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The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the sporting breeds, developed from English Cockers into a companion dog with a rounder head, longer coat, and gentle expression. Its merry temperament and soft, feathered coat have made it one of America's most enduring family favorites. It suits families, first-time owners, and anyone wanting a medium-small dog that is affectionate without being demanding.
Cocker Spaniels are gentle, cheerful, and affectionate, and they bond closely with their families. They are typically good with children and other pets and are more likely to greet a stranger than guard against one. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to gentle, positive training and can be timid or reactive if handled harshly or poorly socialized. Their spaniel heritage shows in a love of retrieving and a tendency to follow their nose.
The AKC standard calls for males about 15 inches at the shoulder and females about 14 inches, with weight typically 20 to 30 lbs. The English Cocker Spaniel is a separate breed, slightly taller with a longer muzzle.
The Cocker Spaniel has a long, silky coat with heavy feathering on the ears, chest, belly, and legs. It needs brushing several times weekly to prevent matting and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. The long, hanging ears trap moisture and are highly prone to infection, so weekly ear cleaning is essential. Eyes should be wiped daily. Cockers are not hypoallergenic.
Cocker Spaniels can inherit progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions, and they have one of the highest rates of ear infection of any breed. Other documented predispositions include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, familial nephropathy, phosphofructokinase deficiency, and heart conditions including dilated cardiomyopathy. Recommended parent testing includes eye clearances, hip clearances, patella evaluation, and DNA screening for PRA, familial nephropathy, and PFK deficiency.
Cocker Spaniels have moderate energy and need daily walks and play, roughly 30 to 60 minutes. They adapt to apartments and houses and should live indoors with the family. They enjoy retrieving and swimming, though ears must be dried thoroughly afterward.
Typical lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Ear care, eye monitoring, and weight management support a healthy life.
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