Cocker Spaniels: The Breed The American Cocker Spaniel has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size. He has a much thicker coat and elegant trousers as opposed to his cousin the English Cocker Spaniel . Know as a merry Cocker, he has charmed himself into many households through out the world making him the world's most popular household pet. An excellent bird and small-game hunter, great companion, good with children and all around friendly, lively guy. Height: 14 -15 in. Weight: 24 -28 lbs. Colors: Black, jet black, shading of brown or liver in sheen of coat undesirable; black and tan and brown and tan, with definite tan markings on jet black or brown body; particolors and tricolors. Coat: Short and fine on head, medium length on body, with enough undercoat to give protection. Temperament: Active, friendly With Children: Yes, if from good blood lines he is exceptionally good with children. With Pets: Yes, sociable and gentle. Watch-dog: High Guard-dog: Low Care and Training: Careful grooming for about forty-five minutes twice a weeks is definitely necessary. He adapts well to city dwelling, but needs sufficient exercise to prevent him from becoming overweight. Learning Rate: High, Obedience - High, Problem Solving - Low Activity: Indoors - Medium, Outdoors - High Living Environment: Apartment, house, country or city as long as he is exercised he will adapt. An owner of a cocker should be willing to spend time grooming his coat and handle him every day. Health Issues: The Cocker is quite hardy, but may experience a variety of inherited disorders such as eye problems, hip dysplasia, slipping stifles and epilepsy. Life Span: 10 - 14 Year Litter Size: 4 - 6 Country of Origin: USA First Registered by the AKC: 1878 AKC Group: Sporting Group Class: Gundog History Spaniels, which are believed to have originated in Spain, are known to have been in existence in England and Wales since about 1000 AD. For centuries the ancestors of today's spaniels were used to seek and flush game. The introduction of firearms gradually changed the style of hunting so that spaniels and other field dogs learnt to retrieve on command as well as to hunt, find and flush game. The early nineteenth century brought distinction between the various types of spaniel and in 1893 the Cocker was recognised as a separate breed. It acquired its name due to its ability to 'cock' or flush game birds. The Cocker the smallest of the working spaniels, is a happy, enthusiastic hunter whose tail never stops wagging! He will busy himself wherever his nose takes him, looking for pheasant and rabbit. Cockers were champions in the show ring long before they were field trial champions. In Great Britain they have been highly successful show dogs: since the Best in Show at Crufts was first awarded in 1928, the Cocker has won more times than any other breed. Three dogs - Luckystar of Ware, Exquisite Model of Ware, and Tracey Witch of Ware - each won the Championship twice - a remarkable achievement for one owner and breeder, Mr H S Lloyd. [First page]   [Home]   [About Xena]   [About "Dad"]   [Day in Xena's Life]   [The Puppy Page]   [How to Care for Your Puppy]   [All About Cocker Spaniels]   [I Want One!]