The American Cocker Spaniel was bred from the English Cocker Spaniel
and is smaller than its English cousin. A Cocker Spaniel will average
about 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 inches in height and 15 to 40 pounds in weight
and will live 12 to 15 years. Cocker Spaniels have long silky coats
that need to be brushed almost daily, but are considered average
shedders. Cocker Spaniels like to run through the grass and woods and
their coats will become tangled and matted. If this is not taken care
of immediately by brushing the dirt and debris out, it could lead to
some uncomfortable skin infections. Trimming the coat regularly is
necessary and some owners prefer to keep the coat at a medium length.
Often called a 'sweet' dog, Cocker Spaniels make excellent family pets,
due to their good nature. They love being with children and their
family and often require minimal obedience training. In fact, formal
obedience classes are not necessary with this dog as long as a few
simple commands are taught and the master is consistent with using the
training. However, training should not be skipped, as Cocker Spaniels
can sometimes be stubborn. Cocker Spaniels are also described as
'sensitive,' so care should be exercised when correcting their
behavior.
Cocker Spaniels can live in an apartment, provided they are exercised
at least once a day. The Cocker Spaniel has long, floppy ears that
require regular care and cleaning, preferably daily. These ears block
air circulation, leaving the inner ears moist and prone to develop
bacteria that can lead to infections. If the ears do become infected,
it can be quite uncomfortable to the Cocker Spaniel, causing it to
shake its head violently, which could cause small blood vessels to
burst, resulting in a hematoma. While some owners pluck the hair out of
the Cocker Spaniel’s ears, this is not advised as serum from the
follicle could leak into the ear causing additional problems. The eyes
also need regular cleaning to prevent infection.
