The American Cocker Spaniel is a relatively joyful breed. These doggos are gentle, playful, and love being around kids. You will be in awe with their large eyes and shiny coat, which can get challenging to maintain. Plus, their expressions are heart-melting and will surely get you in the first look!
Apart from that, these are small to medium-sized, merry pups who love their humans. So much so that they will do anything to please you, making them relatively easy to train. In this article, you will learn all the information you need to know about American Cocker Spaniels!
American Cocker Spaniel History
The American Cocker has originated in Spain, thus, the name Spaniel, and was famous as an assistant hunter. They were famous around Europe and British but only came to America in the 19th century. However, this species was bred to be comparatively shorter, with a denser coat than the British Cocker.
The breed was acknowledged by the American Kennel Club only in 1945 and named the American Cocker Spaniel. Soon, the pretty and charming pooch gained immense popularity, which ultimately resulted in the change of its behavior and health. Today, Spaniels enjoy immense love around the world for their companionship.
American Cocker Spaniel Characteristics
The highlight of these canines is their shiny fur, which is usually medium to long. It may be straight or wavy and in several colors, including golden, silver, white, brown, and black. These puppies are sporty and have a lot of energy. Yet, they are perfect as lapdogs and naturally become the center of attraction wherever they go.
How Big Do American Cocker Spaniels Get
American Cockers are small to medium-sized furballs who grow up to be 12-18 inches in height. They weigh around 15 to 30 pounds as adults, making them easy to carry around. The doggos have a solid body and always walk with a smooth gait.
How Long Does an American Cocker Spaniel Live
These purebred doggos have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, owing to the increasing health issues and considerable grooming requirement, their exact life dramatically varies. You must adopt this breed only if you have enough time to care for the puppy.
How Much Does an American Cocker Spaniel Cost
American Spaniels are beautiful pups and have a significant number of fans all over the world. Therefore, a healthy Cocker puppy may cost around $800-$1500. However, make sure to go through the pup’s pedigree to check its breeding standards and health status.
American Cocker Spaniel Temperament/Personality
If you have kids in the house, an American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent canine to get. These canines are great around children as they can be their natural playful selves. However, make sure that your baby behaves well with the furball.
One thing to beware of with American Cockers is separation anxiety. These little puppies cannot bear to live alone and may get anxious if left in such conditions. The dog may get stressed and resort to destructive behavior, excessive barking, or even biting.
That said, these doggies are reasonably easy to socialize, be it with other doggos, cats, or varying pets. Just make sure to entrust this habit to the furballs from their puppy years. Apart from that, the Cockers are also easy to travel buddies. They will usually not have any issue with closed cars, so you might as well make them your travel buddies.
Caring for American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a good doggie who listens to its human pack and is relatively easy to train. However, you may have to spend some time in your furry friend’s grooming. Here is everything you should know about caring for American Cocker Spaniels.
American Cocker Spaniel Nutrition
The specific food type for doggies varies even within the same breed. Therefore, consult your vet, check the food labels and choose quality food for your Spaniel. However, the best Cocker Spaniel diet for starters is chicken and rice. Still, consider your doggo’s individual needs and feed the pup 2-3 times a day for healthy fur and overall well-being.
How to Groom an American Cocker Spaniel
American Spaniels require daily combing and brushing to keep their fur free of knots and debris. You must choose a metal comb with wide-spaced teeth, followed by a gentle brush. You will need to comb the furball every day, but be careful with the puppy’s sensitive ears. Additionally, choose a quality shampoo to bathe the Cocker every second month.
American Cocker Spaniel Activity Levels
American Spaniels require a moderate amount of exercise, even though they have plenty of energy to play the entire day. The best option is to take them on walks or play fetch as they love spending time with their humans. Alternatively, you can also get them a fellow pet to keep them busy and active throughout the day.
Caring for American Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels require special care when it comes to grooming as they are quite prone to diseases. You need to ensure their ears are clean at all times and that their fur does not grow too long. Plus, you will often find yourself vacuuming your house to get rid of the pet dander.
That said, these canines are intelligent and easy to train. Still, it would help if you praised them with treats and positive feedback. They can also do well in apartments or a small lawn, so you need not worry about their destructive behavior indoors.
American Cocker Spaniel Health
Owing to their long fur, the American Cocker Spaniel is highly prone to infections, especially in and around the ears. Their coats are also vulnerable to ticks and mites, so make sure to brush and bathe them regularly.
Other common health concerns with the American Cocker Spaniel include anemia, eye diseases, tumors, epilepsy, and hip problems. To avoid severe conditions, make sure to thoroughly meet the Cocker’s needs – from a nutritious diet to regular activity and vet checks.
Breeds Similar to American Cocker Spaniel
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Springer Spaniel
- Boykin Spaniel
- Clumber Spaniel
- French Spaniel
Best Dog Food For American Cocker Spaniels
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for the American Cocker Spaniels, as the product contains real meat, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and a variety of nutrients for the healthy growth of your American Cocker Spaniel. The product is rich in antioxidants. The formula has no added preservatives what-so-ever.
- The formula has essential proteins, carbohydrates for healthy muscle development.
- The food contains calcium, phosphorus for strong teeth and bones.
- It also has added glucosamine for healthy joints and mobility support.
Best Puppy Food For American Cocker Spaniels
The Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food is the best puppy food available for the American Cocker Spaniel pup. The formula contains chicken meal, barley, a blend of nutrients, and it is a balanced food product that takes care of your American Cocker Spaniel’s healthy body development. The product contains DHA from fish oil, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants for healthy bones and brain, immunity system, and eye development.
- The product is easily digestible and exceeds industry standards.
- Made in the USA, the product doesn’t contain any preservatives, flavors, or colors.
- The product is made from natural and high-quality ingredients.
Best Dog Crate For American Cocker Spaniels
The MidWest Ovation Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is the best available dog crate for American Cocker Spaniels. The crate is strong and durable and can be folded and carried along. It provides your American Cocker Spaniels with safety, security, and comfort, and also, the crate consists of a large door that is easy to open and is provided with slide-bolt latches.
- The crate contains a plastic base pan for added comfort and easy clean-up.
- The crate is provided with a divider panel, which allows the crate to expand as your pup grows.
- Easy to assemble and no tools are required.
Best Dog Bed For American Cocker Spaniels
The FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Orthopedic Deluxe Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover is the best available dog bed for American Cocker Spaniels. The bed is provided with a supportive convolute foam for added comfort along with an extra soft faux fur filling for extra cushioning and comfort. The bed is machine washable and is provided with a removable cover for easy cleaning.
- Designed in a step-on manner, making the bed more accessible to pets.
- The bed matches your home décor as well.
- The bed comes in multiple sizes to fit small dogs to big ones.
Best Dog Harness For American Cocker Spaniels
The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is the best dog harness available for the American Cocker Spaniel. This specific harness is provided with a leash that attaches to the chest of the dog instead of the regular harnesses blocking the throat. The harness helps you steer your dog and regain control due to its quick-snap buckle on the shoulder and belly straps for easy on and off.
- The buckles are adjustable for perfect fit and comfort.
- The leash doesn’t harm your American Cocker Spaniel’s throat.
- The harness has a martingale loop at the chest that prevents twisting and is adjustable as well.
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