Cocker Spaniel (A)

Life Span-13 to 14 years

Availability-Easy to get

About Cocker Spaniel:
One of the most popular pets for pet lovers in US, an American cocker spaniel or Cocker Spaniel is a capable sporting dog. Blessed with a amenable, cheerful and affectionate disposition, a Cocker Spaniel is one of the smallest sporting dog breed and also the smallest of the Spaniel family.A well-bred and socialized Cocker Spaniel is gentle, loving, sweet, affectionate and playful and a joyous little bundle. Cocker Spaniels are also one of the most popular breeds in various Dog Shows where they are a part of show dogs and also a part of agility and obedience activities.

Historically, the word Spaniel means a Spanish Dog and the history of a Cocker Spaniel dates back to 14th century. By 1800, Cocker Spaniels were categorized into two - toy dogs and hunting dogs. Cocker Spaniels have long been used as a hunting dog for a game bird called woodcock. It is believed that a Cocker Spaniel was one of the few dogs that crossed the ocean in the Mayflower to America. It was in 1870 that the Americans began importing English Cocker Spaniels to the United States. In early 1881, the first American Spaniel Club was formed by Clinton Wilmerding and James Watson. It was only in 1946 that the American kennel Club recognized the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel as two separate breed of dogs.

One of the most unique aspect of an American Cocker Spaniel is its long, floppy, silky ears that fall gracefully to the side of the face. Cocker Spaniels have a beautiful silky coat and they are quite popular for their ever wagging tails. Another special distinctive feature of a cocker spaniel is that they are one of the most stunning dogs to look at with their silky coats, adorable facial expressions and melting dark almond ring eyes.

Visits to Groomer-High

Drooling-No

Bath-Regular

Tolerance to heat-Get a heatstroke

Tolerance to cold-loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat-Yes

Color-Gold/Black/Sabel

Coat Type-Flat and silky

Hair Length-Flowing

Hair Density-Dense

Cocker Spaniels are generally a healthy breed of dog. Some of the common health issues that Cocker Spaniels might be prone are:

Hip Dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

Progressive retinal atrophy

Cataracts and Glaucoma

Autoimmune Anemia

Epilepsy

Patellar luxation

Temperament
Cocker Spaniels are one of the most playful, loyal, affectionate, sturdy, stocky, friendly, protective, devoted and happy dogs. Their friendly nature makes them terrible watch dogs. They have been blessed with a patient yet protective temperament making them very good family dogs. Cocker Spaniels require at least an hour hours of vigorous exercise that will engage them physically and mentally. Cocker Spaniels do extremely well in both apartment and large houses.

Training & Intelligence
Cocker Spaniels are an intelligent breed of dogs. They have been a part of various dog shows not only for their beauty but also for their excellence in agility, obedience and popularity as a sporting dog. Currently, Cocker Spaniels have been trained to assist scientists and researchers in the study of cancer by sniffing out cancer proteins from different samples. Due to their small and compact size and friendly nature Cocker Spaniels are also trained to be service and therapy dogs. All forms of training for your Cocker Spaniel puppy should start at an early age.

Breeding
Litter Size-4 to 6 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation
Cocker Spaniels are a healthy and sturdy breed and become mature by the age of 1.3 years. If you are a first time pet parent, seek medical advice to ensure that the mating and breeding process is comfortable for both the dogs.