Breed History – As with the English Cocker and Springer Spaniels, the American Cocker Spaniel is a gun dog that is still used to this day when hunting game. Records show that the first ancestor of the modern day American Cocker Spaniel was brought to North America aboard a ship in 1620. A descendant of the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker was given its own separate classification in the 1940s when it was obvious that the differences between the two dogs were enough to class it as a separate breed.
Breed Description – A medium-sized dog, they are recognisable for their long hanging ears, silky coat and distinctive upturned nose. They have a much squarer, stubby head and features than their English counterparts. A stocky dog for their size, fully grown adults can weigh up to 15kg. They have an average lifespan of up to 11 years-old.
Special Needs – Whilst they can suffer from a number of different health issues, they are more prone to infections of the ears and eyes, so particular care should be taken to make sure those areas are monitored carefully. Regular examinations by a vet should help to catch any problems before they have a chance to develop.
Owning an American Cocker Spaniel – Outgoing and friendly, the American Cocker Spaniel will make for an excellent family dog and working dog alike. However, being primarily a companion dog, they are big softies at heart, who do not react well to rough treatment, and special attention should be paid to rewarding them and making them feel part of your family as much as possible.
Healthy Pets are pet insurance specialists. Healthy Pets offers an excellent range of Cocker spaniel insurance policies for all breeds of dog, including American Cocker Spaniel insurance.
