American cocker spaniel | Facts & Information

Other names: Cocker, Merry Cocker, Cocker Spaniel

The word" Spanish " was added to the Cocker in late 1100 when it was imported from Spain to England. Evidence from the year 1300 shows that the breed was divided into two distinct types: Spanish water Cockers and Spanish land Cockers.

According to historical records the Spanish Cocker was taken from England from Playmouth in America to New England in 1620. The first cocker recorded in America was a dog named captain.

He was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878. After 1881 the ASC (American Spaniel Club) was formed which is now known as the oldest dog club in the USA. The first American cockerels appeared in Britain in the 1950s – 1960s.

It was the most popular dog in the US from 1940 to 1952, in 1980, from 1984 to 1990. Lately it has been ranked somewhat lower but it is never known when it returns to the scene given the large number of existing copies.

Spanish American cockerels had the outlet to American presidents, the first to have one as a pet was Richard Nixon. Later another cocker named Zeke had a crush on Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas.

Feeding The American Cocker Spaniel

Diet one cocker in general should not be complicated, but simply well balanced and nutritious.

A healthy diet will help your dog avoid obesity and live a long and healthy life. Like most dogs Cockers eat at any time of the day.

Unfortunately, they are prone to obesity, especially during growth, so sweets and small rewards are strictly limited.

The diet should contain plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, carrots, broccoli, spinach, apples, blueberries, etc., without citrus fruits because they contain citric acid that causes diarrhea.

Even the slightest glimpse of orange or lemon could cause your dog a nasty stomach ache. Proteins in the form of meat or fish should be included in the dog's diet, for example salmon, turkey, chicken(without bones), beef, lamb, etc.do not forget to remove excess fat. We mentioned above that this beautiful dog is disposed to obesity, but this does not mean that it does not need fat.

A small amount is needed to keep her fur shiny, skin healthy, and eyes crystalline. Oils and fats in general can be taken from meat (chicken,lamb,beef – animal fats) fish and vegetables.

The diet must also contain carbohydrates in order for the animal to remain active. Carbohydrates you can get from fruits vegetables and cereals such as barley, rice, oats. Vitamins and minerals are very important for the health of the cocker, some manufacturers include these additional vitamins in food.

Over time it has been observed that the animal is at risk for developing food allergies. A food allergy is the immune system's response to certain foods. The most likely symptoms of allergies are itching, in the area of the ears and feet.

A thorough check will reveal a redness of the skin in the affected areas. Diseases can vary from dog to dog, the animal may have blood in the feces, frequent and/or irregular stools, etc.it is recommended that each food introduced into the diet be done in at least 2 weeks time. The most common foods to which Spanish American cockerels are allergic are: beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn, soy.

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Appearance American Cocker Spaniel

The Spanish American Cocker is the smallest dog recognized as a sports dog. with an average between 13.5 – 15.5 in geaban.

It is a well proportioned dog with medium length silky fur on the body and ears. The breed standard provides for sizes 39cm for males and 37cm for females. The Spanish American Cocker weighs about 11-15kg, with females being somewhat lighter than males.

The head of a cocker makes it easy to recognize it with its slightly rounded shape and square lips. The hanging ears are long with silky fur, and the eyes are large and dark in color. The nose can be black or brown depending on the color of the breed. The breed is present in several colors, generally solid colors like black or tan black, dark red or cream.

American Cocker Spaniel Behavior

Also known as The Merry Cocker, the standard breed defines the ideal Spanish American cocker dog as "balanced in temperament and without a bit of shyness".

He has a good level of socialization from an early age, and can easily get along with people, children, other dogs or other animals. They seem to have a tail from which they give without standing preferring the company of people.

It's not the best dog to be left alone in the back yard. Cockers can be easily stressed from loud noises that bother them in the long run, or if they get too hard treatment or handling. Members of the breed were originally used as hunting dogs, but the breed has grown in popularity as a show dog.

Dressage American Cocker Spaniel

Cockers generally need to be trained calmly, patiently, but with firmness. These dogs are sensitive, independent and intelligent. It is an intelligent dog, but during training it can give in relatively easily if it feels that it cannot please its owner.

He is happy when he sees his master happy. As I said, training should be done with patience and repeated attempts.

If a dog is trained through punishment and beatings, it will misperceive the message and result in a negative experience. If you make repeated movements with interest and the animal will give its interest and will more easily perceive what is transmitted to it. Be careful what you reward him with and how much you reward him.

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Features Of The American Cocker Spaniel

In a survey in 2004 the most common causes of death were: 23% cancer, 20% old age, 8% heart problems, etc.

Another study shows, with a lower probability, the main chances are: cancer and liver disease.

American Cocker Spaniel Diseases

American Spanish Cockers are susceptible to a variety of diseases, especially infections of the ears and in some cases of the eyes.

Although an exact percentage is not known, cases of retinal atrophy and cataracts have been reported. Annual eye checks by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended at least for specimens that are used for breeding.

Inflammations in the ears are quite common diseases. Hip dysplasia was also recorded in a few specimens.

There have also been cases of heart problems in which the dog was lacking energy and unable to move normally, this gene occurs in 10% of the canine population. They are also prone to epilepsy and Rage syndrome (also a form of epilepsy in which a calm dog engages in sudden violent and unprovoked attacks).