Origin

The Cocker Spaniel is an American breed and it was created in united states. Generally this breed is famous for performing as show dogs. They are excellent companions. But besides they are also used as hunters, trackers etc. The Cocker Spaniel is a great guard dog.

General Description

This breed is the smallest of the spaniels. They have a compact square shaped body. Their back is short and their top potion has a slant. They have muscular, straight well boned legs and limbs. It has a round shaped head and a square shaped broad jaw. Their eyes are very beautiful. The Cocker Spaniel has round black eyes close set and look very friendly. They have a short square muzzle with a big black nose on the tip. The Cocker Spaniel has large heavy ears covered with fur which hang almost till their shoulder. They have a docked tail and a silky soft coat which is medium length and found in variety of colours.

Character

This breed is very loyal and devoted to the family they live in. It is real good breed. The Cocker Spaniel is very energetic, enthusiastic and love to play. They love to be the part of the family and love to stay in the family. You should not leave this breed for a long time outdoors. Due to their coat cold weather is preferable for them. This breed love to work. They are very cheerful, jolly and kind in nature. This breed is also sensitive at the same time. they are great watchdogs because of their alertness and they are also good hunters. The Cocker Spaniel is very good to children and other pets. Some are friendly with strangers and some are not. This varies. But is the breeding is poor then many unwanted characteristics can be seen in this breed.

Temperament

The Cocker Spaniel are loyal, enthusiastic, restless but obedient at the same time. They are good to children and other pets but sometimes they may become harsh to animals or dogs they do not know. This breed is good for household and are also very good to strangers if properly introduced. Sometimes they may become one master dog. They may listen to only one person in the family. They are great watch dogs and bark too much. Their extreme alertness and protectiveness make them tremendous watch dogs. They love to get attention and care from other people. Things may get worse if they are teased. The Cocker Spaniel is a great barker sometimes.

Training

Early training and obedience classes are required. They are very obedient and so it is easy to train them. They would not respond to harsh training methods so they should be given fair and consistent training.

Health

This breed can be affected by many diseases like glaucoma, eye infections, ear infections, PRA, cataracts etc. They may also suffer from Anemia and this might become a life taking issue. Their average life span is 12-15 years and average litter rate is 5.