Download The Cocker Spaniel By Sharon Barnhill

The Cocker Spaniel
By Sharon Barnhill
Breed standards
Size: Shoulder height: 38 - 41 cm (15 - 16.5 inches). Weight is around 29 lbs.
Coat: Hair is smooth and medium length.
Character: This dog is intelligent, cheerful, lively and affectionate.
Temperament: Cocker Spaniels get along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets.
Training: Training must be consistent but not overly firm, as the dog is quite willing to learn.
Activity: Two or three walks a day are sufficient. However, this breed needs to run freely in the
countryside on occasion. Most of them love to swim.
Cocker spaniel refers to two modern breeds of dogs of the spaniel dog type: the American Cocker
Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel, both of which are commonly called simply Cocker Spaniel in
their countries of origin. It was also used as a generic term prior to the 20th century for a small hunting
Spaniel. Cocker spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom, with the term
"cocker" deriving from their use to hunt the Eurasian Woodcock. When the breed was brought to the
United States it was bred to a different standard which enabled it to specialize in hunting the American
Woodcock. Further physical changes were bred into the cocker in the United States during the early
part of the 20th century due to the preferences of breeders.
Spaniels were first mentioned in the 14th century by Gaston III of Foix-Béarn in his work the Livre de
Chasse. The "cocking" or "cocker spaniel" was first used to refer to a type of field or land spaniel in the
19th century. Prior to 1901, Cocker Spaniels were only separated from Field Spaniels and Springer
Spaniels by weight. Two dogs are considered to be the foundation sires of both modern breeds, the
English variety are descended from Ch. Obo, while the American breed descends from Obo's son, Ch.
Obo II. In the United States, the English Cocker was recognized as separate from the native breed in
1946; in the UK, the American type was recognized as a separate breed in 1970. In addition, there is a
second strain of English Cocker Spaniel, a working strain which is not bred to a standard but to
working ability. Both breeds share similar coat colors and health issues with a few exceptions.
History
A drawing of two dogs in greyscale, one dark colored and the other is light with dark patches.
A drawing of English and Welsh Cockers, from John Henry Walsh's (under the pseudonym
"Stonehenge") 1859 work The Dog in Health and Disease
While their origins are unknown, "spaniels" are mentioned in 14th century writings. It is commonly
assumed that they originated in Spain, and Edward of Norwich, 2nd Duke of York in his 15th century
work The Master of Game introduces them as "Another kind of hound there is that be called hounds for
the hawk and spaniels, for their kind cometh from Spain, notwithstanding that there are many in other
countries." The Master of Game was mostly an English translation of an earlier 14th century Old
French work by Gaston III of Foix-Béarn entitled Livre de Chasse.
In 1801, Sydenham Edwards wrote in Cynographia Britannica that the "Land Spaniel" is divided into
two types: the hawking, springing/springer and the cocking/cocker spaniel. The term "cocker" came
from the dog's use in hunting Woodcocks. During the 19th century the term "cocker spaniel" was used
to describe a type of small Field Spaniel, which at the time was also a general term to describe a
number of different spaniel hunting breeds including the Norfolk Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel and Clumber
Spaniel. While there were no Sussex Cockers or Clumber Cockers, there were dogs known as Welsh
Cockers and Devonshire Cockers. The Welsh or Devonshire were considered cockers until 1903 when
they were recognized by The Kennel Club as the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
A drawing of a dark colored cocker spaniel, in profile, facing left.
Ch. Obo II, foundation sire of the American Cocker Spaniel
Prior to the 1870s, the only requirement for a dog to be classed as a Cocker Spaniel was that it needed
to weigh less than 25 pounds (11 kg), although breeders separated the cocker from the King Charles
Spaniel which remains a smaller breed of spaniel. This maximum weight limit remained on the Cocker
Spaniel until 1901, with larger dogs being classed as Springer Spaniels. The colors of the Devonshire
and Welsh Cockers were described by John Henry Walsh under the pseudonym Stonehenge in his book
The Dog in Health and Disease as being a deeper shade of liver than that of the Sussex Spaniel.
Following the formation of The Kennel Club in the UK in 1873, efforts were made by breeders to
record the pedigrees of cockers and springers. In 1892, English Cocker Spaniels and English Springer
Spaniels were recognized as separate breeds by The Kennel Club.
There are two dogs which are thought to be the foundation sires of both modern breeds of cocker
spaniels. Ch. Obo is considered by breed enthusiasts to be the father of the modern English Cocker
Spaniel, while his son, Ch. Obo II, is considered to be the progenitor of the American Cocker Spaniel.
Obo was born in 1879, at which point registration as a cocker was still only by size and not by ancestry.
