Right Breed for You?
Despite their small size, the Cocker Spaniel is still an active Sporting breed that needs daily exercise. Regular brushing and a trim every few months helps keep the coat free of mats. Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family.
"Cockers" are the smallest of the spaniels and the Sporting Group. The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels can be black, black with tan points, parti-colored or any solid color other than black (ASCOB).
Beauty and Brains
The Cocker in modern times has become a wonderful family dog. His lovely head and soulful eyes are appealing to all. Yet his inherent desire to hunt, which was his original purpose, makes him a capable gun dog when properly trained. He is a natural showoff, and many Cockers excel in conformation, obedience and agility activities.
The Cocker is a lot in a small package with the ideal size up to 15" in height for males and 14" for females. He has a sturdy compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance. He has a slightly sloping topline and is capable of considerable speed combined with great endurance. There are three varieties within the breed. There are Blacks to include Black/Tans, ASCOBS (any solid color other than black to include Liver/Tans) and Parti-Colors to include Tri- Colors. In the Black/Tan coloration, the tan may range from the lightest of cream to the darkest of red.
Care for your Cocker
Grooming is an important part of keeping your cocker looking and feeling good. To keep the coat mat free, daily brushing is recommended. Also a trimming by a professional groomer is recommended every six weeks. Weekly baths will help keep him smelling nice and his coat looking in good condition.
Your puppy needs exercise. Daily walks that gradually get longer as he gets older are important for his well being. Never allow your dog to run loose. As your puppy is learning to be a respectable member of your household, crate training is recommended.
You should feed good quality food to your dog. And check with your veterinarian about shots and general health.
Should I Breed My Cocker?
In today’s world we have an overpopulation of dogs. Breeding just to have a litter is not recommended. For the majority of pet owners, spaying your female is to be preferred. This operation will also lessen the risk in later life of mammary tumors and other reproductive problems. The male may also benefit from being neutered and this procedure will cool his desire for any neighborhood female in heat. Please check with your veterinarian for when and how these procedures should be done.
Recommended Reading
The American Cocker Spaniel
Dr. Alvin Grossman Doral Publishing, Inc.
The World of the Cocker Spaniel
Bill Gorodner & Lloyd Alton T.F.H. Publishing
The Complete American Cocker Spaniel
Norman Austin & Jean Austin Hungry Minds, Inc.
A New Owner’s Guide to Cocker Spaniels
Judy Iby TFH Publications