The American Cocker Spaniel is a popular pet, and it’s easy to see why. Cheerful and sunny by nature, this playful dog aims to please. The Cocker Spaniel is the 15th most popular breed registered with the AKC in the United States. With its long floppy ears, soulful eyes, soft coat and perpetually wagging tail, this dog will easily win the hearts of your entire family.

History and Origin

Spaniels have a long history in the United States– in fact, two Spaniels came over on the Mayflower - but it wasn’t until the 1940s that the American Cocker Spaniel was first recognized as a unique breed by the AKC. Smaller than the English Cocker Spaniel from which it was developed, the name "Cocker" comes from the woodcock, a game bird these spaniels were often used to hunt. Although still a fine gun dog, today the Cocker Spaniel is most often employed as a loving companion or show dog.

General Information

A well-bred American Cocker Spaniel will have a trustworthy, stable and adaptable personality. Beware, however, of poorly bred puppy-mill Cocker Spaniels as they can exhibit a strange temperament and show a multitude of behavioral problems including a combination of fear and dominance that often leads to vicious behavior. Make sure to buy only from a reputable breeder or pet store, and you’ll be rewarded with a happy-go-lucky best friend for life.

Maybe not the smartest dog in the kennel, the Cocker Spaniel is nevertheless very responsive to obedience training, finding it easiest to learn through the use of positive, gentle reinforcement. This fella is not much of a watch dog – the Cocker Spaniel tends to be unfailingly friendly with strangers and other animals alike. Needing plenty of regular exercise, your Cocker will love to run free off-leash in natural settings whenever it can – just be sure it doesn’t run through brambles or bushes, as you’ll pay dearly when trying to brush the debris out of the coat afterward.

A great deal of daily grooming is required to keep the long coat healthy and clean; brush daily and shampoo frequently, with quarterly scissoring/clipping sessions; some owners prefer to keep the coat clipped shorter for easier care. The eyes need regular careful cleaning to avoid infection.

Lady and the Tramp

In addition to serving as pets for such notables as former President Richard Nixon (Checkers) and Oprah Winfrey (Solomon and Sophie) – the American Cocker Spaniel became a best known favorite of American pet lovers thanks to the Disney film classic “Lady and the Tramp.” In the movie, Lady is an elegant American Cocker Spaniel living with a well-to-do family, who shares love, adventure (and an eventual litter of puppies) with Tramp, a scalawag mutt.

Health Ailments

Unfortunately, this breed is susceptible to a number of potential health problems, including ear infections, eye diseases, hip and knee problems, skin diseases, heart disease, urinary disease and epilepsy, among other ailments.

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