The site was last updated on
24 Aug 2000
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Name of breed:
American Cocker Spaniel
Class: Gundog
Recognized: AKC, ANKC,
CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
Size: Height: dogs
36.25-38.75cm (14.5-15.5in), bitches 33.75-36.25cm (13.5-14.5in). Weight:
10.8-12.5kg (24-28lb).
Coat: Short and fine on head,
medium length on body, with enough undercoat to give protection.
Colors: Black, jet black, shading of brown or liver in sheen of coat
undesirable; black and tan and brown and tan, with definite tan markings on jet
black or brown body; prticolors and tricolors (those wishing to exhibit are
advised to check breed standard for lengthy color requirements).
The name
of the American Cocker Spaniel is derived from the
predilection of the English Cockers for "cocking", or hunting
woodcock. The breed was of Spanish origin, but the American Cocker Spaniel can
be traced back to an old English-bred bitch, Obo Obo, brought over from Britain
in the 1880s.
The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, formed in 1935, helped establish the
breed. It is distinguished by its small stature - suited to the lighter New
World game birds - shorter head and extremely dense coat. This smallest of
American Gundogs, and the most popular breed in the country, was recognized by
the AKC in 1946 and the American Cocker Spaniel.
For many years the American Cocker Spaniel was shown exclusively in the ring.
Recently, however, field trails have been reintroduced.
Character and
Care
The American
Cocker Spaniel has a much thicker coat than the English Cocker and elegant
trousers. It is a useful, all-purpose Gundog, able both to flush out and
retrieve. It is a popular show dog, makes a fine housepet and is usually good
with children. The American Cocker Spaniel needs plenty of exercise, daily
brushing and combing, and, if it is the desire to exhibit, fairly intricate
trimming using scissors and electric clippers.
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