Description
Derived in the last century in the USA from the Cocker Spaniel, ostensibly to retrieve quail, the American Cocker has very striking differences from his English forebear. The
prominent rounding of his skull is most distinctive, as are the full eyes set to look straight forward. His back appears short, and slopes slightly from withers to tail. His most characteristic attribute is his coat, which, while being short on his head, is longer on the body, and becomes profuse on legs and abdomen. The breed standard does require that it should not be so excessive as to affect his function as a sporting dog, but he usually appears in the show ring with a great deal of coat, which is unlikely to find favour in the field.
He is a cheerful fellow, and makes a highly successful family dog. He is on the small side of 38 centimetres (15 inches) and does not need much food, but he does need careful grooming.
Breed Group
Gundog
Vulnerable Native Breed
No
Size
Medium
How much exercise?
More than 2 hours per day
Length of coat
Long
How much grooming?
Every day
Supposedly sheds?*
Yes
Town or Country
Either
Type of home
Small or Large House
Minimum Garden Size
Large
Lifespan
Over 10 Years
* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.
The Gundog Breed Group
Dogs that were originally trained to find live game and/or to retrieve game that had been shot and wounded. This group is divided into four categories - Retrievers, Spaniels, Hunt/Point/Retrieve, Pointers and Setters - although many of the breeds are capable of doing the same work as the other sub-groups. They make good companions, their temperament making them ideal all-round family dogs.