Home Page Health Small Dog Breeds Cocker SpanielThe American Cocker Spaniel is A Very Popular BreedThe American Cocker Spaniel is one of the few small dogs in the Sporting Group, as recognised by the American Kennel Club. Most of the dogs in the Sporting Group are large strong animals, bred for their work as gundogs in the field of hunting birds and game. An adult dog stands about 15 inches high at the shoulder and weighs about 28 pounds. The cocker spaniel is an old-established breed, with a history in the USA of over 400 years, having come over from England and Europe in the sixteenth century. The English Cocker Spaniel is very similar to the American Cocker Spaniel but there are some differences in
the breed standards operated by the two kennel clubs. He is a very popular dog in the USA, at 25th in the American Kennel Club registrations during 2010. His English cousin is even more popular, being rated second only to the labrador retriever in the UK. Grooming The American Cocker SpanielThe Cocker Spaniel's coat is long and silky and needs a certain amount of maintenance. This dog sheds hair to a moderate amount, enough to be a problem if you are concerned about dog hair on your furniture and carpets. However he needs regular brushing, so it may be a good idea to combine the two jobs and brush out the loose hair and dispose of it before if gets on your furnishings.Training The American Cocker Spaniel.As a breed, the Sporting dogs need to be obedient and responsive to commands, because they are working in an environment where many guns are being fired and uncontrolled dogs can be a danger to themselves and others. If you take on an American Cocker Spaniel, you will get the benefit of hundreds of years of breeding, that has produced a dog that is quick and eager to learn. In fact, he is a very intelligent dog, ranked very highly as an "excellent working dog" and in the top twenty of all dog breeds, as researched by Dr Stanley Coren.He is a very friendly, sensitive dog and doesn't respond well to harsh training methods. There is no need to bully him, he just wants to please you. As with all dogs, training should be in short, interesting spells, so that you avoid boredom. Plenty of praise works wonders but only when he does it right! Do not praise the dog when he gets it wrong, you'll just confuse him. Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housetrain. Be prepared, with all the right equipment and exercise patience. Get help with Training Your American Cocker Spaniel from this FREE email Course! Exercise For The American Cocker Spaniel.This is a working dog and is one of the larger "small dogs". While he is certainly at home in the house, he needs a daily walk and where appropriate, the chance to play and romp off the leash. Training and exercise for your American Cocker Spaniel should be combined, so it doesn't become a chore, for you or the dog.American Cocker Spaniel Watchdog?Cocker spaniels make excellent watchdogs, barking loudly when anyone approaches. They are too friendly to make good guard dogs. While they are out of sight, they can sound like a much larger dog and will be an adequate warning to any unwanted visitors.American Cocker Spaniel Temperament.This is a very friendly, loving breed and he will get on well with people and other pets, provided he is socialized at an early age. He loves a cuddle and he is very good with children but can be a bit big and boisterous for very small kids.
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