American Cocker Spaniel - breed description

If you want a pet to appear in your house, you need to prepare in advance for a new tenant. When choosing a dog, it is very important to consider not only the living conditions of the future family member, but also the compatibility of the nature of man and animal. If you need a cute, funny, active and joyful creature, the American Cocker Spaniel is presented to your attention. This is an amazing dog, the smallest of the hunting ones. She will certainly get along in a family with children and active adults. The dog will become a wonderful companion, friend, protector and even partner in some children's pranks. In this article we will try to learn as much as possible about this breed - where did the American come from, what kind of living conditions does the dog need and how to properly raise a cocker spaniel so that the dog grows obedient, adequate and socialized.

The origin of the cocker spaniel breed

The American Cocker Spaniel has a long history that begins more than 10 centuries ago. The ancestors were the Spanish Spaniels, who were especially appreciated in this sunny country for their hunting qualities. There is an opinion that Spain is far from the homeland of cockers, because the dog was brought there from Asia Minor back in the 8-9th century. Gradually, the Spaniards began to breed spaniels, and after a few centuries the dog came to England. In the Foggy Albion, they also loved hunting everywhere, dogs were actively used to catch hares, badgers, and wild birds. In the Middle Ages, England was passionate about hunting, so in every land and estate they tried to breed their dog breed, the most agile, strong and fast. It is believed that in those days there were at least 20 subspecies of spaniels.

In the 17th century, the largest subspecies of brought spaniels were English cocker spaniels, which already had something similar to modern American. The dog was small in size, with an elongated body and thick coat. In those days, the dogs of this breed were stopped tails, but only half, leaving 4 vertebrae. It was believed that a pet with a long tail, with active wagging, could injure itself before the blood. In the 19th century, English cockers were recognized as an independent breed and sent to America a couple of representatives of these unusual dogs. As a result of mating, the puppies got round eyes, a little bulging. The Americans decided that this wonderful feature makes the pet very cute and spontaneous. Gradually, the American cocker ceased to be knitted with English, and so the modern breed that we are talking about today has turned out.

What does an American cocker spaniel look like?

The nature and temper of the American Cocker Spaniel

As noted, modern cockers are not hunting dogs, but pets, very cute and good-natured. Breeders strictly select puppies for further mating, not only in appearance, but also in character. Evil and aggressive representatives of the breed do not participate in further breeding of offspring. The Cocker Spaniel is not just a very cheerful and joyful companion, it is also a sensitive friend who perfectly feels the mood of his master, has an amazing tact, does not bother a person if he sees that he is busy. If the owner is in a bad mood, the cocker spaniel will try to gently cheer up his great friend, carefully clinging to his hand.

The dog is perfect for any family - the cocker spaniel is indulgent and caring for its older members, the dog has a great time with adults on an active holiday. And you cannot find the best nanny for children! The dog is ready to entertain little fidgets for a long time, while making sure that the baby does not engage in dangerous activities. The dog is very affectionate and friendly, even towards strangers. Cockers get along well with other pets, respecting even cats and small rodents with whom they cohabit. However, this breed is not suitable for families in which all people work and have been away from home for a long time. Minimizing contact with a person leads to the fact that the cocker spaniel begins to get bored, can howl or spoil things. But scold the pet is not worth it, all this is a consequence of loneliness and mental disorders, and not the desire to take revenge.

With a good upbringing, the dog becomes decent, has excellent manners, behaves well in society. At the same time, cockers are very cunning and know their master's weaknesses. The dog perfectly understands that it has an angelic look that can melt even the most callous heart. This dog perfectly uses it when it asks for a tidbit from the owner's table. It is not worthwhile to succumb to the spell, although sometimes it is really difficult, otherwise the dog will suffer from obesity. It is very important to start training the dog in a timely manner, not to allow her cute pranks - to gnaw his hand, hang his teeth on the owner’s trouser leg, etc. If at a young age this seems nice and insignificant, then when the dog grows up, her teeth will bring you a lot of trouble. It’s not difficult to train a cocker spaniel - the dog understands the commands perfectly, is ready to serve the owner and does everything that is required of it. The Cocker Spaniel is rightfully considered one of the most beloved breeds of breeders for its flexible character and good natured character.

American Cocker Spaniel Content

In general, the dog is quite hardy, cockers live up to 15 years without any problems, have good health. Of the characteristic diseases are possible otitis media and eye diseases. The difficulty in caring for a dog lies only in its chic fur coat, which requires a special attitude.

1. Wool. From a very early age, the puppy should be bathed regularly so that the dog is not afraid of water. After all, water procedures are a prerequisite in preserving the beauty of the animal’s hair. Every day, the cocker spaniel should be thoroughly combed out, especially after a walk, because a large number of thorns, twigs and other garbage remain in the wool. If this is not done, the wool will gradually begin to roll into tangles, which are almost impossible to comb, the hair will have to be cut. This will greatly ruin the appearance of the dog. Some owners make a short haircut for cockers for the summer so that the dog is not hot.The trimmed hair perfectly underlines the dog’s muscular shape. However, remember that the haircut will have to be updated every 4-6 weeks, so that the pet has a decent appearance. Every 2-3 weeks, the dog should be bathed so that the coat remains clean, soft and silky.
2. The ears. Another American feature is the dog’s ears. Hanging ears pick mites very quickly, especially after walking in long grass. Therefore, the owner should regularly inspect the ears for the absence of these parasites. Be sure to clean the inner surface of the ears from sulfur once a week with a cotton pad dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Ears often get caught in food and get dirty. To solve the problem, while eating, ears need to be collected and fixed at the back. Some owners find a way out in purchase of a narrow bowl for food in which only a muzzle is located.
3. Eyes. The American Cocker Spaniel often has eye diseases due to the special planting of the eyeball. When choosing a puppy, it is very important to inquire about the health of his parents. It is not difficult to reduce the likelihood of eye infections in a dog. It is enough to wipe the dog’s eyes every day or at least 2-3 times a week with a clean cotton pad soaked in warm water. Use some detergents or special antiseptics is not necessary!
4. Feeding. In order for the dog to be healthy and beautiful, it should be properly fed. The diet of the pet should be meat and dairy products, cereals, fruits, vegetables. Cocker spaniels are prone to gaining excess weight, so giving the dog sweets is definitely not worth it. Also, you can not pamper your pet with snacks between main meals. An adult dog is fed twice a day. To make the cocker coat smooth, soft and shiny, you need to add a spoonful of vegetable oil to your dog’s diet every day.
5. Sport. Regular physical activity is a vital condition for the normal growth and development of the dog. Every day at least two hours the dog must frolic in the fresh air. Otherwise, the dog may experience excess weight, neurological and mental illnesses appear, the cocker spaniel can simply fade away. Remember that walking is not just walking in the park, it is the execution of various teams, swimming in a pond, the development of hunting skills, etc.

In addition, the American Cocker Spaniel, like any other dog, needs care for its teeth and claws. Teeth should be periodically cleaned of tartar or give the dog special preventive bones. Claws should be cut off as they grow if they are not rubbed off the asphalt, like many city dogs. Be sure to promptly take your pet to veterinary visits, get vaccinated on time, and regularly conduct anthelmintic therapy. And then the pet will be able to maintain its health for many years.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a great friend, a reliable companion and just an indispensable member of the family. If you are not afraid of the features of dog grooming, be sure to get this handsome man who will delight you with charming piercing eyes every day.

Video: American Cocker Spaniel dog breed