He was the son of a Sussex Spaniel and a Field Spaniel. Although Obo was an English dog, Obo II was
born on American shores – his mother was shipped to the United States while pregnant. During his
lifetime, it was claimed in advertisements that Obo II was the sire or grandsire of nearly every prize
winning cocker in America.
Modern breeds
A diagram showing the difference in heights and body shapes of two dogs
A graph showing the height and shape difference between the American and English Cocker.
There are two modern breeds of cocker spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker
Spaniel. They were bred as gun dogs; to use their sense of smell to cover low areas near the handler in
order to flush birds into the air to be shot, and to use their eyes and nose to locate the bird once
downed, and then to retrieve the bird with a soft mouth. The major differences between the English and
American varieties is that the American is smaller with a shorter back, a domed head and a shorter
muzzle, while the English variety is taller with a narrower head and chest.
Cocker spaniels coats come in a variety of colors including black, liver, red and golden in solids. There
are also black and tan, and sometimes liver and tan, as well as a variety of color mixtures of those solid
colors including roans, roan and tans, tricolors and those solid colors with additional white markings.
Rare colors can appear unexpectedly in certain lines, for instance while an all-white cocker is usually
bred by selective breeding of very light golden strains, they can still appear very uncommonly to
parents who are dark colored. A noted occurrence of this happened in 1943, when a grandson of My
Own Brucie, Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1940 and 1941, was born allwhite.
In its native United States, the American Cocker Spaniel was ranked the 23rd most popular breed
according to registration statistics of the AKC in 2009, a decrease in popularity since 1999 when it was
ranked 13th. For twenty five years the American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog in America.
It was ranked number one first in 1936 prior to the English Cocker Spaniel being recognized as a
separate breed, and held onto the spot until 1952 when Beagles became the most popular dog. It
regained the spot in 1983 and held on at number one until 1990. In the UK, the American Cocker
Spaniel is far less popular than its English cousin with 322 registrations compared to the English
Cocker's 22,211 in 2009.
English Cocker Spaniel
Main article: English Cocker Spaniel
A yellow colored dog with floppy ears stands in profile. It's tongue sticks out.
A golden English Cocker Spaniel of the show strain
Called simply Cocker Spaniel in the UK, this is the breed that was originally recognized by The Kennel
Club (KC) in 1892. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the English Cocker Spaniel as a
separate breed in 1946.
The size of the English Cocker Spaniel according to the KC is 15.5–16 inches (39–41 cm) at the
withers for males, and 15–15.5 inches (38–39 cm) for females. The weight of a show dog should be
28–32 pounds (13–15 kg).
The English Cocker Spaniel is the most successful breed at the most popular dog show in the UK,
Crufts, with seven best-in-show wins since the prize was first awarded in 1928. This was mostly due to
the success of dog breeder H.S. Lloyd's Ware Kennel, dogs of which won best-in-show on six
occasions between 1930–1950. They are the second most popular dog breed in the UK according to
statistics released by the KC with 22,211 registrations in 2009, beaten only by the Labrador Retriever
with 40,943. In third place was the English Springer Spaniel with 12,700.The English Cocker's
popularity has increased steadily since 1999 in the United States when they were ranked 76th in
registrations by the AKC, to 2009 when they were ranked 66th
There are physical differences between the show strains and working strains in the UK. While the show
strain is bred to the conformation standard, the working strain is bred for working ability and as such
several physical differences have appeared. Working type dogs tend to be larger with flatter heads and
shorter ears. The coat also tends to be finer than the show variety and have less feathering.
American Cocker Spaniel
Main article: American Cocker Spaniel
A yellow colored dog turns sightly towards the camera while standing on a table at a grooming salon.
A recently groomed American Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels were recognized by the AKC in 1878. Generally smaller than its English cousin,
separate classes were created for the two types in America in 1935 and the Cocker Spaniel Club of
America discouraged breeding between the two types in 1938. The American Cocker Spaniel was
recognized as a separate breed by the KC in the UK in 1970. The American Cocker Spaniel is referred
to as the Cocker Spaniel within the United States.
The American Cocker Spaniel was bred smaller as American Woodcocks are smaller than their
European cousins, and the breeds appearance changed slightly during the first part of the 20th century
as the preference by American breeders was for a more stylized appearance.[7] The standard size
according to the AKC is between 14.5–15.5 inches (37–39 cm) at the withers for males and 13.5–14.5
inches (34–37 cm) for females. The weight of the breed is on average between 24–30 pounds (11–14
kg).
At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the most prestigious dog show in the United States,[30]
the American Cocker Spaniel has won best-in-breed on four occasions since its first award in 1907. The
most successful breed is the Wire Fox Terrier with thirteen wins.[31] The American Cocker Spaniel is
judged in three separate breed classes under AKC rules; "black", "parti-color", and "any solid color
other than black" (ASCOB).
