Cocker Spaniels Are Sweet Companions for All
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels have become one of the more popular choices for a family pet over the years and it’s easy to see why. With their delicate features, round eyes, floppy ears and long, wavy coats they have no trouble finding a way into their owner’s heart. They have a merry personality and love nothing more than being a part of the family activities. Their small size makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers but you need to remember that they still retain their hunting instinct and can develop a tendency to bark and chase birds and other small animals. With the proper training and loving care they can be a wonderful addition to any family.
History
As their name suggests, Spaniels are believed to have originated in Spain but by the 1800s they had become highly popular in England as hunting dogs. The Cocker Spaniel was first identified as an individual breed in 1892 but by then they had already begun to be imported to the United States as well. When a Cocker Spaniel achieved success at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in 1939, the breed began to soar in popularity, with American Cockers bred more for the show ring than for hunting work. In 1946 the American Kennel Club formally recognized the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel as two separate breeds. From the late 1930s to the 1950s the Cocker Spaniel remained the most popular AKC registered breed. Though Golden Retrievers took over the top spot in the 1990s, Cocker Spaniels remain among the top 15 breeds today.
Temperament
A loving and gentle breed that wants nothing more than to please its family, the Cocker Spaniel is a devoted pet with a distinct intelligent streak that makes it easy to train for the show ring, agility competition or fieldwork. Their gentle nature also makes them wonderful therapy dogs. While they are generally sociable and affectionate, they also have a tendency to be shy and sensitive, which means they don’t take well to harsh handling. Early training is essential to help them overcome negative behaviors, including barking and submissive urination when they become excited.
Environment
Standing at just 13-15 inches and weighing between 20-30 pounds, they are the ideal size for apartment living however they also do well in a house with a large fenced in yard where they can run around off-leash. But remember to bring your Cocker Spaniel back inside with you when you’re done as they don’t do well when left alone and could respond with unwanted behaviors like barking or digging.
Exercise
In general, a daily 30 minute walk and a romp around the yard are usually enough to let your Cocker Spaniel burn off excess energy. As a hunting dog, the Cocker Spaniel is intelligent and easy to train and will usually do well at agility, canine sports or obedience competitions. As with most breeds, the Cocker is generally better behaved when it has regular physical and mental stimulation to keep it occupied. If you do opt for training, remember to use a gentle hand as this can be a very sensitive breed.
Grooming
The luxurious coat and long ears of the Cocker Spaniel make it very high maintenance and the services of a professional groomer are usually required. Their beautiful, long coats, which can vary in color from black, brown, cream or red to parti-colors that combine white and other shades, need regular bathing, brushing and trimming in order to maintain good health. Daily brushing at home is necessary along with a trip to the groomer every six to eight weeks. Since their long ears can be prone to infections, they also require regular cleaning and weekly checks for dirt, redness or odors.
