Cocker Spaniel in Brief

Breed Cocker Spaniel: (English and American) Country of Origin: England AKC group England Function flusher of game birds, companion Life span 14-15 years Appearance sturdy, robust, strong Color black, tan, parti-color, tri-color Coat type fine wavy, shedding, medium to long in length Grooming requires frequent brushing and bathing as coat absorbs odors and will mildew and stink, ear cleaning necessary as prone to ear infections, nail trimming Height 15-17 inches Weight 25-35 pounds (American slightly smaller) Activity level high Watchdog high ability Protection no Intelligence high Trainability average, stubborn, soft Good with children? not recommended for children unless it is raised as a puppy with children Good with other pets? low dominance to other dogs but high prey drive to smaller animals Good with strangers? average character average Home environment apartment Ok, exercise daily, thrives on lots of daily attention Best owner patient leader who will insist on obedience and daily handling of the dog, no spoilers Potential problems: Behavioral: Unfortunately, just like many breeds that have become very popular, many Cockers were improperly bred and as a result have behavioral disorders such as aggression due to shyness, stubbornness, biting, screaming, wetting, and "Cocker Spaniel Syndrome" = urinating submissively. Make sure to find a reputable breeder of Cocker's if you are serious about getting one of these dogs. Reputable breeders produce sound Cocker Spaniels, but they are few and far between. Potential problems: Physical Eye and skin problems. Recommendations: Avoid puppy mill or pet store dogs as with any breed. It is imperative to deal with a reputable breeder.




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