The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest dog in FCI Group 8, which includes Retrievers, Spaniels, and Water Dogs.
Historically, these dogs were bred and used to assist in hunting. The American Cocker, in particular, was used to flush out birds hiding in the underbrush, allowing hunters to shoot them. The coat protected the American Cocker from injuries caused by thorny bushes. Today, this breed is primarily seen as a family dog, where it excels. Of course, the breed can still be worked with, but its gentle and playful nature makes it an excellent family companion, including for children, who should always be taught proper dog handling. In its homeland, America, the Cocker Spaniel was once the number one favorite breed among all breeds! If you’ve ever had one, you’ll understand why.
The coat requires maintenance, including regular combing and brushing, as well as periodic washes and trims, either at home or at a grooming salon. Trimming your own American Cocker Spaniel can become a rewarding hobby, and I can connect you with enthusiast groups that regularly host enjoyable grooming workshops. As a breeder and exhibitor, I specialize in the solid-colored Cocker Spaniels: black, blonde, silver, black & tan, and chocolate. All the dogs here are show dogs, and most have multiple championships. They must meet the ‘breed standard,’ which was established to evaluate the breed’s typical characteristics. At dog shows, all dogs are judged based on how well they conform to this standard, with the most representative dog being declared the winner. The most distinctive features of the American Cocker Spaniel are its characteristic and beautiful head, its flowing topline, and its wonderful temperament. The full breed standard can be found on the FCI website.
Generally, the American Cocker Spaniel is a very healthy dog, with an average lifespan of around 14 years. To keep the breed as healthy as possible, I breed only with parent dogs that have passed the annual ECVO eye test and are officially tested for hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation. Although the breed generally has no problems with hips or knees, I ensure all parent dogs are tested to rule out any issues, and I only have a litter if everything is confirmed to be healthy. Up-to-date information and test results for each dog can be found on the breed registry’s personal page. This will also be available in the future once you have a puppy.
