Cocker spaniel information...

Picture and information about cocker spaniel puppy: The name ‘Cocker Spaniel’ refers to two different dog breeds. The two breeds are the ‘American’ and the ‘English Cocker Spaniel’.

• American Cocker Spaniel: This breed originated in the United Kingdom and was brought to the US and Canada in the 1800s. The breed was given its own AKC Stud Book in 1900. The English variety was distinct from the American and so American Kennel Club registered it as a separate breed. The American Cocker Spaniels were used to flush out prey and birds from the brush, so that their masters could shoot easily. Dark and expressive eyes are the distinct features of the breed. This breed has pendulous ears and the mature cockers have a full-feathered, silky coat. Once the show career of the breed ends, the fur is trimmed to a ‘puppy cut’ and shortened on the sides, legs and belly. The hair of the dog should be clipped from both sides of the ear, to reduce the risk of ear infection that results from injury, the presence of harmful bacteria and parasites. American Cocker Spaniels weigh an average of 15-30 pounds. 14 inches is the ideal height of an adult female cocker at the withers and for the male, it is 15 inches. There are three varieties into which cockers can be divided by the breed standards. These are ASCOB, Black and Parti-colors. The black variety includes tan, solid black and black, whereas ASCOB includes solid colors that range from dark brown and red to light cream and Parti-colors sport white spots. Cockers are intelligent, playful and very loyal. The canines simply love the outdoors and are always eager to please. This breed is good with kids and gentle with other pets too. The popularity of the breed has led to the increase in irresponsible breeding for profit. Many responsible breeders have worked diligently to eliminate the negative characteristics that have resulted on account of irresponsible breeding.
• English Cocker Spaniel: It belongs to the gun dog breed that is closer to the work dogs, the Springer Spaniel and Field Spaniel. The breed is simply known as the Cocker Spaniel. It has been given the nickname ‘merry mocker’ on account of its happy disposition and consistent tail wagging. The canines are strong and well balanced and alert and intelligent. There are a number of differences between the field-bred and conformation show-bred dogs. English Cocker Spaniels are known to be playful, friendly, faithful and very affectionate. They can be trained easily and they make good family pets. Very few English Cocker Spaniels have issues related to their temperament. Generally, this is a healthy breed, but some do develop kidney disease, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy and hip dysplasia. They are also prone to ear infections due to the pendulous ears. On an average, the animals live for 13 –14 years. There are several websites on the Internet from where you can find pictures and information about Cocker Spaniel puppies and dogs. Besides the pictures and information about the breed, you can also access a list of reputable Cocker Spaniel puppy breeders on the sites.