Nickname        : The American with a British Heritage

Breed Origins : USA (1800’s)

Breed usage     : Hunting Small Game - bird flushing and retrieving

Dog Weight      : 24 - 28 Pounds

Dog Height       : 14 to 16 inches to the shoulder

History
American Cocker Spaniel comes from the USA and was bred originally to hunt small game - bird flushing and retrieving. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group. The American Cocker Spaniel was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1878. The origins of this dog are quite clearly held in its name. The word spaniel comes from the word “Espagnol” which means Spanish from where all of the Spaniel breeds hold their origins. The word “Cocker” relates to the breeds British heritage and its use of hunting Woodcock pigeons. The American Cocker Spaniel is recognised as a separate breed from the English Cocker Spaniel due to its smaller stature, shorter snout and longer, silkier coat. This has been achieved without any cross-breeding but by the use of careful, and selective, in-breeding.

The Sporting group which include the American Cocker Spaniel, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Cocker Spaniel, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat & Colours information
  The American Cocker Spaniel’s coat is normally a shade of black, brown, black and tan or brown and tan and tricolours. The coat is normally medium length, short and fine on the head.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the American Cocker Spaniel, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the American Cocker Spaniel can include:
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints)
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye Problems including Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 – 14 years.

• Grooming and Care
  American Cocker Spaniel requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Cocker Spaniel dogs.