American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the AKC Sporting Group and was the most popular dog breed in America for an extraordinary 16 consecutive years from 1936 to 1952.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
7–14 kg (15–30 lbs)
Height
36–43 cm (14–17 in)
Diet
Omnivore — quality kibble; ear care is intertwined with diet — some ear infections are food allergy related
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the AKC Sporting Group and was the most popular dog breed in America for an extraordinary 16 consecutive years from 1936 to 1952. Developed from English Cocker Spaniels brought to America and bred toward a more compact dog with a more profuse coat, the American Cocker is the dog depicted in Disney's Lady and the Tramp — romantic, gentle, and long-eared. Their fame peaked in the mid-20th century and though they have declined from number one, they remain a beloved breed known for their soulful eyes and gentle nature.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The American Cocker has a rounded, domed skull, a broad, deep muzzle, and extraordinarily long, pendulous ears covered in silky hair. The coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy, with heavy feathering on the ears, chest, abdomen, and legs. The back is sloped toward the tail. Eyes are large, round, and dark — the expression is one of gentleness and intelligence.
Grooming
Very High
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
American Cockers are gentle, affectionate, and deeply sociable. They form strong bonds with their family and are sensitive to harsh treatment or a tense household environment. They are responsive to positive training and eager to please. "Rage syndrome" — a sudden onset of unexplained aggression — was historically documented in some lines but responsible breeding has greatly reduced its incidence.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The elaborate coat requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and thorough brushing every 1–2 days between appointments. The long ears must be cleaned weekly — Cockers are highly prone to ear infections due to the lack of airflow. Regular ear examination and cleaning is one of the most important maintenance tasks for this breed.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Ear infections (otitis externa) are extremely common due to the pendulous ears. Progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary cataracts occur at elevated rates — DNA testing available. Hip dysplasia and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) are seen. Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency is a metabolic disorder unique to spaniels with a DNA test.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
Lady from Disney's 1955 film Lady and the Tramp is an American Cocker Spaniel, cementing the breed's cultural image of gentleness and elegance.
The American Cocker held the number one spot on the AKC registration charts for 16 consecutive years — a record that stood for decades.
The name "Cocker" comes from the breed's historical use flushing woodcock — a game bird — in dense cover.