Common health issues
In a survey conducted by the Kennel Club (UK), the American Cocker Spaniels had a median age of
death of ten years and four months, while the English Cocker Spaniel had a median age of eleven years
and two months.[34] According to the survey, the most common cause of death for both breeds was
cancer, while old age was the second most common cause. The two modern breeds are susceptible to
several health problems. Issues common to the two breeds include ear infections, and a variety of eye
problems. A large number of breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia. in a survey conducted by
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the American Cocker Spaniel was ranked 115th out of 157
different breeds, with 1 being the highest percentage dysplastic and 157 being the lowest percentage
dysplastic. The English Cocker was ranked 129th.
Health Problems
There are several health conditions that the Cocker Spaniel may suffer from. Some are due to poor
breeding standards, Other are not related to any specific breed at all, but may affect the Cocker Spaniel
at some point in his life. For more information on health issues please contact your Vet.
Ear Care
Ear infections are a fairly common problem with dogs and can be quite painful if not detected early and
taken care of. Cocker spaniels require regular ear maintenance. Their long floppy ears restrict air flow.
Good air circulation in the ear is necessary to prevent ear infections, eliminating the moist environment
in which bacteria thrive.
If your dog seems to have something wrong with his ears which causes him to scratch at them or shake
his head, cautiously explore the ear with a cotton swab. An accumulation of wax will probably work
itself out. Dirt, dried blood or foul smelling ears are indications of infection or ear mites and should be
treated immediately.
Your cocker spaniel will benefit from routine and frequent ear cleaning. A mixture of 1/2 peroxide and
1/2 alcohol can be used, or purchase a good cleansing solution from your veterinarian. Regular ear
cleaning will soften and remove dead tissue, debris and wax.
The best way to clean ears is to use a paper towel wrapped around a finger. Using cotton swabs to clean
the ears could result in damage if you probe too deeply into the ear. Cotton balls may be placed into the
ear while bathing to keep ears dry.
The typical cocker cut is of much benefit for the cocker's ears. The top 1/3 of the ears are trimmed
close, as well as the inside of the ears and neck covered by the ears. This cut will give the dog great air
flow to its ears and allow the long, floppy ear look that cockers are known for.
Any time your dog visits the veterinarian, ask them to check its ears. An otoscope, a lighted, hand-held
tool, will be used. This tool magnifies the ear canal. It can be purchased from pet supply catalogs and
operates on two AAA batteries. If ears are not properly taken care of, enough scar tissue will form. This
may result in surgery or loss of hearing. Routine ear care will help prevent problems and also detect
problems before they become serious.
Otitis externa
A spaniel's ear is flipped back, the ear canal is swollen closed.
Severe otitis externa in a cocker spaniel, the ear canal is inflamed and swollen shut Cocker spaniels and
other dogs that have long, pendulous ears are more predisposed to ear problems than some other
breeds. The fold of the ear can prevent air from entering, and it also creates a warm, moist environment
where organisms can grow. Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear canal which can be caused by a
variety of factors including parasites, microorganisms, foreign bodies, tumors, and underlying
dermatological disease. Ear mites can cause otitis externa; ticks and fleas can also live in dogs' ear
canals. The most common canine ear problems are caused by microorganisms, especially yeast
infections. The most common variety of this is Malassezia pachydermatitis. Symptoms can include the
dog shaking its head or scratching at its ears more frequently. The ear canal will appear inflamed, a
pus-like substance will be discharged in some cases, and the ear will smell quite pungent in most cases.
Treatment for the more common causes of otitis externa in dogs often includes flushing the ears with an
antibacterial solution. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed. Some conditions can
increase the chance of ear infections, including living in a humid environment and frequent swimming
or bathing without adequate drying of the ear afterwords.
Eye conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a term given to several diseases which affect a dog's eyesight and
can lead to blindness. It has been documented in a large number of different dog breeds including both
the American and English Cocker Spaniels. The two types of Cockers are susceptible to a specific type
of PRA called Progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD), symptoms include night blindness leading
to total blindness between the ages of three and five. PRCD is the most widespread hereditary retinal
disease which may lead to blindness in dogs.
Another leading cause of blindness is Canine glaucoma. This is an increase in the pressure of the fluid
in the eye which, if left untreated, can cause visual impairment and eventual loss of sight. The
condition can be inherited (Primary glaucoma) or a secondary condition to a variety of other eye issues
including tumors or lens luxation. Both breeds are affected by juvenile cataracts which can occur at up
to four years of age. Symptoms can include discoloring of the pupil, and treatment may include surgery
to remove the cataract.
PROLAPSED GLAND OF THE THIRD EYELID (Cherry Eye):
When the tear gland of the third eyelid pops out of position, it protrudes from behind the eyelid as a
reddish mass. This prolapsed tear gland condition is commonly referred to as "cherry eye". The
problem is seen primarily in young dogs, including the Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Poodle,
Beagle, and Bulldog. It's also seen sometimes in certain cat breeds including the Burmese.
