Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are cute family pets with easily recognizable appearance.

Dogs of this breed adore kids and are generally very friendly, gentle, playful, and very versatile. The American Cocker Spaniel is a charming dog that enjoys playing with his family. These dogs are very intelligent and always willing to please.

Cocker Spaniels posses a good hunting instinct which has been bred down. American Cocker Spaniels were bred from English Cocking Spaniels, and were originally meant to be gun dogs. Cocker Spaniel still hold very strong sporting instincts which are often left unused. They always enjoy long walks, running, games of hide-n-seek etc. It is advisable to start obedience classes with American Cocker Spaniels and socialization practice with adults, kids, and other animals quite early.  These dogs do well in any situation: in the city, suburbs, or country.

The American Cocker Spaniels’ coat is silky and flat, and it can also be slightly wavy. As for the coat color, it may be black, any other solid color, black and tan, or particolor. Cocker Spaniel’s ears, chest, abdomen, and legs are well feathered.

The dogs’ coat should be brushed and combed two or three times a week. The coat should also be trimmed every two to three months. These dogs love to be stroked and brushed.

The ears should be cleaned on a weekly basis to prevent any infection. The problem is that the American Cocker Spaniel’s ears often get in the way when the dog eats. Therefore special care must be taken to make sure that the ears stay clean.

The pads of the Cocker Spaniel’s feet also need to be checked for burrs and other growth between the pads. Daily grooming is highly recommended. Cocker Spaniels can live up to 13 years.

Despite their popularity, cute appearance and gentle nature, Cocker Spaniels are not dogs suitable for all. Potential Cocker Spaniel owners should make their own research into the breed and evaluate their chances to spend time and effort exercising, training, grooming, playing, socializing, and taking care of a Cocker Spaniel. There is nothing better than a well-groomed, healthy and happy Cocker Spaniel as a family companion and a friend for your children. But if you have no time to devote to a dog, Cocker Spaniel ownership can turn into a nuisance.