Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Sporting Group

Although a Cocker Spaniel may not look very tough, it is very fast and has a lot of endurance. These are great gun hunting dogs and do very well in wet conditions. It excels as both a family dog and hunting dog.

History

Cocker Spaniel history dates back to the fourteenth century. The breed comes from the English Cocker Spaniels, which had been taken to America. The American Cocker Spaniel is more famous than the first English Cocker Spaniel, and has a distinctive look, longer muzzle, and larger body.

Physical Features

The Cocker Spaniel is definitely the smallest breed in the Sporting Group. He's got a strong small body and but a precisely carved and delicate head. Overall the dog is well balanced and in perfect proportions.

Grown-up dogs reach a height of 13 to 16 inches and can weigh any where from 25 to 30 pounds.

The coat is very silky and long. Colors include solid black, cream, red, brown, and tan. Solid colors are preferred, but multi-colors are also acceptable.

Personality

This breed of dog is of average intelligence and respectful of their owner's authority. Cheerful, gentle and sweet. Cockers are great with children. They love everybody and need a good leader to keep them in check.

Common Health Problems

Several main concerns of American Cocker Spaniels are patellar luxation, glaucoma and cataracts. Several minor concerns are allergies, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, ectropion, entropion, hip dysplasia, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, otitis external, phosphofructokinase deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, prolapse of nictitans gland (cherry eye), seborrhea, and urolithiasis.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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