clip the coat down to be more functional.

Temperament of Breed: A sensitive and loyal breed ideal for a family. Caution should be used in the selection process, find a good breeder, puppy-mills have bred specimens that are yappy, snappy, nervous, high-strung dogs that are difficult to train and handle.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, if socialized at a young age

Suitability as a watchdog: Yes

Exercise Level: Moderate, should be exercised daily

Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA),
Minor: Ear and skin infections

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

2006 AKC Ranking: 16

First Registered by the AKC: 1878

Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club

Breed Organizations & Associations:
American Spaniel Club Inc.
English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Inc. (ECSCA)