black variety: solid black or black and tan; ASCOB variety: cream, red, brown, and brown with tan points; particolor variety: any color with white
Cocker Spaniel Overview
This is a beautiful, and intelligent dog breed that makes a terrific pet. Cocker Spaniels refer to two modern breeds of the spaniel type: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Both breeds are simply called the Cocker Spaniel in their countries of origin. Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom to hunt the Eurasian Woodcock. When this dog breed was brought to the United States, it was bred to a different standard to specialize in hunting the American Woodcock.
Cocker Spaniel Characteristics
This dog breed is extremely intelligent and devoted. The Cocker Spaniel needs an energetic owner, as they are very playful, lively and active. Their long coat prevents them from staying cool in hot weather and the Cocker Spaniel should not be left outdoors for a long periods. Cocker Spaniels are bundles of joy that will enhance most households. .
Cocker Spaniel Temperament
This dog breed is cheerful and sociable. The Cocker Spaniel generally gets along well with older children and animals, provided they are not pestered. This dog breed loves to play and enjoys a good bark. They are also fairly gentle dogs and require adequate attention or socialization.
Cocker Spaniel Care
This dog breed requires a fair amount of maintenance. The Cocker Spaniel has a long and flat or wavy coat that should be brushed daily if the coat is left long. The eyes should be cleaned daily to remove any tearstains. Trimming is necessary. The ears should be cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections. The Cocker Spaniel is prone to ear infections, eye problems and hip dysplasia.
Cocker Spaniel Coat
This dog breed has a beautiful silky coat that is either lies flat or is slightly wavy. Professional clipping is necessary to keep the Cocker Spaniel's hair at medium length. Cocker Spaniels coats come in a variety of colors including black, liver, red and golden in solids. There are also black and tan, and sometimes liver and tan, as well as a variety of color mixtures of those solid colors including roans, roan and tans, tricolors and those solid colors with additional white markings
Cocker Spaniel Training
This breed can be rather difficult to house-train, but the Cocker Spaniel is relatively easy to train in all other respects. Obedience classes are recommended for this playful breed. Initially bred as a gundog, this breed does exceptionally well in obedience, if trained firmly, but gently. The Cocker Spaniel should be socialized from an early age to avoid timidity.
Cocker Spaniel Activity
This dog breed adapts well to city or apartment dwelling, provided they receive sufficient exercise. A home with a small yard is preferable for the Cocker Spaniel. This is a fairly active breed and should be walked more that once a day if they are not able to exercise themselves in a fenced back yard.
