American Cocker Spaniel

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The American Cocker Spaniel was not registered in Britain until 1968, since when the breed has achieved great success and popularity.

The American Cocker Spaniel has very long hanging ears, a rounded head, and a profuse, silky, feathered, medium-length coat. The head is chiseled with an abrupt stop.

The muzzle is wide, deep and broad with a square jaw. The upper lip hangs down, covering the lower jaw completely. The teeth are strong and should meet in a scissors bite. The nose is always black on black dogs, but may be brown on other dogs.The eyes are round, set on so they look straightforward. The eye rims are slightly oval. Merle Cocker Spaniels can have blue eyes. The body is compact, with a short back.

The topline should slope gently downwards from front to back.The front legs are straight, with good bone. Dewclaws on front and rear legs should be removed.The coat comes in buff, black, and other solid colors, merle, black-and-tan (like a Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher), parti-color (white with black, white with buff or red, white with black and tan points) Some requirements for correct markings are specified in the standard.

The tail is docked to 2/5 it's original length and is carried on a line with its back; it is constantly in motion. Field lines generally have shorter coats which are better suited to work in brush. They also have better hunting instincts. Both types make good pets.

Temperament: Outgoing, Even Tempered, Merry, Joyful, Trusting, Sociable

Health Problems: Some major concerns in American Cocker Spaniels are cataracts, glaucoma and patellar luxation. Some minor concerns are hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, cherry eye, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency and cardiomyopathy. Occasionally seen are gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia).