Cocker Spaniel

This breed is cheerful, obedient, and trusting, making them excellent companions for children. They also get along quite well with other dogs and household pets. The Cocker is considered to have average intelligence and is easy to train. They generally love everyone; therefore they do not make good guard dogs. Some can be difficult to housebreak and most like to bark.

It is important to socialize this dog early to prevent overly timid behavior. Because this dog is perhaps the most popular purebred dog today, it is imperative that prospective owners get their dog from a reputable breeder. Cockers that are not properly bred can have a myriad of personality issues; ranging from aggression to abrupt and strange temperament swings.

The Cocker Spaniel can be happy living in an apartment, but should spend time outdoors on walks each day. Most should avoid playing or walking in heavy brush as their coat easily tangles.

This spaniel is an average shedder with fairly extensive grooming requirements; needing regular brushing and bathing, as well as trimming and clipping. Their silky, feathered coat can be seen in any number of colors, including solids such as buff or black, and combinations such as black & tan, or white, with red & buff markings.

The American Cocker is known for its very long ears and rounded head. They generally stand between 14 and 15 inches, and weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. Major health concerns of this breed include kneecap issues, cataracts, and glaucoma. Most live to between 12 and 15 years. Litters generally have as few as 1 or as many as 7 pups.