Customers with plans underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by C&F Insurance Agency, please click here to access your plan.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
 

Cocker Spaniels have been around since about the 14th century; however, these early Cockers were all known as English Cocker Spaniels. After they were brought to the U.S. in the early 1600s, some of the dogs were bred down in size and renamed American Cocker Spaniels. These smaller Cockers were popular among many hunters when hunting woodcocks. Today, American Cockers are still favorite hunting dogs that are able to work on both wet and dry land. Their name is believed to come from the woodcock, which they were excellent at flushing and retrieving. The American Kennel Club first recognized the American Cocker Spaniel as a sporting dog breed in 1873.

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog that has a round and long head with hanging ears. It has a silky, wavy coat, which needs to be trimmed regularly. Excessive coats can hinder the agility of the dogs. They have soft expressions. The American Cocker Spaniel, also known as the Cocker or Cocker Spaniel, was developed in the United States and is one of the smallest dog breeds in the AKC's sporting group. Originally bred to hunt woodcocks, the American Cocker Spaniel is not to be confused with today's English Cocker Spaniel, which has a longer muzzle and stockier body. The American Cocker is a relatively small spaniel that can weigh anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds fully grown. They have a rounded head, short muzzle and can come in many different colors including orange, red, chocolate, black and tan, parti-colored, and merle. While most Cockers have dark brown eyes, merles often have blue eyes. These dogs have long ears with flowing hair and tails that are typically docked. Many of them also sport luxurious feathering on their legs and bellies.

Personality

The Cocker Spaniel is known as the "merry" Cocker which describes this breed accurately. It is playful, sweet, cheerful and willing to please. But it also has a mind of its own and is known to be mischievous or manipulative. They need a firm, yet gentle hand when it comes to training, as they are sensitive and easily stressed by rough treatment or handling. They are generally good with children, as well as with other pets. They need regular exercise in the form of daily walks to be happy and healthy. The American Cocker is a lively sporting breed that loves to play and explore. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your family, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of room for it to run. While originally bred to be an expert hunting dog, Cockers make fantastic family pets as well. These are cheerful and gentle dogs that make terrific family pets. However, they also have strong hunting instincts making them excellent hunting dogs.

Breed Characteristics

Type:Pure
Family:Spaniels
Function:Sporting
Origin:Europe
Preferred Climate:Any Climate
Group:Sporting
Life Span:12-15 Years
Nicknames:Cocker, American Cocker Spaniel
Hypoallergenic:No

Cocker Spaniel Build Information

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog that has a round and long head with hanging ears. It has a silky, wavy coat, which needs to be trimmed regularly. Excessive coats can hinder the agility of the dogs. They have soft expressions. The American Cocker Spaniel, also known as the Cocker or Cocker Spaniel, was developed in the United States and is one of the smallest dog breeds in the AKC's sporting group. Originally bred to hunt woodcocks, the American Cocker Spaniel is not to be confused with today's English Cocker Spaniel, which has a longer muzzle and stockier body. The American Cocker is a relatively small spaniel that can weigh anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds fully grown. They have a rounded head, short muzzle and can come in many different colors including orange, red, chocolate, black and tan, parti-colored, and merle. While most Cockers have dark brown eyes, merles often have blue eyes. These dogs have long ears with flowing hair and tails that are typically docked. Many of them also sport luxurious feathering on their legs and bellies.

Size:Small
Length (Male):13-20 in.
Length (Female):14-16 in.
Weight:26 - 40 lbs
Litter Size:5 - 10 Puppies
Tail Dock or Crop:Docked

Behaviour and Personality

The Cocker Spaniel is known as the "merry" Cocker which describes this breed accurately. It is playful, sweet, cheerful and willing to please. But it also has a mind of its own and is known to be mischievous or manipulative. They need a firm, yet gentle hand when it comes to training, as they are sensitive and easily stressed by rough treatment or handling. They are generally good with children, as well as with other pets. They need regular exercise in the form of daily walks to be happy and healthy. The American Cocker is a lively sporting breed that loves to play and explore. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your family, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of room for it to run. While originally bred to be an expert hunting dog, Cockers make fantastic family pets as well. These are cheerful and gentle dogs that make terrific family pets. However, they also have strong hunting instincts making them excellent hunting dogs.

Activity Level:Moderately Active
Affection Level:Very Affectionate
Aggressiveness Level:Easy
Barking:Noisy
Dominating or Submissive?:Submissive
Energy Level:Moderately Active
Good to Other Pets:Friendly
Guardian Skills:No
Independant:No
Kid Friendliness:Very Friendly

Appearance

While many owners prefer to clip their Cocker's hair, if you choose to leave it long, you will want to brush it at least every other day. Since many of these dogs love to play in underbrush, you will also want to check your Cocker's hair for burrs from time to time. Finally, you will need to bathe your pet and clip its nails when necessary.

Shedding:Moderate
Grooming:High Maintenance
Coat Type:Feathered

Cocker Spaniel Common Health Conditions

A healthy American Cocker Spaniel can live about 12 to 15 years with proper veterinary care. Unfortunately, there are many health issues that are common to the breed. Some of the more minor problems include patellar luxation, various eye disorders, skin allergies and lip fold pyoderma. Some of the more serious issues include hip dysplasia, liver disease, gastric torsion, cardioyopathy, epilepsy and immune mediated hemolytic anemia.

Cocker Spaniel Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote

Breed Talents and Facts

Presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton both owned American Cocker Spaniels. The American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in the US from 1940 until 1952. American Cocker Spaniels won best in show four times at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

Training:Very easy to train
Hunting Companion:Yes
Jolly for Jogging:Yes
Sighting Capabilities:No
Ideal for Tracking:Yes
Retrieving Skills:Yes
Pointing Breed:No
Herding Skills:No
Dutiful Watchdog:Yes
Security Guard Capable:No
Police Performer:No
Wet Water rescues:No
Assist Disable Owners:No
Dog Sledding:No
Able to Perform Dog Carting:No
Agile/Zippy:Yes
Fun with Lure Coursing:No
Obedient:Yes
Possible Schutzhund Work:No
Trainable for Tricks:No