American Cocker Spaniel

One of the most common problems encountered in the American Cocker Spaniel dog breed is recurrent ear infections, due to their large ear flaps. As with many breeds, they can suffer from kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place (luxating patellas), various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. 

The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website. 

The American Cocker spaniel may be thought of as more of a show dog than a working dog, but still requires two hours exercise a day – and will happily take more. This should include walking, running and swimming, as well as training and games to exercise their mind. The American Cocker will particularly enjoy scent based games and retrieval games.

As a smaller breed, the American Cocker does not require a huge home, but will need space for grooming and bathing as well as a secure garden for play, toilet trips and training. Better suited to a home without close neighbours as the American Cocker is fond of the sound of their own voice, but otherwise well suited to country or suburban living.

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

The American Cocker Spaniel’s coat is glamorous – and high-maintenance. It is short and fine on the head, medium length on the body, but longer on the ears, chest, tummy and legs (known as feathering). The coat should be silky, flat or slightly wavy. Daily grooming is needed, together with regular trimming. Check ears, eyes, lip folds and feet daily. Early habituation to the grooming process is sensible and this is a breed that may benefit from professional grooming as well as daily maintenance at home, as a full bath and dry will take several hours to complete. 

Bright, intelligent and busy, the American Cocker is easy and enjoyable to train with the right motivation. Special attention should be given to teaching a good retrieve and building a habit of trading objects happily, as they enjoy carrying objects around. Conflict and confrontation around this can cause resource guarding problems, so avoid forceful methods that may cause fear. 

The American Cocker is excellent as a show dog, but can be taught to compete well in a variety of dog sports and activities and will thrive in an environment where training is fun and engaging.

An excellent dog for the outdoor family who enjoy dog related hobbies. As with all gundogs, the American Cocker is predisposed to want to carry objects and so must be taught to retrieve and swap happily, and children particularly must be taught never to take items from the dog. As with all small and particularly long haired ‘cute’ breeds, it is very easy for young children to mistake the dog for a toy or plaything, so close supervision or waiting until children are more mature is wise. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.