Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are one of the most common dog breeds in America today. As of 2020, Cocker Spaniels are ranked in the top 30 as one of the most popular breeds by the American Kennel Club, also known as AKC. The AKC has been around since 1884 and is the nations oldest, largest, and most established purebred dog registry. The Cocker Spaniel was one of the first 9 breeds to be registered and recognized by the AKC.
Cocker Spaniels are the AKC's smallest spaniel. Female Cocker Spaniels tend to range from 20 to 25 pounds. Males are usually 25 to 30 pounds, and these spaniels stand about 14 to 15 inches tall. Other, larger, spaniels recognized by the AKC include the English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cocker Spaniels are considered purebred dogs. Purebreds, also known as purebreeds, will exhibit the traits of the parents. Purebreds have been bred for specific qualities and unlike mixes, you will have a very good idea of the personality and physical characteristics of your puppy. Spaniels, like many other breeds, were bred to be hunters, specifically bird hunters. They are known for being gentle yet playful, affectionate, friendly and lively. Cockers are great with kids of all ages and are easily trainable. Cocker Spaniels often live to be 10 to 14 years old. They generally have big round eyes that are dark brown and long floppy ears. Cocker Spaniels can come in black, brown, chocolate, or liver colors. They can even have a mix of two or three colors in their coat.
The spaniels are thought to have first originated in Spain where they were grouped land and water spaniels together in one category. Eventually, in the 1800's dog shows and the idea of purebreds became very popular and various spaniels began getting classified as different breeds. The Cocker Spaniel was named after its specialty, the woodcock bird. Springer Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels are the ancestors of today's Cocker Spaniel. Later on in America, the Cocker Spaniel was split into two more distinct breeds the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. As similar as the two are, they also have differences. The American Cocker Spaniel, also referred to as the Cocker Spaniel, is a little shorter and longer than the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Spaniel does not have as much fur as the American. Another noteworthy difference is the shape of their heads. Cocker Spaniels have a shorter muzzle, rounded skull, and almond- shaped eyes. Whereas the American Cocker has full, tight, oval, eyes and a less rounded skull.
All in all, if you are looking for a loving, trustworthy, faithful, quiet companion, I highly recommend the Cocker Spaniel for you.
