The emergence of the American Cocker Spaniel, its appearance, characteristic animal behavior and health, how to care for the breed. Puppy price. The American cocker spaniel is a dog with touching eyes, an ever-wagging tail and a luxurious coat. They are excellent psychologists, great companions and great gun dogs. They are called the dream of poets, the pride of kings and the favorites of sentimental young ladies. In America, they wanted to breed their spaniels, and got such wonderful amazingly elegant show dogs.
The emergence of the American Cocker Spaniel breed
The ancestors of American cocker spaniels date back to the 14th century. Their homeland is the sunny country of Spain. With the help of all varieties of cocker spaniels, they hunted game birds, mainly woodcocks. Hence the name of this breed.
Once upon a time, not all puppies in a litter were called cockers. The smaller ones were called cockers, and the larger ones were called springers. Small dogs were good for hunting woodcocks, as the birds flew very low above the ground, and with the help of taller dogs, the birds were frightened away.
The closest ancestors of American cocker spaniels were cocker spaniels of English origin. The status of these dogs was much larger, but the exact copy of the English "relatives" of America's breeders did not suit. In this regard, American breeders began to work on breeding their spaniels.
The first representative of the breed had wide-set, large eyes, which is a disadvantage for the English Cocker Spaniel. The dormant signs of the King Charles Spaniel began to be cultivated. Dogs with a puppet-like expression and longer hair were selected.
The American Cocker Spaniel looks a little different today than it did at the beginning of the breed. Its parameters have become more compact, the neck and legs are longer, more beautiful, domed head, shortened, snub-nosed muzzle, thicker and longer hair.
This dog is a gun dog, but now it is less used in hunting because the dogs have a thick coat - this is not very convenient. But, nevertheless, there are lovers who cut dogs and use them for their intended purpose. The American Cocker Spaniel has a good sense of smell and yet is good at handling game. Dogs also swim well, dive and can feed a duck out of the water.
But, hunting work requires certain skills and training of cockers. These are the smallest dogs from the group of hunting dogs. But, despite this, the dogs are strong enough. They can be very fast. Unlike their English brothers, Americans are quite temperamental.
In the 80s of the last century, the breed was cult. In the USSR, many people wanted to have such dogs. When the Iron Curtain existed in the country, the Pit Bull Terrier and the Poodle were common. But then, they began to bring in American cockers. The popularity of the breed played a cruel joke on her. They began to breed them at random.
External characteristics of the American Cocker Spaniel
Representatives of the breed are strong and dense, compactly built dogs, with a beautiful head and a good-natured expression of the muzzle. They are the smallest sporting dogs and all spaniels. The height at the withers in males is 37–38 cm and in bitches 35–36 cm. The weight of males is 10–14 kg, and a bitch is 7–9 kg.
- Head - in harmony with the whole body. The cranial part is arched, the part under the eye sockets is filled. The brows are clearly prominent. Cheekbones not protruding.
- Muzzle - square, set deep enough. It is of good width, equal in length to half the length of the cranium. The stop is abruptly manifested. The bridge of the nose is wide and even. The lips are firm, well covering the lower jaw. The complete dentition has a scissor bite.
- Nose rather large, but harmonious to the muzzle. The color is dark in dark-colored, spotted, black and tan dogs. Light-colored individuals may have a brownish coloration of the nose.
- Eyes The American Cocker Spaniel is large, black-brown in color, round in shape, not sunken or protruding. The eyelids are slightly drawn at the bottom.
- Ears stretched at the level of the corners of the eyes, drooping, elongated. The cartilage is thin enough.
- Neck slightly elongated, well muscled, steep, smoothly curved.
- Frame - slightly sloping, square, with prominent withers. The ribcage is deep, wide and well depressed, does not interfere with the movement of the dog. The loin is wide. The croup is oblique. Ribs are of good length and roundness.
- Tail located almost on the line of the spine. Preferably it is stopped, but it can also be natural.
- Front limbs - placed under the withers, not long, strong, parallel. The hindquarters are parallel, with powerful thighs and harmonious joints.
- Paws - oval, large size.
