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YOUR COCKER SPANIEL
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Ideally, the
Cocker is a confident, substantial small dog. Popularity in
the 50s and 60s resulted in their infamy as one of the first
breeds nearly destroyed by excessive and irresponsible
breeding. Today, examples can be found that are properly
tempered, coated and healthy but requires much dedication on
the part of the new owner to seek out. |
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General
Information |
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| Group(s):
Sporting, Spaniel |
Height:
15-17 inches |
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Weight: 20-30 pounds |
Longevity: teens |
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Colors: buff, black and tan, parti-colored, black |
Coat type:
Long, silky requiring dedication to care and grooming |
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Recognized Registries: American Kennel Club (AKC) and
others |
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Overall Appearance: Compact, showy dog in appearance
and attitude. Glossy coat enhances beautiful soft, classic
Spaniel head and eye, long ears and feathering create an
effect that is breathtaking, even if not really intended for
field work anymore. |
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Personality -
Behavior - Training |
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Energy Level: can be high |
| General Nature: |
can be exceptional |
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with Children: can
be exceptional but the poorly bred specimens that are
under socialized are hazardous in contrast |
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with other pets:
can be good (see above) |
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with dogs: can be
very good (see above) |
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Socialization requirements: regardless of quality of
breeding, socialization will benefit this dog's long-term
sense of confidence and safety when meeting new people and
places |
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Ideal home characteristics: regular time for the dog
for grooming, play and attention, one that capitalizes on the
fun loving and enthusiastic attitude |
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Temperament Notes: quite intelligent, tends toward
softness, can give up if it feels it cannot please you |
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Training requirement: limited to whatever is required
to make its owner happy; this dog is happy if you are! |
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Trainer notes: Pressure will usually cause this breed
to falter and give up. Negative approaches, whether through
pain, pressure, or punishment will generally be very
unsuccessful. Give this dog an opportunity to keep trying and
encouraging the effort and they likely will not fail you.
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Background
Information |
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Year range of first recognition: AKC 1940s |
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Country of Origin: America |
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Original Function: woodcock spaniel/retriever |
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History: In early America, Land Spaniels were separated
by size. Larger ones were Field Spaniels and the smaller ones
were Cocker Spaniels, even if from the same litter.
Eventually, a desire to develop each breed individually led to
specific registries for each. |
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| Deviations from
Standard: minimal coat, poor heads, oversized,
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| Health Notes: eye&
ear problems, luxating patellas |
| Health Testing:
CERF, OFA-elbow |
Questions to ask
Breeder:
- How long have you had
cockers?
- What titles do you seek
for your dogs and breeding stock?
- Why did you breed this
pair?
- How do you suggest
socializing a puppy properly?
- At what age do you allow
your puppies to go home?
- Do you have health
clearances on all your breeding stock? May I see copies
of them?
- What is involved in the
care and grooming?
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Other Resources |
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| Breed
standard: |
http://www.asc-cockerspaniel.org/breed/index.asp - The
Cocker Spaniel Standard with Illustrations |
| Breeder Ethics: |
http://www.asc-cockerspaniel.org/asc/coe.asp - Code of
Ethics for Members and Breeders |
| Other: |
The
Spaniel is an old type (just as the Mastiff while a breed
is also a type given and contributing to many other
breeds) going back to the mid 1300's. They have been
divided into two groups: water spaniels and land spaniels.
Size has also played a role in further division: smaller
dogs were used specifically as pets or comforters or in
smaller game like woodcocks; the larger spaniels were
retained for their use as hunting dogs. The cocker is the
smallest member of the Sporting Dog Group.
The dog has an inherent desire to hunt, is a capable gun
dog, and can also be used as a retriever as it likes water
too.
It has a sturdy compact
body of excellent size and a cleanly chiseled refined
head. Its coat is a beautiful silky texture which is flat
to slightly wavy. There are abundant feathers on the legs,
ears, chest, and abdomen. There are many variations in
colors. The solid colors are black, red, cream, or buff.
The parti-colors are black and white, black and tan, or
liver and white. There is also a tri-colored black, tan,
and white. It is known for its speed and endurance, keen
desire to work, and free and merry disposition.
The cocker is a popular pet and companion. It is known as
a lover of home and family and is usually trustworthy and
adaptable. |
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