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All About American Cocker Spaniels

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All About American Cocker SpanielsBy Joseph Devine

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest sporting spaniel in the American Kennel Club and one of the most admired in the country. In 2007, the Cocker Spaniel ranked as the 17th most fashionable type of dog in the United States, out of 157 total breeds. Although the American Cocker Spaniel is a fairly recently developed breed, spaniels are one of the oldest types of dogs, with references to the Cocker found in Chaucer's and Shakespeare's literature. Cocker spaniels were specifically bred around the 1890's and the word cocker refers to the tendency to use this kind of spaniel while hunting woodcocks. The American subdivision of the breed began around the 1930's, as dog fanciers began noticing the differences of the breeds in conformation shows. About 15 years later, a formal division was made between the English and American Cocker Spaniels.

Physically, this dog is appealing as both a house pet and working canine. Dark, expressive eyes compose one of the breed's signature traits and highlight its lively, friendly temperament. Cockers weigh about 18-28 pounds and are split in three different colour varieties in conformation shows. Black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color other than Black), and parti-colors are the acceptable coat colors of the breed. Black includes solid black and black and tans while ASCOB includes solids ranging from silver to dark cream to deep red. Parti-color cockers include dogs that have an approved colour plus any large area of white. Although other coat colors do exist, such as merle, they remaina source of controversy and are usually indicative of the inclusion of other breeds.

Temperamentally, the American Cocker Spaniel is a friendly, joyous, and trusting breed, making them a good choice as a family pet. They are eager to please which aids in training for both obedience and hunting purposes. They are typically good with children and other pets, even though they are of hunting origins. Because of their soft demeanor, harsh punishments are not recommended.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a healthy breed although they are susceptible to a number of health problems. It is important to buy your dog from a responsible breeder who screens for known health issues such as ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Additional physical concerns that buyers need to be aware of include hip dysplasia and luxating patellas.

Caring for a new pet is an exciting time. It is important to educate yourself as much as possible in order to provide the greatest home possible for your Cocker Spaniel. If you are interested in learning more, this pet responsibility website can provide useful information.

Joseph Devine

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Cocker Spaniel - Dog Breeds

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Cocker Spaniel - Dog BreedsBy John M Williams

Group: Sporting

Weight: 24-28 lbs

Height: male: 14.5-15.5, female: 13.5-14.5 inches

Overview

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 fashionable and was one of the most fashionable breeds of dogs according to the American Kennel club in the 1940's. Currently, the breed is almost completely used as a companion dog.

Temperament

Cocker Spaniels are content, friendly and passionate dogs that get along wonderfully with families and children. They will rather welcome a stranger than they are to act aggressive toward them. Many Cocker Spaniels are first-class watchdogs and will bark when someone comes closer. The Cocker Spaniel is not a dominant breed, and is fairly obedient. These dogs are brilliant companion dogs, and will rarely act aggressively - especially when socialized properly. These dogs are not nervous dogs, however rather easy going and willing to accept other dogs into their space. These dogs are extremely clever, and stand out in obedience training.

Care

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, however 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 withfrequent 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.

Training

It is vital to start training the Cocker Spaniel from puppyhood, and also socialize them from early on. Cocker Spaniels are friendly and loving dogs, however they can however become withdrawn or edgy around people they are not familiar with. In general the breed will have no trouble cooperating with other dogs or pets such as cats.

This breed doesn't have a good prey instinct, however they are more than willing to run after other animals. These dogs can be difficult to housebreak, however otherwise very simple to train. The Cocker Spaniel should also receive obedience classes.

Health problems

Due to the fact that the Cocker Spaniel has become very fashionable as a pet, there has been quite a bit of backyard breeding. This in return led to a few health conditions, and some of these concerns are Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia where the immune system attacks the blood cells, cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, skin allergies, ear infections and heart conditions such as disease or muscle development trouble.

For more info on Cocker Spaniel or a full list of Dog Breeds visit this Dog Training resource website.

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English Cocker Spaniel - Dog Breeds

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English Cocker Spaniel - Dog BreedsBy John M Williams

Group: Sporting

Weight: male: 28-34, female: 26-32 lbs

Height: male: 15-17, female: 14-16 inches

Overview

The English Cocker Spaniel has not always lived in England, and they probably originated in Spain and were brought to Wales around 1000 AD. Spaniels used to be only used as hunting dogs for many years. Though during the early years, these dogs were not used to retrieve the game. They were rather used to drive the game in the direction of the guns.

Temperament

The English Cocker Spaniel is fairly friendly and love to play. In general they are very affectionate and will get along well with children when introduced to them at a very young age. Otherwise, they may be ill-tempered towards the children. This breed makes a fine family companion and will not be happy when left out of the family. They are likely to get along with other dogs and small animals, however socialising these dogs is still recommended. It is advised to keep an eye over the males when together, as they have a tendency to be aggressive in these situations. The English Cocker Spaniel will excel in obedience training seeing that they are very intelligent. They will probably bark to get the attention of their owners when a stranger approaches, however will not be aggressive toward them - they are just protective of their properties. This breed love to play and remains joyful throughout their lives.

Care

The English Cocker Spaniel will require a brushing several times during the week. It is recommendedthat they are also clipped four times during the course of the year. The ears can be maintained by cleaning them once a week together with the flaps as they get some food stuck on the ends. The English Cocker Spaniel requires a large amount of exercise and long walks on a daily basis are recommended.

Training

The English Cocker Spaniel is a very intelligent working dog, and due to their good temperaments they are obedient and devoted. Dogs that are used as field dogs are particularly quick to bond with the master that takes them out to hunt, and they know mechanically how this affiliation should work. Like all dogs, the English Cocker Spaniel also needs firm obedience training so they can understand that you are the dominant figure. These dogs can be very sensitive, so training should not be harsh or unkind in any way.

Health problems

Some ordinary health issues linked to the English Cocker Spaniel include progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, deafness, as well as ear infections, and cataracts and undescended testicles.

Visit the following links for more info on the English Cocker Spaniel or a full list of Dog Breeds.