American Cocker Spaniel: The Long Furred Gun Dog And Pet
Just like the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker Spaniel is also a medium sized breed of gun dog. Originally, this breed was developed in the United Kingdom as a small game hunter particularly of the woodcock, which is where the term cocker came from. In the US, the cocker breed was further developed until it became a distinctly different breed called the American Cocker Spaniel.
In its native country the US, it is simply called the Cocker Spaniel. In other parts of the world such as Canada and Europe, it is called the American Cocker Spaniel. Before, this dog flourished as a gun dog but today it is more known as a lovable family pet.
Spaniels in the UK were originally brought from Spain and were later developed to become superb hunting dogs. These hunting Spaniels then bore the Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel in one litter and were only separated during adulthood as different types of Spaniels. But through the use of the English Setter, the Cocker Spaniel was able to be solidified as a different breed.
One of the primary differences between an American Cocker Spaniel and an English Cocker Spaniel is that the American breed is smaller compared to the English variety. The coat of the American Cocker Spaniel is also particularly long than the English Cocker Spaniel. The head of the American Cocker Spaniel is rounder and its ears are dangling while the English Cocker Spaniel’s head is rectangular and the ears shorter.
The standard height of the American Cocker Spaniel is 15 inches and any dog taller than this is considered disqualified for shows. The weight should be 25 to 35 pounds but the males can be a bit heavier. The average life span is up to 12 years while the English Cocker Spaniel is 13 years.
As a pet and as a dog show competitor, the luscious fur of this breed should be carefully groomed and maintained. The coat should be soft, smooth, long, flat and double coated. There are four categories that the coat colors of this breed fall under and these are: Black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black), Tricolor, and Parti Color.
As a gun dog, the American Cocker Spaniel is known to be brave, hard worker, and respectful of the master’s authority. As a family pet, this dog is very sociable, amiable, and sweet. It is known to be gentle, devoted, trusting and sensitive.
The American Cocker Spaniel is fairly active and has an infinite stamina and so daily exercise should be given to it. Keeping the fluff healthy and beautiful requires daily brushing and shampooing. Additionally, regular nail clipping, coat trimming, and eyes cleaning should also be implemented.
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