- Coat wavy, silky and soft. The undercoat is well developed. The head is covered with the shortest hair. Hair of medium length on the body. On the ears, chest, abdomen and limbs there is a longer and thicker guard coat.
- Color - can be different. There are various solid, black and tan and spotted dogs.
Distinctive features of the behavior of the American Cocker Spaniel
The breed is very active. Dogs are very fond of the whole world and everyone from people. American Cocker Spaniels are very affectionate, friendly and playful dogs. This is a unique breed in a home with children. Dogs are obedient and sociable. They sense the mood of the owner. Pets know when they can be naughty and they won't get anything for it. The dog is loyal to all pets living in the dwelling.
Cockers are wonderful companions who are always ready to communicate and play with their fellows and, of course, their owners. Dogs never get tired of bringing you toys, so long as you play with them. They just need your attention like air. Some people find them intrusive. If you don't have enough free time to interact with your pet, then these dogs are not for you. They loyally and anxiously look at their masters. When the cockers look at you, it seems that the pets understand everything, see your soul, but do not talk.
American Cocker Spaniel health
Under all conditions of careful care, cockers usually live twelve to fifteen years. This is the main factor that affects their lifespan. Dogs require frequent check-ups from a veterinarian. Their genetically inherited diseases include cataracts, knee problems, ear and eye infections.
Cataracts, in almost all cases, are treated with surgery, which gives an excellent chance of recovery. All kinds of dislocations and joint problems are of a purely individual nature. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor, and it depends on the degree of damage to the joint capsule. All problems associated with infections of the ears and eyes can be avoided if you regularly monitor these vulnerable areas of the pet.
How to care for an American Cocker Spaniel?
Pet hair requires careful care, because these are show dogs. They are bathed frequently, ideally every six days. For this procedure, you need to buy a professional shampoo and conditioner for long-haired animals, as well as a spray to moisturize the coat. The procedure begins with combing the pet's hairline. If there are tangles, they must be disassembled and combed out with a long-toothed metal comb. Further, the "coat" of the animal is well soaked with water and a soap foam made from shampoo with water is applied to it. To dilute the washing concentrate so that the dog does not have dandruff and the hair is not overdried. After you have rinsed the animal from shampoos and masks, you need to spray it with a moisturizing spray and dry it with a hair dryer.
The dog is combed as tangles appear or during the period of active change of the coat. Sometimes the procedure takes an hour or two. It depends on how often you brush your dog. The less often you do this, the longer the procedure will take. With the help of combing, you massage the skin of the animal, remove mats and all sorts of debris. This improves the blood supply to the skin and removes its dead layer. The slicker is not suitable for a cocker spaniel, but the furminator, which was invented by American groomers, copes well with problems when combing dogs. This device captures and pulls out the dead undercoat as much as possible without affecting the guard hair.
If you are not planning a show career for your pet, then the coat on his "skirt" can be shortened. This will not only reduce the time for grooming, but in some cases will make life easier for the dog itself. A hygienic haircut should be done every three months, as the dog grows very quickly. Hair grows into the eyes and the eyeballs from this can become inflamed and watery.
Such manipulations will require certain costs if you decide to get an American Cocker Spaniel. Show dogs have their hair cut by groomers. A haircut from a specialist costs about $ 17-20. The coat on the back of the American Cocker Spaniel is trimmed with a special knife. The muzzle is shaved with a typewriter, and the "skirt", ears, paws and bangs are decorated with scissors. Show-cockers are prepared a week before the exhibition, and in the day they trim those places where something has grown. Before the competition, the dog takes water treatments and stretches under a hairdryer. This is done so that the dog's hair is perfectly smooth without waves.
After walking in wet weather, good drying of all wool is necessary. If you do not dry it, then a fungus may form on the skin. Their ears require special attention, as they are long. The dog eats, ears in a bowl of food, walks in mud and dust. To preserve the beautiful hair on their ears, special hats are bought for pets and are taught to wear them from an early age. Well, of course they put them on when necessary.
The teeth of these dogs are susceptible to a very rapid accumulation of plaque. Therefore, they require regular cleaning, almost every other day. To do this, you need to purchase a germicidal paste and an animal brush. With the help of these products, you will perfectly cope with plaque and remove the unpleasant odor from your pet's mouth. You can also do regular prevention of dental diseases by feeding the dog dry food and various snacks, such as special bones.
