Cocker spaniel dog breed information

In 1879, the first modern cocker spaniel, a black male named Obo, sired a litter and began the American breed of the cocker spaniel. Today, significant physical characteristics separate the American and English cocker spaniels, though both breeds are similarly affectionate, loyal, and energetic.

Cocker Spaniels: Physical Characteristics

Cocker spaniels have a compact, muscular body that is well balanced and agile. The chiseled head presents a classic canine profile with a well-rounded skull and abrupt transition to the square muzzle. Slightly pendulous upper lips cover the lower jaw, which meets the upper jaw in a scissor bite slightly overlapping the lower teeth. The nose should be dark with large, well-defined nostrils that befit this tracking dog. A cocker spaniel's sense of smell is forty times more acute than a human's, a feat achieved with a prominent nose.

A cocker's ears are one of its most prominent features. They are low set, beginning no higher on the head than level with the lower eyelid. The ears are wide, oval-shaped, and long enough to touch the tip of the nose when brought forward. The dark brown eyes are prominent and expressive, showing intelligence and alertness.

The dog's neck is quite long for its size, a useful characteristic allowing this hunter to easily sniff the ground. The muscular neck arches to the equally toned body, with wide ribs and hips to promote high activity through flexible joints and adequate lung space. The powerful legs lead to large, round feet that equip this small dog for easy movement in swampy areas where game birds roost. The cocker spaniel's tail is traditionally docked, usually just after birth.

The cocker's medium length coat is double-layered to provide warmth and protection from the elements, but it sheds profusely. Fine hairs on the head transition to long, silky feathering on the ears, chest, abdomen, and legs. The fur may be slightly wavy but not outright curly. Colors range from solid black, which is the most dominant coloration, to solid coats of all shades including gold, red, tan, and fawn. Dappled and spotted coats are not uncommon, though they are less favored for show dogs. The heavy coat requires frequent grooming, and persons with sensitive allergies should not consider adopting a cocker spaniel.

Overall, the cocker spaniel measures between fourteen and fifteen inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between twenty-four and twenty-eight pounds. Females are slightly smaller and lighter than males. English cockers are slightly larger and heavier, though that may not be apparent to non-breeders. The English cocker's head is more tapered with smaller lips, and the coat is somewhat shorter than that of the American cocker.

Despite their sturdy physique, cocker spaniels are subject to a number of health concerns. Ear infections are common, and the ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent inflammation. Eye problems such as distichiasis, or inverted eyelashes that rub the eyeball, and ectropion, which involves lower eyelid deformities, can be painful and cause infections. Cataracts and glaucoma are also more common in cockers than in other breeds.

Other health problems include hip dysplasia, a birth defect which may eventually render the animal lame or paralyzed. Unfortunately, this condition is not apparent until the dog is two or three years old, but surgery can often provide some correction. Epilepsy is another hereditary condition affecting cocker spaniels. Additionally, because of the breed's luxurious coat, the dogs often appear larger than they really are and are prone to weight gain due to overfeeding. Abundant exercise and a balanced diet is essential to any cocker's health.

Cocker Spaniels: Temperament

Because cocker spaniels live between twelve and fifteen years, it is important to consider the animal's personality before adoption. They are active, energetic animals, and while they can live in small houses or apartments, they require plenty of exercise and an area to run, such as a yard or park. Frequent exercise helps control weight and minimizes aggression when the animal is left alone. As a hunting breed, cockers are well suited to tracking scented toys and retrieving objects, and they are easy to train and willing to learn. Cocker spaniels often perform well in agility contests and they enjoy learning other tricks. Most love to swim, so they should be closely monitored in parks or other areas where their enthusiasm outstrips caution.

Intelligent, loyal, and sensitive to their master's moods, cocker spaniels are excellent pets for first-time dog owners. While their assertive behavior may lead to mild disobedience, consistent training and structured activities, such as daily grooming, helps the owner establish dominance without excessive force or reprimands. Cockers are adventurous and playful, and relate well to younger children, though any child should be taught how to interact with an animal. Dogs naturally nip to defend themselves against rough treatment, even if it is unintentional.

Cockers get along well with other dogs, but because of their hunting instincts they should not be allowed to play with small pets such as birds, hamsters, or rabbits. When confronted with a stranger, the dog may be uncharacteristically shy, but socializing them to different people at a young age will overcome that hesitancy. A cocker shows its merriment by wagging profusely, and even seems to be aware that its tail is docked because the dog compensates by wagging its entire hindquarters.

The smallest breed in the Sporting Group, the cocker spaniel has one of the largest hearts. The dog's affectionate and energetic disposition makes it a fine pet for most families. After careful consideration of the cocker's activity level, care requirements, health concerns, and general breed information, adopting a cocker spaniel brings a cherished friend into the family.