Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 15-30 pounds

Height: Male 15 ½ inches, Female 14 ½ inches



History

American Cocker Spaniels has their origin from the Spanish hunting dogs. These dogs have been developed from the English Cocker Spaniel when they came to the United States. Many American Cocker Spaniels are being used for hunting and retrieving purposes, but today lots of them are companion and show dogs.

Characteristics

American Cocker Spaniels are very clever and also very devoted dogs. They will perform best with energetic owners as they are very active and fond of playing. These energetic dogs are wonderful pets for the family, and should not be left alone for extended periods of time. Because of the long coats of these dogs, they find it difficult to stay cool in hot weather conditions.

Temperament

American Cocker Spaniels are very warm and friendly dogs - they are very easy-going and they also get along well with children. American Cocker Spaniels are brilliant gundogs, and also wonderful pets for the family. American Cocker Spaniel puppies will respond positively to positive obedience training - therefore it is important that it is started at an early age. American Cocker Spaniels should be socialised from an early age on to make sure they are not shy at a later stage.

Care

Many owners prefer to keep the coat of the American Cocker Spaniels long - but they will then require a daily brushing, and they should also be bathed often then. The eyes of these dogs should also be kept clean. Whether these dogs have short or long coats, they will require regular trimming. Owners should also be careful when brushing these dogs to make sure they do not pull out the hair of these dogs. These dogs are average shedding dog, and will therefore not be ideal for allergy sufferers. For more detailed info, take a look at the American Cocker Spaniel Grooming page.

Training

The American Cocker Spaniel can prove to be difficult to housebreak at times, and they my also urinate when excited - apart from housebreaking they are fairly easy to train. It is recommended that these dogs are trained in obedience early on. These dogs were originally developed to be gun dogs, and will do excellent in obedience if they are trained in a consistent manner by a gentle trainer.

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