Cocker spaniels, once the most popular dogs in America, could be the perfect animal symbol for the month of love. They're affectionate, cuddly and beautiful, which are just a few of the reasons why they make wonderful pets.
Spaniels represent one of the earliest families of dogs to be intentionally bred. It is from the "flushing" spaniels that the cocker spaniels directly descended. The cocker, or "cocking," spaniels were bred primarily for hunting woodcock and other birds. From 1938 until 1955, the American cocker spaniel was the most popular breed in the U.S., and today it is the fourth most common breed to be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
These small-sized dogs have three AKC-approved color distinctions:
- Black
- Any solid color other than black (ASCOB) - A wide range of hues such as buff, silver, liver red and chocolate/tan.
- Parti-color - Two or more distinct colors that may be black and white, black, white and tan, red and white, buff and white, liver and white, liver and white with tan, sable and white, and roan.
Cocker Spaniel Characteristics - Loyal
- Affectionate
- Active (Note: Cocker spaniels require a long walk every day and a good run at least once a week.)
- Great companions
- Frisky and even clownish
Health concerns - Cocker spaniels are basically a healthy breed, but they are prone to ear infections - and this is why it's important to clean their ears regularly. Many owners follow a routine of cleaning the ears during regular grooming of their dogs.
- Sometimes cocker spaniels will have eye inflammation. If your dog has an eye discharge, consult your veterinarian.
What to look for in puppies - Ears should smell good, which is a sign of good hygiene.
- Make sure their eyes are not runny, which is a sign of infection.
- They should have two complete sets of puppy shots.
- They should be at least 8 weeks old.
- Check out their relatives and lineage to see what their temperaments and personalities are or were like.
- Always request a health certificate. Most states require one.
Cocker Spaniel Web Sites
http://www.cockers.com/
A comprehensive site for the cocker spaniel cognoscenti or novice alike
http://www.cheta.net/
Cocker spaniel club listings
http://www.puppynet.com/
A list of classified puppy breeders
http://www.dogbiz.com/
A comprehensive site about the American cocker spaniel
