American Cocker Spaniel - breed description

If you want a pet to appear in your house, you need to prepare in advance for the new tenant. When choosing a dog, it is very important to consider not only the living conditions of the future family member, but also the compatibility of the nature of a person and an animal. If you need a cute, funny, active and joyful creature, the American Cocker Spaniel is presented to your attention. This is an amazing dog, the smallest of the hunting. She will certainly get along in a family where there are children and active adults. The dog will be an excellent companion, friend, protector and even partner in some childish pranks. In this article we will try to learn about this breed as much as possible - where did the American come from, what living conditions do the dog need and how to educateCocker Spaniel, so that the dog grew obedient, adequate and socialized.

Origin of Cocker Spaniel breed

The American Cocker Spaniel has a long history that begins more than 10 centuries ago. The ancestors were the Spanish Spaniels, who were especially valued in this sunny country for their hunting qualities. There is an opinion that Spain is far from the birthplace of Cockers, because there the dog was brought from Asia Minor as early as the 8th and 9th centuries. Gradually, the Spaniards began to breed Spaniels, and after a few centuries the dog came to England. In Foggy Albion, they also loved hunting everywhere, dogs were actively used to catch hares, badgers, and wild birds. In the Middle Ages, England was keen on hunting, so in every land and estate they tried to breed their own breed of dogs, the most dexterous, strong and fast. It is believed that in those days there were at least 20 subspecies of spaniels.

In the 17th century, the English Cocker Spaniels, which already had something similar to the modern American, were the biggest subspecies of the imported spaniels. The dog was small in size, with an elongated body and thick hair.In those days, the dogs of this breed were stopped by their tails, but only half, leaving 4 vertebrae. It was believed that a pet with a long tail with active wagging could cause blood to itself injuries. In the 19th century, English Cockers were recognized as an independent breed and sent a couple of representatives of these unusual dogs to America. As a result of mating puppies turned out round eyes, slightly protruding. The Americans decided that this wonderful feature makes the pet very sweet and immediate. Gradually, the American Cocker ceased to knit with English, and so it turned out a modern breed, which we are talking about today.

What does an American Cocker Spaniel look like?

The nature and character of the American Cocker Spaniel

As noted, modern Cockers are not hunting dogs, but pets, very cute and good-natured. Breeders are strictly selected for further mating puppies, not only in appearance, but also by character traits. Angry and aggressive representatives of the breed are not involved in further breeding. A Cocker Spaniel is not just a very cheerful and joyful companion, it is also a sensitive friend who feels perfectly the mood of his master, has an amazing tact, does not bother a person if he sees that he is busy.If the owner is in a bad mood, the Cocker Spaniel will try to gently cheer up his big friend, gently clinging to his hand.

The dog is perfect for any family - the Cocker Spaniel condescendingly and carefully treats its older members, the dog has a great time with adults on active rest. And the best nanny for children and you can not find! The dog is ready to entertain the little restless for a long time, while ensuring that the baby does not engage in dangerous activities. The dog is very affectionate and friendly, even in relation to strangers. Cockers perfectly get along with other pets, respecting even cats and small rodents, with whom they cohabit. However, this breed is not suitable for families in which all people work and have not been home for a long time. Minimizing contact with the person leads to the fact that the Cocker Spaniel starts to get bored, can howl or spoil things. But you should not scold the pet, all this is a result of loneliness and mental disorder, and not a desire for revenge.

With a good upbringing, the dog becomes decent, has excellent manners, behaves well in society.At the same time, cockers are very cunning and know the weak points of their master. The dog understands perfectly well that he has an angelic look that can melt even the hardest heart. This dog perfectly uses when it asks for a tidbit from the host's table. You should not give in to the spell, although sometimes it is really difficult, otherwise the dog will suffer from obesity. It is very important to start training the dog in a timely manner, not to allow her cute pranks - to gnaw his hand, hang his teeth on the owner's trouser leg, etc. If at a small age it seems sweet and insignificant, then when the dog grows up, its teeth will bring you a lot of trouble. Training a cocker spaniel is not difficult - the dog understands the commands perfectly, is ready to serve the owner and does everything that is required of it. The Cocker Spaniel is considered to be one of the most favorite breeds of breeders for its docile nature and good-natured disposition.

American Cocker Spaniel Content

In general, the dog is quite hardy, Cockers live to 15 years without any problems and are in good health.Of the characteristic diseases - possible otitis and eye disease. The difficulty in caring for a dog lies only in its chic fur coat, which requires a special relationship.

1. Wool. From a very young age, a puppy should be bathed regularly so that the dog is not afraid of water. After all, water procedures are a prerequisite in preserving the beauty of animal hair. Every day, a Cocker Spaniel should be carefully combed out, especially after a walk, because a large number of spines, twigs and other debris remain in the wool. If this is not done, the wool will gradually begin to roll into mats, which are almost impossible to comb, you will have to trim the hair. This will significantly ruin the look of the dog. Some owners for the summer make the Cockers a short haircut, so that the dog is not hot. Sheared wool perfectly emphasizes the muscular figure of the dog. However, remember that the haircut will have to be updated every 4-6 weeks so that the pet has a decent appearance. Every 2-3 weeks the dog should be bathed in order to keep the fur clean, soft and silky.
2. Ears. Another feature of an American is the ears of a dog.Hanging ears very quickly collect ticks, especially after walking in the long grass. Therefore, the owner should regularly inspect the ears for the absence of these parasites. It is imperative that once a week it is necessary to clean the inner surface of the ears from sulfur with a cotton disc dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Ears often get into the food and get dirty. To solve the problem, during the meal, the ears need to be collected and fixed from behind. Some owners find a way to buy a narrow food bowl in which only a muzzle fits.
3. Eyes. The American Cocker Spaniel often develops eye diseases due to the special fit of the eyeball. It is very important when choosing a puppy to inquire about the health of its parents. Reducing the likelihood of an eye infection in a dog is easy. It is enough every day or at least 2-3 times a week to wipe the eyes of the dog with a clean cotton pad dipped in warm water. It is not necessary to use any detergents or special antiseptics!
4. Feeding. For a dog to be healthy and beautiful, it should be properly fed. In the diet of the pet should be meat and dairy products, cereals, fruits, vegetables.Cocker spaniels are prone to gaining extra weight, so giving a dog sweets is definitely not worth it. Also, you can not pamper pet snacks between meals. An adult dog is fed twice a day. To make Cocker's coat smooth, soft and shiny, you need to add a spoonful of vegetable oil every day to your dog’s diet.
5. Sport. Regular physical activity is a vital condition for the normal growth and development of the dog. Every day at least two hours the dog should frolic in the fresh air. Otherwise, the dog may become overweight, there are diseases of a neurological and mental nature, the Cocker Spaniel can simply fade away. Remember that walking is not just walking in the park, it is the execution of various teams, swimming in the pond, the development of hunting skills, etc.

In addition, the American Cocker Spaniel, like any other dog, needs to care for your teeth and claws. Teeth should be periodically cleaned of tartar or give the dog special preventive bones. Claws as you grow, you need to cut, if they are not erased on the asphalt, like many urban dogs.Be sure to take your pet to a veterinary visit in a timely manner, get vaccinated on time, and regularly conduct anthelmintic therapy. And then the pet will be able to maintain its health for many years.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a great friend, reliable companion and simply an indispensable member of the family. If you are not afraid of the features of dog grooming, be sure to get this handsome man who will delight you with charming piercing eyes every day.

Video: American Cocker Spaniel dog breed