(American)
Cocker Spaniel

• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Sporting Dogs Group


• American Kennel Club (AKC) - Sporting Group - (Known as the Cocker Spaniel)


• United Kennel Club (UKC) - Gun Dog Breeds - (Known as the Cocker Spaniel)


• The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Gundogs


• Fédération Cynologique Internationale *- Standard No. 167

* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

The American version of the Cocker Spaniel was developed through breeding of English Cocker Spaniels that were brought to the United States from England. The Cocker Spaniel has been recognized by England's Kennel Club since 1892 and has been shown in the US since the early 1880s. In the US, the breed evolved as a different type, size and colouring and thus was separated and named the American Cocker Spaniel. Today, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular American Kennel Club breeds and the most popular spaniel breed in the world. The United Kennel Club recognized the American version as a breed separate from the English Cocker Spaniel in 1947. In 1949, the American Kennel Club recognized a new distinct breed: Cocker Spaniel, known as the American Cocker Spaniel while the original cocker was named the English Cocker Spaniel.

Additional Information on the History of the Breed:
• Breed History — The Origin of the Cocker Spaniel and the American Spaniel Club

American Cocker Spaniel Breed Profile:

The American version of the Cocker Spaniel is smaller, has a shorter muzzle and more prominent eyes than the English Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the Sporting Group with a sturdy, compact body, long elegant ears and a silky and feathery coat. His cheerful, sweet personality makes him a wonderful companion and a great friend for children. He is playful, intelligent, trusting and loyal, and gets along well with other animals. He is a gentle and trusting dog, but should be socialized at a young age to avoid being timid when older.

The Cocker Spaniel is adaptable — He is equally suited to being a household companion or to the life of a gundog. Today, the Cocker Spaniel is still used as a hunting dog, to find, flush and retrieve upland game birds. In addition, he is also very popular in the show ring as well as competing in obedience and agility trials.

The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular breeds of dogs. Unfortunately, with this popularity comes the issue of irresponsible breeders attempting to cash in. Characteristics such as being timid, yappy, nervous, and high-strung are not natural to the breed and may be a result of poor breeding. If you are considering the purchase of a Cocker Spaniel puppy, be especially selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)

TOP

Health Issues:

American Cocker Spaniels, as with other breeds, are susceptible to some health problems, some of a genetic nature, others viral. The Health Concerns for the American Cocker Spaniel document includes information on some of the known health concerns found in the breed.

If you are considering the adoption of a Cocker Spaniel puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances.

Additional Health Resources:

• Health Concerns for the American Cocker Spaniel
• Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues.
• The American Spaniel Club — Health
• Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Cocker Spaniel, American
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Cocker Spaniel Breed Requirements — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs

TOP

Breed Standards:

• Breed Standard Comparison Chart — This document includes the CKC, AKC, UKC, KC and FCI Breed Standards compiled into one chart for ease of comparing the differences between the Standards.
• CKC Breed Standard
• AKC Breed Standard
• AKC Illustrated Breed Standard
• UKC Breed Standard
• The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
• FCI Breed Standard 167 / 22. 01. 1999 / GB

	You be the Judge - The Cocker Spaniel by Robert Cole International judge Robert Cole's expert perspective on some of the important elements of judging the American Cocker Spaniel.
	In the Ribbons Cocker Spaniel Video Published by Canine Training Systems 60 min. Video Edition Most detailed video information in the marketplace today on conformation for exhibitors and breeders.
	AKC Cocker Spaniel Video Published by the AKC; 24 min. Video Edition Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.

TOP

Grooming:

• Grooming Your Cocker Spaniel
• Grooming — See this section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for additional information, tips and articles on Grooming as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.
• Show Grooming the Cocker Spaniel Video — Published by Sonnen Productions; 2 Hr Video Edition
  How to groom the American Cocker Spaniel for show. Features Michael Allen.
• Pet Grooming the Sporting Types Video — Published by Sonnen Productions; 90 min. Video Edition
  Featuring Michael Kemp, professional handler and groomer. Covers the American Cocker Spaniel.

TOP

Training Resources:

• Tips for Training your Flushing Spaniel
• Training — For information on training your Cocker Spaniel, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

	Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com

TOP

Additional Information:

• Is That A Labradoodle? — A must read article regarding the mixed-breed "Doodles" and "Poos". These are not exotic new breeds!
• The Cocker as a Hunting Companion by Ruth Ginzber
• Breeding World Class Gundogs by Geoffrey A. English, as published at GundogsOnline.com
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your Cocker Spaniel. (Note: Breed specific clubs can be found under the Breed Clubs secton.)
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of Canada's Guide to Dogs provides information and listings of organizations who are involved in various jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

Faithful Friend Dog-Themed Tote Bag: Unique Dog Lover Gift Now you can give a precious reminder of special four-legged friends with this first-of-a-kind dog-themed tote bag — the perfect pet lover gift! This unique gift for her is even more special because you can choose her favorite breed from a wide selection, including the Beagle. Bearing an adorable image of the breed she loves, this Ardleigh Elliott exclusive lets her take her beloved pup wherever she goes! CLICK HERE for further details and to order. CLICK HERE to visit the Cocker Spaniel Shop.