Back to all breeds
Characteristics, History, and Health
American Cocker Spaniel
Spaniels are thought to have originated in Spain. The English Cocker Spaniel was brought to America in the 17th century, but over time, American breeders started developing a dog that was smaller, had a more domed head, and a shorter muzzle. This selective breeding resulted in the American Cocker Spaniel, which was recognized as its own breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1878.
Main Info
- Origin
- Spain, United States
- Alternate Names
- Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
- Life Expectancy
- 10-14 years
- Average Male Height
- 14.5-15.5 inches
- Average Female Height
- 13.5-14.5 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 25-30 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 20-25 pounds
- Coat Length
- Long
- Coat Type
- Double, Silky
- Coat Colors
- Black, Black & Tan, Black & White, Black White & Tan, Blue Roan, Blue Roan & Tan, Brown, Brown & White, Brown White & Tan, Buff, Cream, Golden, Red, Red & White, Sable, Sable & White, Silver, Brown & Tan, Buff & White, Red Roan, Brown Roan, Brown Roan Tan
- Coat Pattern
- Ticked, Roan, White Markings, Merle Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
American Cocker Spaniels can suffer from degenerative myelopathy, progressive rod-cone degeneration, and hip dysplasia. Genetic testing for conditions such as familial nephropathy, glycogen storage disease type VII, phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency, acral mutilation syndrome, chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (CDDY and IVDD risk) with or without chondrodysplasia (CDPA), and exercise-induced collapse can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
American Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle, amiable, and cheerful disposition. They are intelligent, which makes training relatively straightforward, but they are also sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training methods.
The breed is sociable and gets along well with children and other pets. They are also known to be quite active, requiring regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness.
Fun Facts
These dogs were among the most popular of American purebred dogs in the 1950s, when Cocker Spaniels such as Vice President Richard Nixon's Cocker named Checkers and the Cocker Spaniel named "Lady" in Disney's Lady and the Tramp movie were well-known and very popular in the public eye.
American Cocker Spaniels are known as the smallest member of the AKC's sporting-dog family.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cocker-spaniel/
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/cocker-spaniel-american
https://www.ofa.org/recommended-tests?breed=CS
Screen for health risks and diseases Learn More
Recommended by top vets with decades of experience
21 breeds
64 genetic health markers
50 genetic trait markers
