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The Cocker Spaniel: A Brief Summary Of A Wonderful Dog

The Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that has existed for ages. Refereed to as one of the oldest “spaniels” that exist, they remain as popular of a dog breed now,  as when they were first imported. Two main breeds exist in the Cocker Spaniel category, one named English Cocker Spaniel and the other named American Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniel Beginnings

 The American Cocker Spaniel was bred from The English Cocker Spaniel, which was imported into England several centuries ago. The exact area where they come from is unknown, however many believe that the breed originated in Spain, brought to England after witnessing the dogs excellent hunting abilities. The “Cocker” part of the name comes from the dogs hunting preference for Woodcocks.

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After Importing And Classification

After being imported to England, the species was at first considered general for all spaniel types; However after noticing some differences between the species, seven different breeds were named, all different in one way or another. The names were changed to the American Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, the Clumber Spaniel, the Sussex Spaniel, the Welsh Springer Spaniel, the Field Spaniel, and the Irish Water Spaniel. All these types are generally similar, with only small differences separating them. One example is the Cocker and Springer Spaniels that only differ in size,  causing separate classification in 1946 from both Canadian and American National kennels.

Cocker Spaniels In The Present

Spaniels And the Several Types of Breeds That Belong In The Species

While Cocker Spaniels remain a popular dog type today, many different breeds exist within the species. From location of the breed to the size, many factors contribute to what recognizes one Spaniel type from another. Breeds like Cocker and Springer Spaniels have little differences, making separate breeds sometimes difficult to recognize.

English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels

Maybe the most famous of the Spaniels are the English and American Cocker Spaniels. These breeds were seen as the same species, up  until they were classified as being separate in 1946. The difference between the two lies in mainly the appearance, as both tend to have similar behaviors. American Cocker Spaniels are usually smaller than the English Cocker Spaniels, but not only by a slight margin. English Cocker Spaniels have more tighter lips that are located higher up compared to a American Cocker Spaniel. English Cocker Spaniels eyes are usually slightly smaller than American Cocker Spaniels. Besides from facial features and size, a English Cocker Spaniels hair coat is less profound than an American Cocker Spaniels one. Both however have a similar lifespan.

Clumber Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, And The Welsh Springer Spaniel

Also in the mix of breeds that belong to the Spaniel division of dogs, Clumber, Sussex, and Welsh Springer Spaniels exist. Welsh Springer Spaniels are fitted with several pattern options for their fur, between the colors red and white. They are similar in the body of other Spaniels, with the only differences relying in small features like eyes and noses. These Spaniels, like most of the others, were bred to hunt game efficiently and quickly. Sussex Spaniels are less outgoing than other Spaniels, they also differ in being a little more strong and massive compared to most of the other ones. Clumber Spaniels are maybe the most gentle hunting Spaniels, fit with a very outgoing and affectionate personality. Training is usually a little easier than other Spaniel training, as Clumber Spaniels work towards getting please from its owners.

Irish Water and Field Spaniels

Irish Water Spaniels are the largest of all the Spaniels, with a weight range between 45 and 65 pounds. Like other Spaniels, this breed excels in hunting and prefers a large yard to play and exercise in. Irish Water Spaniels are also usually quieter and bark only occasionally when compared to the numerous other Spaniel breeds. Field Spaniels are a very independent breed that love to explore nature when given the opportunity. Training is a little bit more difficult for this Spaniel, especially from an owner that is hesitant to give command because they can sense submissiveness from an owner. Field Spaniels behave best when tasked with a activity or job to keep them busy.

Keeping Cocker Spaniels Healthy

While Cocker Spaniels remain a very popular dog for owning, many health issues can plague them, most of which can be avoided. While some issues depend on the breed of Spaniel, a lot of them are uniform throughout the diverse breeds. Paying attention to signs of health issues affecting Cocker Spaniels can help keep the dog healthy and happy.

American and English Cocker Spaniels

American and English Cocker Spaniels both have threatening issues that need to be closely examined throughout a Cocker Spaniel’s life. English Cocker Spaniels get ear infections frequently, due to the constant drooping of their ears near the ground. Ticks and Burrs are just some examples of what bodies can attach in the ear of an English Cocker Spaniel. Keeping a close eye of ear care, especially in the summer, is vital in protecting ear infections to occur in the dog. English Cocker Spaniels also gain weight with ease, so keep food  to a amount that does not exceed their proportions. American Cocker Spaniels are more prone to greater issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. Frequent health check ups through a veterinarian should be performed in owning a American Cocker Spaniel to treat health problems.

English Springer Spaniels And  Clumber Spaniels

English Springer Spaniels can experience problems like epilepsy, eye conditions like PRA, and blood disorders. Besides curbing their easy weight gain, many problems may be hard to monitor without a professional opinion. Veterinarians should be contacted frequently to make sure English Springer’s are healthy 24/7. Clumber Spaniels like English Springers, can gain weight easily without close monitoring of food intake. Other problems like cataracts and dry eyes are a typical experience in owning a Clumber.

