HISTORY
The Spaniel Family is a large one, of considerable age. There are two varieties of Cocker Spaniel - The English and The American. The American Cocker is not a cross breed. It evolved in the USA American breeders developed the breed from the English Cocker to the glamorous American type we see today. It has become a breed on it's own and was recognised as such by the American Kennel Club in 1936. While a pair of American Cocker Spaniels was believed to have been brought to Australia during World War II, it has only been in the past 20 years that they have been bred here.
APPEARANCE
The American Cocker Spaniel is a long coated breed with a superbly domed, cleanly
chiselled and refined head, a short muzzle, and a sturdy, compact body. The ideal dog should be in complete balance, and height around 14 inches for females and 15 inches for males at the wither. There is a variation of colours. The solid colours include Black, Chocolate, and Buff which can range from the palest of cream to the deepest red. Black & tan and Chocolate & tan have clearly defined tan points on eyebrows, muzzle, ears, feet and under the tail. The Parti colours include Black & White, Red & White, Chocolate & White and tricolours which are Black & White with tan points.
Being a Gundog, his temperament is quite typical, and has a keenly developed sense for retrieving. He is still used extensively in the USA as a Gundog, although primarily in Australia as a companion dog. The American Cocker is outgoing, friendly, and very sociable. They are keen companions and very good with children. Because of their easy going disposition, they are easily won over by strangers, and should not be regarded as Guard Dogs. Generally, temperaments are very stable, and the breed is quite adaptable, small enough to be a lap dog, and large enough for long walks and energetic play. He has an exceptionally merry disposition, and will reward many times over with his good sense of fun, and unquestioning loyalty.
GROOMING
It does require time and great care to bring his coat into full bloom, but this can be achieved by frequent brushing and bathing, or regular trips to the grooming parlour. This is not only as a puppy, but for the lifetime of the dog. While the American Cocker is no doubt an elegant dog in full coat, many owners keep their pet dogs in 'Pet Clip'. This leaves only a couple of inches in length of coat all over the legs and stomach. It reduces the tendency of the coat to knot, and makes bathing, drying and grooming much easier. It is a good idea to keep your American Cocker as dry as possible during Winter and on wet days. Getting wet and muddy only helps to mat the coat.
HEALTH
The American Cocker is generally healthy and strong. It is in your interest to ensure that your dog is immunised and wormed regularly, and treated for fleas (especially in warmer weather). Ears and eyes should be kept clean and checked regularly. Check teeth, and toenails, and attend to any problems as soon as they are detected. The breed has a number of potential hereditary problems, however, most breeders are having Stud Dogs and Bitches tested annually. The life span is usually 10 - 14 years.
SPACE AND EXERCISE
Although a small breed, the American Cocker still needs daily exercise. Digging holes in the garden and chewing everything are sometimes of boredom in dogs. Ideally they need to be taken off leash to run free provided there is no risk to traffic, people, livestock, wildlife or to the dog itself. All exercise should be well supervised, and the dog kept within calling distance at all times. The American Cocker is a very active dog, however, the average suburban backyard, coupled with regular walks and plenty of attention, will provide sufficient exercise.
PRICE
Litters usually consist of four puppies. The breeding
and raising of pure breed dogs is a very expensive
pastime. Most sincere breeders will go out of their way
to place a puppy in the right home, and generally the
price ease will reflect only a portion of the actual
expenses that have gone into raising the Puppy.
photograph supplied by Michele
Jeffers
