Description

Do you want to buy an elegant looking dog? If yes, you can bring home a Cocker Spaniel. This breed of dogs comes under the group of Spaniels. They are basically used as “gun dogs”, as they assisted the hunters in hunting and retrieving games. This is a small statured dog. Based on its country of origin, it is divided into two distinct groups - the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. The male Cocker Spaniels can be about 15 and ½ inches tall while the female ones can reach a height of about 14 and ½ inches. They can weigh up to 30 pounds. They are very active dogs and have silky hairs on their body. Cocker Spaniels are available in various shades that include light and dark ones. You can choose a black Cocker Spaniel or a brown one. Other color combinations include red, tan, and buff. There is something called parti-color that is a combination of two different colors. Such matches include black and white, red and white and brown and white. A Cocker Spaniel has a life expectancy of about 15 years. These dogs have long ears that give them a distinctive appearance. They have dark, inquisitive eyes and a large nose. The upper lip of a Cocker Spaniel is usually longer than the lower one.

Coat

The coat of a Cocker Spaniel is quite hairy and if groomed well, looks quite elegant. The hair of the coat covering the head is short, while the part that covers its legs, chest, tail, and stomach is longer. Appearance wise, this hair can be either straight or wavy. Touching the coat of a Cocker Spaniel will tell you the silky smooth nature of the material. Curly coat is a not something that you would expect to see on a Cocker Spaniel.

History

Cocker Spaniel refers to both the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. While the English Cocker Spaniel dates back prior to the 18th century, the American Cocker Spaniel came into existence during the 19th century. The latter was created by selectively breeding English Cocker Spaniels. While the English Cocker Spaniel has always been a gun dog, its American counterpart was mainly used as a companion. However, in the beginning, it is believed, that the Cocker Spaniels were used to chase games rather than for the purpose of retrieving them.

Nowadays, the American Cocker Spaniel is more distinct in look than the English one. It is also one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. It was in 1936 when people first saw these two groups side by side in an exhibition.

Among people who have owned English Cocker Spaniels, there are well known names like the US President Richard Nixon, actress Charlize Theron, and British Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Temperament

Good natured, happy, bold, and alert are some of the main traits that describe the temperament of a Cocker Spaniel. They are ideal to become a family pet and are ready to obey their owners. By nature, these dogs are very cheerful as well as affectionate. They love the company of people. They are really good with kids and love them. They are also very trustworthy, which in turn makes them a great asset.

Health

The major health related issues that a Cocker Spaniel suffers from include eye diseases, hip dysplasia, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia or IMHA. IMHA is a disease that attacks and destroys blood cells, and you pet may lose a lot of blood if it gets affected by it. A Cocker Spaniel suffering from IMHA can feel lethargic. Its urine may also contain blood. This is one of the common diseases that plague Cocker Spaniels.

As far as the eye diseases are concerned, the dog may suffer from cataract, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. Cocker Spaniels are also vulnerable to allergies. It’s advisable to take your dog to a veterinarian and find out whether your dog has any kind of allergies.

Seborrehea and lip fold pyoderma are some other ailments that may attack your dog. While the former infects the outer part of the skin making it dry and greasy, the latter attacks the lips. Cocker Spaniels suffering from entropion and ectropion, if neglected, may lose their visions.

Grooming

You should groom your Cocker Spaniel daily. Make sure that you brush it every day. In case you cannot brush it each day, you must do it at least every other day. Without regular brushing, it will be difficult to keep the long and beautiful coat of the Spaniel in good shape. Remember - the coat of a Cocker Spaniel is never curly but straight and you can keep it this way through regular brushing.

A Cocker Spaniel also needs a regular bathing schedule. If you do it on a regular basis, then five minutes of grooming session can be enough. The best part is that these dogs love human company, which makes you go through such grooming sessions without any problems.

While grooming, make sure that you clean under the eyes of the Cocker Spaniels because these areas are prone to tears. Do not clip their coat. However, you can trim them on a regular basis.

Clean its ears are another important part of your Cocker Spaniel’s grooming. Make sure that the ears are free of any kind of infections or dirt particles. As the ear remains covered in hair, it is important that you give them special attention.

Exercise

Being an active breed, Cocker Spaniels need a lot of workout. Since they love playing, you can give them some exercises by playing hide and seek, fetch and fly balls, as well as tracking. In fact, such exercises are also a good way to give your dog some company.

You can also take your dog for walks. Walking and other exercises will keep your dog in good physical condition. Remember - keeping your dog well exercised is a good way of controlling a lot of behavioral problems. However, make sure that you do not force your Cocker Spaniel to jump too much. Jumping may cause hip and other joint injuries. In case you are playing with Frisbees, land it near the ground. It is important to stay with the dog while exercising it. Otherwise, you may find it under a shade of tree sleeping merrily!

Some people also bring another dog to give company to Cocker Spaniels. This is a good idea. It will be a great way to keep your Spaniel active. The Spaniel will get the enthusiasm to exercise by seeing the other dog’s work out sessions. Moreover, when you are busy, they will give each other company.

Training

Cocker Spaniels are very obedient. They will listen to all commands that are given by their masters. You should start the training as early as possible. At first, you should make it comfortable with its new house. Once this is done, make sure that it knows that you are the master. This will help you to make sure that your pet does not have any small dog syndromes. Once it clearly understands its position in your family, it will throw any tantrums. Though it is important to train your dog, it is also crucial to do so with patience and love. Cocker Spaniels are known for their excellent responsiveness to training. Give your dog ample company and they are sure to love it. Socialize and make them accustomed to different situations. This will help them overcome separation anxiety and other psychological problems. Some Cocker Spaniel may pose difficulties while training house breaking but patience on your part and regular training will help you to overcome them.

If your dog is well trained you can leave it with children without any worry. In fact, well rained Cocker Spaniels are great with little children. Never punish your pet harshly because it is unlikely to make any positive difference. Rather, it could give rise to some psychological problems for your dog. So, it becomes important to train it with care and praise its success in training.

During the training period, you should teach your dog not to bark too much or without reason. Let it bark only once or twice. Teach it that incessant barking is a strict no-no. In case it shows a tendency to create too much of noise, you can simply ignore it to get your point across.
You should also train the dog that while in leash, it should follow you. This will help it accept you as the leader and obey you all the time. Cocker Spaniels love to learn and they are curious. Be confident and you will be able to train your dog well.

Perhaps you now know all about how to groom and train a Cocker Spaniel so that it becomes a true companion to you and your family. So, what are you waiting for? Bring this cheerful and active dog home without any further delay to fill your life with happiness.