American Cocker Spaniel

The Walt Disney film Lady and the Tramp catapulted this breed to fame half a century ago, but it is enjoying a renewed surge in popularity today. The American Cocker Spaniel was originally a hunting dog, but very few are used for that purpose today. Modified from its British counterpart, the American version is smaller, with a shorter muzzle, a more rounded head, and pronounced forehead. The coat is more lavish too, and comes in a wider range of colors.

In the United States, “Cocker Spaniel” alone refers to the American breed, while that designation is used for the English cocker spaniel in the United Kingdom, causing some confusion. For clarity, other international kennel clubs add the respective country names.

Members of this attractive, sweet natured breed are jovial, obedient, and bright. They are also gluttons, though, so, to achieve a balance of glossy coat and healthy skin on the one hand and healthy weight on the other hand, carefully monitor their food intake.

American cocker spaniels look cute in clipped coats but gorgeous in full coats. Their droopy ears also require frequent care, elevate food or restrain their ears during feeding, and consider using a water bottle like those for rodents and rabbits.

Origin : United States
Size : (male) Height about 15 inches ; weight about 29 pounds
(female) Height about 14 inches ; weight about 27 pounds
Coat : Short on head, medium on body. Feathering on ears, chest, abdomen and legs. Colors include black and parti-color (two or more colors with markings)