A little bit about The Standard cocker
Of course, every Cocker Spaniel has a unique personality all his own. However, there are some common characteristics that practically all Cocker Spaniels share to one degree or another. Knowing what to expect can not only make it easier for the two of you to get to know each other but also help you appreciate your own Cocker Spaniel's special qualities even more.
Cocker Spaniels tend to be very affectionate pets. Often you see their entire hind ends wiggle as they wag their tails enthusiastically! They are energetic and respond well to training. One of the most popular breeds in America, this intelligent pet makes a good companion dog.
Cocker Spaniels Throughout History
The first mention of a spaniel breed can be traced back to the 1300s. Originally all of the spaniels from Spain were grouped together. Over time the spaniels became segregated into different breeds based on size and abilities. The Cocker Spaniel was bred for hunting and is thought to have obtained its name due to its skill at flushing and retrieving woodcocks. Legend has it that the first spaniel arrived in America with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620. In the late 1800s the Cocker Spaniel became recognized by the American Kennel Club. In 1946 a distinction was made between the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel based on heritage, traits, and appearance.
Country of Origin Great Britain
AKC Breed Group Sporting Dogs
Year First Recognized by AKC 1878
First AKC Registered Cocker "Capt"
Primary Uses Hunting woodcock; companion
Adult Height Up to 15 1/2"
Adult Weight 24 to 28 lbs.
Varieties Black; Any Solid Color Other Than Black (ASCOB); Parti-Color
Coat Medium length, silky; feathering on ears, chest, abdomen, and legs
Grooming Daily brushing and combing to avoid tangles
Color Any solid color; multi-colored with white
Character Cheerful, obedient, intelligent
Activity Level High
The Cocker Spaniel is small dog, 15 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades), with a medium-length, double coat; long, pendulous ears; and a merrily wagging stumpy tail. Females are slightly smaller than males. Cocker color is divided into black, parti-color, and any solid color other than black (ASCOB in show catalogs). Black includes black-and-tan and should be jet black without liver or brown shadings. The tan markings are to be over the eyes, on the muzzle and cheeks, undersides of ears, on all legs and feet, and under the tail. Tan on the chest is optional. Parti-color includes any color, including the mixed color known as roan, patterned with white. A third color is permissible. ASCOB includes blonde and red, with or without tan markings. Small white markings are permitted on the throat and chest of solid color Cockers, but nowhere. Temperament The Cocker could not have become the top dog in the US unless it had a good temperament. A well-bred Cocker is sweet, loyal, cheerful, playful, trustworthy, easily trained, adaptable -- all those things most sought after in a family pet. It needs a moderate amount of exercise and will get pudgy if allowed to be a complete couch potato. Its sensitivity may be its only drawback, for discipline must be gentle or the Cocker may wilt. However, the popularity of the breed has almost been its downfall: Puppy mills and backyard breeders have flooded the market with poorly-bred specimens that are yappy, snappy, nervous, high-strung dogs that are difficult to train and handle. Puppy mill Cockers can be found in pet stores. These puppies are produced solely because they sell. There's no concern for genetic diseases prevalent in the breed, no concern for socialization so necessary for development of that sweet demeanor, no concern for careful selection of pedigrees and parents to produce a litter. They frequently cost the same as a well-bred puppy from a responsible breeder.
