Judy Taylor
The American Cocker Spaniel is a sweet, affectionate, fun-loving, and playful dog that will do anything to please its human. This is the reason for its ease of handling, which means that the Cocker is relatively easy to train if you pay attention to a few special features. First of all, training should be gentle as the spaniel is a little sensitive and has a “soft” personality.
Description: American Cocker Spaniel
Who doesn’t know the gentle Susi with the adorable look from Walt Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp”. The red-brown, charming female is the image of a typical American Cocker. Despite his rather calm and sometimes anxious nature, the American Cocker Spaniel makes a good watchdog, barking loudly to report a doorbell ringing. So that he does not develop into a constant barker, the command “Quiet” or “Quiet” should be introduced early on.
Because the Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to hunt, their drive to hunt is practically innate. With good training, however, he can be called up easily when browsing and hunting in the park. Where freewheeling is not desired, the Cocker is better off staying on a leash.
In the family, he behaves cheerfully, gently, playfully, and affectionately. His great love is the children, for whom he makes an excellent comrade who is available for every game but also allows cuddles.
Ten Facts about the American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is friendly and outgoing towards strangers. When he is a puppy, however, crowds of people can quickly frighten him and he reacts shy and reserved.
In general, the Cocker is not a dog for couch potatoes. He needs enough daily exercise and speech to be happy.
The loving but consistent upbringing should not be neglected, even if the dark brown wide eyes look up to their master no matter how languishing. Since the cocker loves to play, the necessary basic commands can be easily integrated into game units. Due to his quick comprehension, he will quickly master the tasks with a little practice, since he is always anxious to please his people.
Breed Characteristics
The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the spaniel group. His body is powerfully built and harmoniously balanced. The well-proportioned head with the long, well-feathered ears looks noble and rounds off the overall appearance positively. Overall, the Cocker has good and taut muscles. Its limbs are strong-boned and well-muscled. This allows him to have a lively, effortlessly expansive gait.
Particular value is placed on the Cocker’s impressive coat of hair. It is rather short on the head, medium length on the body, ears, chest, belly and the back of the legs are well feathered.
The hair itself has a silky feel and can be straight or wavy. The Cocker is not clipped, only trimmed so its natural appearance is not compromised.
Strict rules apply to coat colors. The monochrome version is black, cream, red, or brown, each with or without a “tan badge”. This means small, well-marked markings of a different color on the chest and/or neck.
In the case of multicolored specimens, two or more colors unite, whereby the color white must always be present. The Loh badge is also mandatory. The individual colors are clearly separated from each other.
The tan marking can vary in color from cream to dark red and must be present on the black and other solid-colored Cockers in specific places: a tan dot above each eye, tan markings on the muzzle and cheeks, and under the ears, on all paws, and under the tail.
Nature and Character of the American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, on the one hand, because of its elegant appearance, and on the other hand, it impresses with its cheerful and uncomplicated nature. He is the ideal family dog, loves his people, and always wants to please them.
The upbringing of the cocker is therefore quite relaxed. However, it must be carried out consistently so that no naughtiness creeps in. Consistency does not mean harshness, however, because a cocker is sensitive and actually takes a harsh tone to heart. Normally, he reads his master’s wishes from his lips.
