The American Cocker Spaniel is a very beloved breed in the USA. This breed was brought to America by the English in the later part of the 1800s. These dogs are the smallest of the sporting dogs, which makes them very admirable. The "Cocker" part of their name has been derived from a game bird - the woodcock. The spaniels flushed this specific bird very well. Today, these dogs are mainly used as companion and show dogs. But they also possess very good hunting skills - and are excellent at retrieving, tracking and watch dogging.
Temperament
The American Cocker Spaniel is a very courageous breed that is also eager to work. The American Cocker Spaniel is just as suited to life as a family pet or to life as a gundog. These dogs will respect the authority of its owner without testing it too much. You will find the American Cocker Spaniel to be charming and happy and also very calm and trusting. These dogs have an average intelligence and should be socialised from an early age onwards to avoid shyness later on. This dog needs to be around people in order to be happy, and also loves children.
Care
The eyes of these dogs should be cleaned on a regular basis. Some owners prefer to leave the coats of these dogs long, and other prefers to leave it short. If you leave it long, it should be brushed on a daily basis and the dogs also bathed often. If the coat is kept short there will be less maintenance involved. But both ways these dogs will require some regular grooming to keep their coats in a good condition. The American Cocker Spaniel is an average shedding dog.
Training
The American Cocker Spaniel is very trainable and obedient, but they can be fairly difficult to housebreak. Some of these dogs also love to bark. If they are trained and socialised properly, they will get along well with other dogs and children. These dogs should be trained in a gentle manner to ensure positive results - they are also very sensitive toward the pitch of your voice.
Health problems
The American Cocker Spaniel suffer from some major health problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and patellar luxation. Some of the more minor problems include hip dysplasia, allergies, lip fold pyoderma and liver disease.
In conclusion this is a great dow if non of the above has put you off yet and will be a great addition to you home.
