The American Cocker Spaniel was developed by very
selective breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel, although the two now look
distinctly different. Through selective breeding in the United States the
Cocker Spaniel has become smaller and showier than the original hunting breed.
The American Cocker Spaniel is more of a companion dog.
The Cocker Spaniel is a smaller sized spaniel
that has wonderful temperament and boundless energy. They are great dogs for
families as well as single people and really love being with humans, although
they can tolerate moderate lengths of time alone if they are properly exercised
and attended to when the family is home. The Cocker Spaniel has a beautiful,
silky medium long coat that is relatively easy to care for and maintain, even
if the dog is outside.
The Cocker Spaniel is not a timid dog and can be
protective and vocal when strangers come into their yard or home. They’re good
at sounding intruder alert.
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| My Lil' Jax w/Sport cut |
They easy going and willing to accept other
animals into their space. The Cocker Spaniel is typically very good with cats
and other pets if introduced to them early. Many Cocker Spaniels that are
raised with cats are very affectionate with the cat, allowing the cat to sleep
in the same bed or even curled up beside them. My Cocker, Jax, was most
definitely the Queen of the house and my right hand when it came to correcting
fussing animals or breaking up arguments with kids. She was instrumental in
training and keeping an eye on my Dane pup. Gidget may have outweigh her by a
150 lbs but, let me tell you something; she was one submissive pup around Jax
even after she reached adulthood.
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| Jinxie & Jax |
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| Jax w/kittens |
Jax was there during my cat, Jinxie’s, labor and
delivery. Jinxie was watchful but accepting of Jax’s presence—that wasn't the
case with any other animal that came around. Jinxie was a very protective mother. She puffed up and backed down my Dane when Gidget came too close to the
babies. Jax had a close relationship with the three male kittens, cleaning them
and watching over them. In turn, the kittens often came to her for protection
or affection, and where ever she would curl up to sleep you’d find one of the
cats either beside her or not far from her.
During the last weeks of Jax’s life, one of the
three was in constant attendance. There were times she would have two beside
her on my office couch and the other sleeping above her on the back of the
couch. I think they brought her comfort.
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| Jax & Sweet Shy as a kitten |
The boys miss her.
Man, I know I do.
More info owning a Cocker: American Spaniel Club
Cocker Spaniel Facts:
Life Span: 12-15 years
Litter Size: 2-7 puppies with an average of 5 per litter
Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Recognized By: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color: Black and tan, black, any solid color other than black (ASCOB), parti-colored (white and any other solid color), tan points with the tan less than 10% of the total body.
Hair Length: Long, Medium
Size: Medium
Shedding: Moderate Shed
Male Height: 14-16 inches (36-38 cm)
Male Weight: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Female Height: 14-16 inches (36-38 cm)
Female Weight: 15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Living Area: The Cocker Spaniel is a very adaptable dog that can do well in a smaller space such as an apartment but can also do well in the country. A fenced yard is important for this breed, as they do tend to roam.
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