Sussex And Welsh Spaniels
        
Besides rare concerns like intervertebral disc syndrome, Sussex Spaniels experience health problems that occur in all Spaniels. Weight gain is a potential issue, as is ear infections and other minor concerns. Welsh Spaniels have few problems that can occur, things like hip dysplasia, entropion, and epilepsy. Although limited problems are available, it is still important to keep a lookout for possible health issues.

Field and Irish  Spaniels

Irish Spaniels share similar health problems between all of the cocker spaniels, except for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, which is the absence of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland, seems to be unique to just this breed. Field Spaniels have no different, unique issues, hip dysplasia and ear infections being  a common issue in Spaniels.

Summary Of a English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels are a breed of dogs within the Spaniel family. A popular dog to purchase, English Cocker Spaniels are owned globally in many houses. With a very affectionate and playful personality, Cocker Spaniels can be a very good dog to own if they are understood.

Features Of The English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels are  medium size dogs fit with a well proportioned, put together body. The head meets at a arch and appears smoothed out from a gaze from the side. Coat colors can differ in patterns featuring black, liver, or red as primary colors. Along the coat tan spots may occur, depending on the dog. Two types of English Cocker Spaniels exist, Field and Snow. Field Cockers usually posses shorter coats compared to Snow Cockers.

Training a English Cocker Spaniel

Although English Cocker Spaniels can be trained with little hassle, patience and consistency is a must in achieving a obedient dog. English Cockers sense hesitation from an owner and won't listen to them, conversely they will ignore too harsh of discipline. Having both a equal balence between calmness and authority is necessary in training and maintaining control with a English Cocker.

Health Problems

With constant movement and activity, English Cocker Spaniels are prone to several health problems. Ear infections are very common, due to the constant drooping of English Cockers ears that make contact with the ground. This can invite lice and other bodies to attach themselves inside a Cocker Spaniels ear. In addition to ear infections, Cocker Spaniels can gain weight easily, so keeping a food amount proportionate to the Cocker Spaniel is key in maintaining a healthy weight.
Living Conditions

English Cocker Spaniels are very active and playful, so they require certain conditions to be met. A good sizable yard should be available for them to get the continuous exercise they should be exposed with on a daily basis. Long walks are good exercise options to keep the Cocker Spaniel in shape. Keep a distance either in front of or besides the Cocker Spaniel to show authority and alpha leader qualities that are necessary in having loyalty and respect from the dog. Cocker Spaniels are usually pretty good in responding to commands and are known to listen and perform commands with little trouble if any. As long as authority is established in the beginning, a Cocker Spaniel won't question the leadership from its owner at any time.

American Cocker Spaniels, a Look Inside The Classic Breed

The American Cocker Spaniel, or more frequently known as simply  Cocker Spaniel, is a breed descended from the English Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker Spaniel was bred following the English Cocker Spaniel arriving in the United States, the time being around the late 14th century. After several centuries  past creation, Cocker Spaniels have become a common pet in households across the world, mainly the United States.

Cocker Spaniels Features

Cocker Spaniels are medium- sized, with weight spans being between 15- 30 pounds. They  have a general height of 15.5 inches for males and 14.5 inches for females, in most cases. The coat of the Spaniel is a solid color, sometimes with tan points spread throughout. Cocker Spaniels have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.

Training Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels have the ability to be great trained breeds, however it has be reached through carefully training and obedience. Many things should be taught to the Spaniel at a young age, things like keeping the Spaniel socialized amongst its surroundings and introducing housebreaking techniques are key in establishing success right away. Cocker Spaniels are usually pretty easy to command, however this needs to be done as soon as the chance presents itself. Doing so can guarantee both a loving and protective Spaniel that is both obedient as it is affectionate.

Health Problems Associated With American Cocker Spaniels

While Cocker Spaniels can be great pets, healthy checkups are necessary in maintaining love with the dog. Major concerns like cataracts, glaucoma, and Patellar Luxation are a few health problems that are frequently dealt with.  These concerns need to be checked on a regular basis through a Veterinarian, to ensure the Cocker Spaniel stays in a healthy state throughout its life. Minor concerns like cherry eye, allergies, and hip dysplasia do occur, but not to the severity that major concerns occur.

Living Conditions

With an energetic pet like a Cocker Spaniel, exercise is key in controlling the energy that flows through the dog. Take walks daily if able to, keeping the dogs thick coat out of messy brush spots that occur near woods. Keep in lead during the walk, authority is perceived from the dog based on  who is leading the pack. Whoever is in front is in charge in the dogs mind. In addition to daily walks, keep the thick fur coat trimmed, as it can be rather uncomfortable for the Spaniel, especially with growing older.