Despite its appearance, cherry eye itself is not a painful condition. However, the longer the tear gland is
exposed, the more likely it will come irritated and inflamed. If the patient rubs at the eye, it could cause
the gland to bleed or become infected. Furthermore, the function of the tear gland could become
compromised if the gland is exposed for long periods of time.
To correct cherry eye, surgical REPLACEMENT of the gland is necessary. This treatment is superior to
a somewhat older technique of surgically REMOVING the gland. The gland of the third eyelid plays an
important role in maintaining normal tear production. We now know that dogs who have had the tear
gland removed are predisposed to developing Dry Eye Syndrome later in life. Dry Eye Syndrome is
uncomfortable for the patient, and requires the owner to administer topical medications several times a
day for the remainder of the patient's life. To avoid this condition, it is preferable to tuck the tear gland
back inside the third eyelid, where it can continue to function normally.
The procedures use to correct cherry eye by ophthalmologists vary depending on surgeon preference
but a common procedure is called a "pocket technique". Although the gland cannot be put back into its
original position in the third eyelid, a new pocket is made near the original position. The tear gland is
tucked inside the pocket and the pocket is sutured closed.
Aggressive behavior
There is no correcting this issue. If you see that the Mother or Father is aggressive, don't buy the Pup.
You will be buying trouble if you do. The Cocker Spaniel is a friendly happy dog, This aggressive
behavior is due to the back yard breeders and puppy mills neglect over the years. And anyone breeding
such dog's is not a respectable breeder.
Ear Problems,Skin conditions,Tumors ,Eye / Vision Problems,
Coat care
The Cocker Spaniel is blessed with a beautiful coat of long flowing hair that requires a great deal of
attention. If neglected it can become tangled and knotted. Cocker Spaniels must be brushed and
combed thoroughly on a regular basis to keep free of tangles, You will find that cockers love this
attention and they learn to expect this. I even have a few that will bring me their brush when they want
groomed. You will also need to bath your dog as often as once every 2 weeks. use a shampoo that is
formulated for long coats and a good conditioner. If you don't have the time to shampoo and brush your
dog, than you may want to try getting it trimmed short. I have most of my dogs trimmed short. It's just
easier to care for them that way.
Nail care
You will need to trim your dogs nails at least every 4-6 weeks. Maybe even sooner depending on the
rate of growth for your dog. If you have hard wood floors you will want to keep them cut pretty short.
You can learn to do this yourself or take him to the Veterinarians office and have the Vet tech do it for
you. Most Puppies don't like this, but practice makes perfect. They will become accustom to having it
done and will stand for you.
Teeth care
There is nothing worse than doggie breath. I recommend using greenies and a good dog biscuit. You
will need to have his teeth professionally cleaned at the vets office at least once a year. You can also
brush his teeth yourself, but this needs to be started at an early age to make it easier on both of you.
Feeding
I recommend using Purina brand dog and puppy food. You may want to consult you veterinarian about
what food is right for your pooch. Steer clear of feeding from the table, and junk food. this is not good
for the little guy and could upset his belly. It will also make him not want his dog food. You also need
to be on a feeding schedule or offer free choice.
Exercise
The cocker spaniel is a highly energetic animal and loves to run and play. They need a fenced in back
yard to play, However they do very well in an apartment with adequate exercise. Daily walks is highly
recommended and would be good for everyone's health.
Flea's
All dogs get flea's. I recommend using Advantage once a month spot on. You can also treat bedding,
toys with Adams flea and tick spray. works great. However you may want to consult you veterinarian
about what product would work best for your dog. Also Borax in the carpet. (regular Mule-team
Borax)You just sprinkle it on
(brush it around with a broom) and vac it up. do this about 2-3x a year.
Before you Buy
There are a few things you should do before you decide to buy a Puppy.
Ask to see the Parents - Look for any health problems in the parents, such as the skin, eyes, and notice
their temperament.
Ask about the parents health and if they suffer from any of the conditions I have mentioned.
Make sure you are not buying from a puppy mill. to do this, ask how many litters they have a year, If
they produce a lot of litters, than its a puppy mill.
Ask if they are willing to take the Pup/Dog back if you are no longer able to care for him. This should
be for the life of the Dog,
Any Respectable Breeder would be willing to answer your questions, and may even have a few
questions for you. Such as - do you have a fenced in back yard. How much time can you spend with the
Puppy every day. and where will you keep the puppy. They also may do a follow up to see how the
Puppy has turned out, because they care about what type of Dog's they breed, and want to make sure
they produce quality dogs and not quantity.
A good breeder can be a great source of information for you and will be willing to answer any of your
questions before and after you buy the pup.