COCKER SPANIEL
APPEARANCE
The Cocker Spaniel is a pretty, dignified, and elegant looking dog. Cocker Spaniel has expressive eyes that reflect a happy, loving, and active nature. The Cocker Spaniel’s coat can be flat, silky or wavy. Most commonly seen in white, solid black, or light cream. These dogs are about 13-16 inches in height, and the weight of the Cocker Spaniel is around 22-28 pounds.
PERSONALITY
The Cocker Spaniel’s temperament is typically joyful and trusting. The ideal Cocker temperament is merry, outgoing, and eager to please everyone. When a Cocker Spaniel is excited, they tend to not only wag their tail, but their whole rear end as well. They are not a dominant breed of dog and are typically very willing and obedient and have an average ability to learn. They need human contact and interaction to be happy and content.
TRAINING
This breed can be rather difficult to housebreak, but are otherwise very easy to train. Obedience classes are recommended for this playful breed. He is highly intelligent making him a stand-out at obedience training. The Cocker Spaniel will be fine for the more inexperienced dog owner as well as more experienced owners. They tend to be soft dogs who do not do well with rough or harsh training.
EXERCISE
The Cocker Spaniel has plenty of energy and stamina and will take as much exercise as you can give it. The Cocker Spaniel loves to be active and does best with a family where there is moderate to high activity, especially when the dog is young. This is a fairly active breed and does require 3 walks per day, unless able to roam free in a fenced back yard for exercise.
SOCIALIZATION
They can be good with children and usually sociable and gentle with other pets. They are more likely to wag their tail and welcome a stranger than they are to act aggressive or territorial, although some Cocker Spaniels are good watchdogs and will bark when someone approaches. Cockers that have not been socialized may have a tendency to hid or run when they feel threatened.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Cocker Spaniel is recommended for a home with at least a small yard, but can do well in an apartment if they receive the proper exercise. An apartment will suffice for the dog if there is a yard for it to play and exercise in. Indoors, they are relatively inactive.
GROOMING
The Cocker Spaniel requires regular care and ideally daily or every other day brushing. The Cocker Spaniel is one breed that can tolerate frequent bathing and seems to really enjoy the whole process. Eyes should be cleaned daily to remove any tear stains. Trimming is necessary. Ears must be cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections.
HEALTH ISSUES
Cocker Spaniels have a median lifespan of about 10-14 years. Known health issues in the Cocker Spaniel include progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, patellar luxation and cataracts. Sometimes, one will also see canine hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, allergies, otitis externa, kidney stones and liver disease.
HISTORY
The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that originated in the United Kingdom and was brought to Canada and then Spain and the United States in the late 1800s. They were used to flush out birds and prey from the brush so their masters could shoot them. This breed was registered with the AKC in 1878.
your dog`s daily magazine » Bach Flower Essence CHERRY PLUM on August 10th, 2009
[...] Cherry Plum breeds: golden and red Cocker Spaniels [...]