Origin: United Kingdom (England)
Origin of Name: The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
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The breeds of the AKC Sporting Group were developed to aid hunters of the winged game. These ""sporting dogs"" (also known as goondogs or bird dogs) are subdivided by function - that is, how they hunt. They are Spaniels, Pointers, Setters, Retraisers and European utility breeds. Of these, Spaniels are generally considered to be the oldest.
Spaniel breeds of England evolved centuries ago from dogs of Spanish stock (the term ""spaniel"" derived from ""Spanish""). This was long before the invention of reliable hunting rifles, when bird hunters used dogs in conjunction with nets, bows, and sometimes hawks.
The early authorities divided the Spaniards not by race but by type: either the water Spaniels or the Land Spaniels. Land Spaniels began to divide by size. The larger types were ""Springing Spaniels"" and ""Field Spaniels"" and the smaller ones, which specialized on flushing woodcock, were known as ""Cocking Spaniels"".
In the 19th century, the rise of the dog show, combined with the frenzy of Victorian England for classification, designated various spaniel types as official breeds. Thus, through English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, and all of today's British Spaniels breeds.
American dog fans of the early 20th century developed a companion-bred cocker. It was smaller, with a more opulent coat, a shorter head, and a more domed skull, than its English cousin. Those who favored the old English Hunting Dog formed the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America in 1935. In 1946, the AKC officially recognized the Cocker Spaniel (U.S. type) and the English Cocker Spaniel as separate breeds.
Most English cockers have a fairly prolific coat that needs regular care, including brushing and combing at least once a week to keep the dog looking its best and preventing the formation of mats and tangles. Also the dog is usually trimmed every month or in certain areas - around the feet, on the face, under the neck, under the ear and under the tail. The owner can learn to use scissors, thinning scissors or a stripping tool, and clippers to trim a composite and help maintain the clean appearance of the English Cocker. Ears should be checked weekly for debris and excess wax, and nails should be trimmed at least monthly.
With a Mira, devoted disposition, the English Cocker was developed to follow directions in the field, and the breed is still very keen to please. He is easy to train and enjoys working with his person as long as only positive methods are used. The Election Commission will react poorly to harsh or negative training approaches; He should love and respect his person. Early socialization is recommended to ensure a well-adjusted partner that is suited to a variety of situations.
An excited, active sports dog, the English Cocker Spaniel requires daily exercise for his physical and mental well-being. He would do well with activities like hiking or hiking with his boss or playing ball in the backyard. When his hunting instinct is strong, he should be on a leash for a walk, and a fitted yard is recommended. Mira and affectionate, the English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent family companion and easy to train for. Whether he is working in the field or lying on the sofa at home, his tail rarely stops.
English Cocker should be fed a high quality dog food suitable for the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Some English cockers are overweight, so check your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Give table scalp sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding high-fat foods and cooked bones. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet.
Although English Cocker is a healthy breed overall, some genetic health conditions do occasionally occur. These include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy, and adult onset neuropathy. A responsible breeders will have their breeding stock tested for conditions that may affect the breed. English Cocker's ears should be regularly checked for signs of infection, and brush teeth frequently using toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club:
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: