Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are dogs that have been around in America since the late 1800s. There are two different breeds of the Cocker Spaniel which include the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker Spaniel was not officially noticed as a separate dog breed from the American Cocker Spaniel until 1946. In general both the American and English Cocker Spaniels are the smallest dog of the sporting breed group. These dogs were bred to flush out birds and prey from brush so that the dog's master could then shoot the birds and prey.

Cocker Spaniels can be easily distinguished by the way they look. Cocker Spaniels have long ears that are close to the head with the fur having a wavy or curly look to the ears and the longer fur by the legs and underbelly. Cocker Spaniels are compact dogs with a short back and can weigh anywhere between fifteen or thirty pounds. The average height of a Cocker Spaniel is fifteen and a half inches. The tail of Cocker Spaniels is usually docked where legal: this means it is cut shorter. Cocker Spaniels live for about ten to fifteen years. The coat or fur of the Cocker Spaniel is silky and of medium length. Their fur can be golden or dark colored depending on the breed.

The temperament of Cocker Spaniels of both the American and English breed is a happy, friendly and affectionate one. The English Cocker Spaniel has earned the nickname of Merry Cocker because of their happy and faithful temperament. The Cocker Spaniel breeds are great for any type of family because of this great and easy going temperament. The Cocker Spaniel breed is a joyful and trusting dog making good companions all around. Cocker Spaniels are soft dogs and do well with children and other pets. They are easily trained without any harsh methods. Cocker Spaniels are the least aggressive of the many different dog breeds.

Health problems of the Cocker Spaniel breed are limited. Some of the most common health problems that you will see in a Cocker Spaniel will be separation anxiety because of their loyalty and ear infections because of their long ears. You may also see other health problems with Cocker Spaniels that can include bite problems, skin allergies and cataracts. Uncommon health problems that can be found in Cocker Spaniels are hip dysplasia and heart problems. When looking at Cocker Spaniels it is best to look at the breeder your Cocker Spaniel is coming from to avoid some of these health problems.

Cocker Spaniels are great for show dogs and for field dogs. The Cocker Spaniel has a gentle and easy demeanor making them good for both show and field. Cocker Spaniels were originally bred for field dogs so they are easily trainable for the field which also makes them easily trainable for showing. Cocker Spaniels are classified as field or working dogs in many dog shows. They are further separated by the color of their coat. American Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels compete separately in the shows since 1936.

Cocker Spaniels are an easy going and lovable dog. Any type of Cocker Spaniel can be used as a family companion or a field dog for a hunter. The Cocker Spaniel is a fiercely loyal and kind hearted and have been known to attach themselves to one single person. They are great for show dogs because they have an easy going temperament and are easily trained. Cocker Spaniels whether they are English or American have been around for a long time and are a favorite of breeders, families, and hunters.

P.S. Here is a cocker spaniel coloring page.

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