The ears of the American Cocker Spaniel require some care, as they have a drooping shape. You may need to remove hairs from the inside of your ear to get adequate ventilation. They can be trimmed with scissors or plucked out. The auricles need regular cleaning. If you look after them, then there will be no problems. Clean the ears by filling the auricle with herbal lotion and holding the pet's head. After a small massage, after a couple of minutes, the separated sulfur is wiped off.
The eyes of pets, due to slightly sagging eyelids, can become dirty, inflamed and watery. Also, the mucous membrane is irritated by the hair around the eyes. Therefore, in this area, they need to be cut regularly. Common eye contamination is removed by wiping them with pharmacy products. They will create not only an anti-inflammatory effect, but also a kind of care for the skin of the eyelids. If you notice that your eyes are injured, then immediately take your pet to the veterinarian. Your procrastination can cost your dog his eyesight.
The claws of the American Cocker Spaniel practically do not need to be trimmed, as the dog is active and mobile. If her dewclaws are not removed, then the claws on them must be cut off with claws or cut with a file.
Feeding American Cocker Spaniels must be healthy. Breeders recommend feeding them professional, dry food, premium. They are perfectly balanced and have a good effect on the entire body of the dog.
Many people, buying into the cute expression of the face, with unhappy hungry eyes, feed the pets with pieces from their table. As a result, from a gorgeous dog, after about six months, a barrel is obtained with long ears, on short legs.
Not only is this an ugly sight, but it is also dangerous for the animal. Excess weight is the beginning of the development of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. In addition, the dog can develop diabetes mellitus.
Walks of representatives of this breed require a long time, since these are hunting dogs. These active pets need to move as long as possible. In the rainy season, animals are walked in overalls. Their long ears are also tied up, and not only because they get dirty, but often, they prevent the dogs from running. American Cocker Spaniels are fun guys who love to play. They will be grateful to you if you find a company for them to play and walk. Dogs also love to play catch-up, balls and other active games with their owners.
American Cocker Spaniel dog training
These are wonderful dogs - affectionate and loyal. They can also be protectors. Cockers are very smart and quite obedient dogs, but sometimes they can be stubborn. Their activity requires that they be trained, then they will be obedient.
If American Cocker Spaniels are wonderfully trained, then dogs are great for children and all family members. If not trained, they can become selfish possessors and sometimes show their teeth. However, these phenomena are easily suppressed in puppyhood.
American Cocker Spaniels are so intelligent they can participate in all kinds of canine sports. Dogs are excellent at showing their abilities in the search and rescue service. Such a dog can pass on rubble, where a large dog will not pass.
Interesting facts about the American Cocker Spaniel
These dogs are very popular in America. Host Oprah Winfrey owned three American Cocker Spaniels. President Harry Truman had a dog named Feller, and President Richard Nixon had a dog named Checkers. Representatives of the breed have participated in advertisements and Hollywood films.
In America, the couple has a dog named "Uno". He is 22 years old, which is a lot. Translated into human years - one hundred and fifty-four. Surprisingly, this twenty-two-year-old dog is doing well, but leads a full life: he eats, sleeps, walks and even climbs to the fourth floor every day. The pet does this five or even seven times a day on the way to the lawn. Such excellent form is the result of nutrition, exercise and a calm environment.
American Cocker Spaniel price
Such an animal combines many amazing qualities, which is why the dog will become an excellent life companion for most families. The American Cocker Spaniel can live anywhere, but it needs activity and long walks. He has genetic diseases, but so that they do not manifest themselves, the dog must be bought from a good breeder. It's easy enough to train. But, one must be aware that his coat requires careful maintenance.
If you have a child, he will definitely like this dog. And, if you can follow her, as you need, evaluate yourself in advance. Elderly people who are not very active are better off not getting an American Cocker Spaniel. A pet is a big responsibility, because a living creature appears in your house, for which you are responsible. The price of puppies is $ 500-600.
More about the American Cocker Spaniel in the video below:
