The Beloved Gun Dog And Family: The American Cocker Spaniel
Just like the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker Spaniel is also a medium sized breed of gun dog. Originally, this breed was developed in the United Kingdom as a small game hunter particularly of the woodcock, which is where the term cocker came from. In the US, the cocker breed was further developed until it became a distinctly different breed called the American Cocker Spaniel.
In its native country the US, it is simply called the Cocker Spaniel. In other parts of the world such as Canada and Europe, it is called the American Cocker Spaniel. Before, this dog flourished as a gun dog but today it is more known as a lovable family pet.
Spaniels that came to England were actually brought in from Spain and then later on developed to become good hunters. In the early days, a Spaniel’s litter was composed of a cocker spaniel and a Springer spaniel and these two were only segregated in to types when they grew up. But with the help of the English Setter, a different breed for the Cocker Spaniel has been developed.
To know the difference of an American Cocker Spaniel from an English Cocker Spaniel, the size of the former is relatively smaller than the latter. The American version also has a long and low set coat while the English one has a shorter coat. The head of the American Cocker Spaniel is dome-like and the ears are floppy while the English variety has a rectangular head and shorter ears.
The height of the American Cocker Spaniel should be 15 inches and any dog higher than 15.5 is disqualified in shows. The average weight is also 25 to 35 pounds but the male can be a bit heavier. The average life span of this breed is up to 12 years, only one year shorter than the English Cocker Spaniel.
As a pet and as a dog show competitor, the luscious fur of this breed should be carefully groomed and maintained. The coat should be soft, smooth, long, flat and double coated. There are four categories that the coat colors of this breed fall under and these are: Black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black), Tricolor, and Parti Color.
Describing this breed as a pet, one can say that it is affable, sweet and cheerful. As a gun dog, it is an eager worker, an obedient companion and a courageous hunter. This dog is noted for its gentleness, devotion and sensitiveness that’s why harsh reinforcement is not recommended.
The American Cocker Spaniel is fairly active and has an infinite stamina and so daily exercise should be given to it. Keeping the fluff healthy and beautiful requires daily brushing and shampooing. Additionally, regular nail clipping, coat trimming, and eyes cleaning should also be implemented.
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