Cocker Spaniel:

With its silky locks and playful demeanor, the cocker spaniel is a dog loved by many. In fact, this breed has its origins from the UK. Although its “cousin” is the English Cocker, it’s also known for being sweet, loyal, and happy. He’s apparently a little bigger than the US counterpart; American cocker spaniels are a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter than its British family members.

While they’re in the sporting breed group of dogs, they’re the smallest within their group. Known for its expressive eyes, cocker spaniels are known for their long dropped ears and full coat. In fact, owners frequently need to trip the hair from both sides of ears to keep the air flowing through the air canal. This also helps minimize ear infections. The diligent pet owner watches the ears closely while grooming the coat frequently.

In general cocker spaniels typically weigh anywhere from eighteen to twenty-eight pounds. According to the American Spaniel Club, this breed has a sturdy compact body and a refined head to culminate in complete balance and ideal size. Cocker spaniels have been known to have a variety of coat colors ranging from black and tan to solid colors or light cream to dark red and even brown. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club there are several acceptable and specific color varieties such as black, black with tan points, parti-color (which equates to two or more solid colors of which one is white such as black and white, red and white, brown and white for example), and any solid color other than black.

Lovable, affectionate, joyful, and trusting, this particular breed is social and eager to please. Definitely not a good watch dog, this breed enjoys its home life but also needs to exercise on a daily basis since it can be prone to overeating. For the fun-loving pet owner who may often give in to its adorable pooch, willpower is needed on the part of the owner to prevent a pudgy pet. In addition, the same applies to training: while this breed responds well to training as a pup it’s important to be strict and not give in to its fun loving, affectionate nature.

Although it has an approximate life span of at least ten years, they’re often known to get infections in their ears. Owners of cocker spaniels may in particular notice their veterinarian checking their dog for ear problems as well as common eye problems. Another problem with this breed, although not health is the ability to breed in itself. Puppy mills constantly breed cocker spaniels for the sake of selling it and making a large profit due to its high demand. As a result, constant breeding could create a problem with a possibility of over-population along with puppies which grow up to be improperly trained. In addition, when improperly bred these puppies result in being anxious, nervous, and high maintenance dogs.

For more information about the cocker spaniels contact your local veterinarian or the AKC.