American Cocker Spaniel – an animal companion for young and old

The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the few medium-sized dog breeds that are suitable for first-time dog owners and families with small children without restrictions. Like every dog, the “Ami” needs consistent training, appropriate workload and clear rules in everyday life. With a well-behaved, well-groomed American Cocker, you are welcome everywhere and have a lovable, four-legged companion in all situations.

From hunting dog to family dog

As the name suggests, the American Cocker Spaniel is closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel: Both have the same ancestors. It was not until a good 100 years ago that a separate breeding line developed from the English Cocker Spaniels exported to America. In the 40s of the last century, the American Cocker Spaniel was then recognized as an independent dog breed.

Already at the beginning, but especially in the last decades, the American Cocker took a different direction in breeding. Even externally, it differs significantly from its English relative: it is smaller, more compact and has a shorter nose. There are also clear differences in character. While the English Cocker is still bred and used for hunting in some lines today, the American Cocker has long been a pure family and companion dog. Its hardness, high energy level and hunting instinct have been reduced in favor of a particularly balanced temperament.

The character of the American Cocker Spaniel

Being everywhere – that’s in the blood of the American Cocker. He has an open, friendly, lovable nature and approaches every four-legged and two-legged friend full of enthusiasm. Aggressiveness or anxiety is alien to him if he grows up in a suitable environment and with good socialization. He loves to play and amuses big and small dog fans with his antics.

The American Cocker lives out his breed-typical joy of movement when running without a leash. He loves to let the wind blow around his nose and regularly needs long walks with the opportunity to really step on the gas. Following a trail with a deep nose is still in his genes today.

“Will to please” – the willingness to cooperate – is a matter of course for the lively Cocker. He is extremely docile and is considered easy to train. Clever as he is, however, it can also happen that he ignores a command in a friendly wagging in order to suggest a game instead. If you know how to take this with a laugh and stay on the ball with friendly consistency, you will have little problem forming an obedient, loyal companion for every situation in everyday life.

Education and Husbandry

The American Cocker fits into almost every home. Whether it’s a small apartment or a house with a garden – the American will always find a cozy place. It is important that he gets enough exercise and exercise. Thanks to his friendly nature, he also gets along well on busy dog meadows. Socialize him well in the first few months in his new home – dog schools and puppy playgroups will help you teach your little Cocker the right way to interact with other dogs.

If you are one of the active contemporaries who take their dog hiking, cycling or horseback riding, your American Cocker will develop into a real sports fan. He can run for hours and knows no fatigue. If the lovable four-legged friend is a companion for older people, he can also cope with a quieter life. Maybe there is also someone in the neighborhood who regularly takes him for a long walk or plays extensively? The less the lively cocker moves, the more you have to pay attention to his diet – American cockers tend to be overweight if the ratio between the amount of food and exercise is not right.

With treat hunting – be it in the apartment, in the garden or while going for a walk – you offer your dog a wonderful opportunity to let his sensitive nose work. Scatter his daily ration of dry food in the grass from time to time – this way he has to work for the food and has fun and exercise in one.

Caring for the American Cocker Spaniel

No dream dog without work – with the American Cocker Spaniel, that’s the grooming. You have to brush the dense, silky coat regularly and free it from burdocks, twigs and other collected goods from the walk. Also trim the feathers on the legs, but do not shear your American Cocker under any circumstances: This destroys its special coat structure, which keeps it dry in wind and weather.

Pay special attention to your Cocker Spaniel’s ears. Their length and thick hair ensure that the ears often hang in the bowl when eating. The sticky hairs must be cleaned after eating. Also, always remove hair and dirt in the ears to avoid painful ear infections.

Special features and health

On the health side, the American Cocker has a few packages to carry. The range of breed-typical diseases ranges from eye and ear problems to joint diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, heart disease and allergies to metabolic problems and liver dysfunction. You should therefore choose the breeder of the desired puppy carefully. You can find a list of breeders recognized by the VDH (Association for the German Canine Society) on their homepage. The parents of the puppies are extensively examined as part of the breeding approval process in order to enable breeding with healthy animals.

When raising the puppy, less is more: Do not let him climb stairs or jump off the couch at the beginning to protect the joints. The length of the walks must be adapted to the age of the puppy or young dog. A healthy diet adapted to its workload is important for a long life. In the best case, the American Cocker Spaniel can live up to 15 years.

ProfileAmerican Cocker Spaniel

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