The American Cocker Spaniel is a small and cheerful Dog, originally bred as a hunting and gun Dog. The English Cocker Spaniel is the ancestor of the American Cocker Spaniel and is thought to have arrived in North America as early as the 14th century. They were bred for hunting, tracking and as a watchdog, but in the 19th century, the want for a smaller version of the English Cocker Spaniel, gave rise to the American Cocker Spaniel found today. Although the two were originally only different in size, over the years, they began to adopt very different traits leading to their listing as separate breeds in 1945. Today, the American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest breed of gun Dog and is also one of the most popular Dogs in America.

 

 

The American Cocker Spaniel is a small and compact Dog, known for it's patience and agility when flushing out game (particularly birds). As with other Spaniels, the mouth of the American Cocker Spaniel is soft and gentle, making them perfect for retrieving game-birds without causing them any further damage. One of the most distinctive features of the American Cocker Spaniel is their rounded head, with long, fluffy ears that fall on either side. The American Cocker Spaniel's coat is medium-length, thick and is well-known for it's softness. Their silky fur comes in a variety of colours depending on the bloodline, and requires daily grooming to avoid matting, particularly around the feet.

 

Name:	American Cocker Spaniel
Origin:	North America
Group:	Dog
Average Size:	38cm (15in)
Average Weight:	12.7kg (28lbs)
Average Life Span:	15 years
Average Litter Size:	4
Type:	Gun Dog
Colour:	White, Black, Brown, Tan, Grey, Red, Fawn
Temperament:	Friendly, happy and enthusiastic
Training:	Easy
Distinctive Features:	Long, dropped ears and feathered feet