Breed of the Day : American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel


HISTORY :

• Sporting dog breed - smallest size
• Relative to the English Cocker Spaniel
• U.S. reference is "Cocker Spaniel" & Global reference is "American Cocker Spaniel" - separate references due to different breed standards in America and the UK
• "Cocker" origins - hunt woodcock in England
• "Spaniel" origins - Spain
• First spaniel in America came on the Mayflower in 1620
• Cocker Spaniel officially registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878
• The AKC officially declared the English Cocker Spaniel a different breed in 1946 due to noticeable differences.
• The UK Kennel Club officially declared the American Cocker Spaniel a different breed in 1970.
• Most popular breed in the U.S. in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1980s
• Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - 4 shows
• Well-known owners include Richard Nixon and Harry S. Truman

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Cocker_Spaniel)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Ideal as a gundog or household pet
• Gentle and devoted
• Average intelligence
• Respectful of authority
• Active and playful
• Naturally shy - socialize when young
• Need firm, loving leadership
• Daily exercise to maintain positive temperament
• Can be difficult to housebreak, but relatively easy to train
• Tolerates other animals
• Owner must show pack leadership to avoid Small Dog Syndrome - if the dog senses leadership among human family, he/she will develop fear, dominance, and viciousness, submissive urination due to overexcitement and lack of mental & physical exercise to burn off energy, aggressive behavior, obsessive barking

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average weight - 15 to 30 pounds

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Apartment friendly with daily exercise
• Fairly active indoors

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 12 - 15 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm)