English Cocker Spaniel Dog: How to Raise an Affectionate Companion from an Agile Hunter. All facts about the English Cocker Spaniel All about the Cocker Spaniel

Like any hunting dog breed, the American Cocker Spaniel is very active, and despite the fact that it has long been a pet and is practically not used for its intended purpose, the instincts and habits of the hunter are fully preserved. This can be seen from the games in the yard during walks, the dog will run non-stop, and if toys are thrown to it, the cocker will bring it, holding it by the very tip and raising its head high so as not to damage the “prey”.

American Cocker Spaniel

The nature of the breed

In character, the American Cocker Spaniel is practically no different from, the main differences are only in appearance - the “American” is slightly smaller in size and has a thicker coat. About 100 years ago it was one breed, but in the UK and the USA, clubs set different criteria for the breed, thereby forming 2 different standards.

The dog has a very kind character, it can be safely left with a small child or a cat, the Cocker sees only a friend in any living creature, and will certainly take the opportunity to play and frolic with him.

But, apart from the joys of life, the American Cocker Spaniel is still in the service of man as a detective, as they have an excellent sense of smell. In the photo below, a dog is being trained to search for drugs.

Characteristics of the American Cocker Spaniel:

• Height - up to 40 cm;
• Weight - up to 15 kg;
• Life expectancy - up to 16 years;
• Color - red, black, fawn, brown, mixed;
• Musculature - well developed;
• The coat is long and silky.

The dog is especially proud of the hair on its paws, where it is the longest and, with proper care, very beautiful.

But this is the lot of exhibition copies of the show class.

If a dog is often left at home alone, then they develop a bad habit of barking. If the cocker starts to be harmful, then stop it, you need to show who is the boss in the house.

Buying a dog

Before buying, we determine for what purposes the dog. If for home comfort, then you can turn to the ads for help, and buy it from your hands. But with this, you will not receive any documents, and no guarantees that the dog is healthy and without bad habits, transmitted by genes from its parents.

If you need a dog to conquer exhibitions, or just need guarantees, then the purchase will have to be made either in a kennel or from professional breeders.

In the nursery, you will definitely be given a pedigree (or a puppy card, which can then be exchanged for a pedigree), a vaccination card, which will indicate all the procedures done, show the parents of the crumbs, and tell everyone about him.

Prices vary quite a bit:

• Puppies on the ad - up to 10,000 rubles;
• Domestic puppies in the kennel - up to 22,000 rubles;
• Exhibition show class with an impeccable pedigree - up to 75,000 rubles.

Spaniel Care

Although she is at home, walks on the street are required daily. But be prepared to clean the coat and paws, because the dog will unceremoniously run around all the lawns and bushes.

All care comes down to daily combing of wool so that it does not tangle into lumps. Haircut and grooming are needed only for show beauties, as these are quite expensive procedures. But if you are able to do it yourself, then the dog will not hurt.

You can also bathe a couple of times a month, but using only special shampoos, which can be purchased at a pet store. Human hygiene products, including soaps, can cause allergies.

To ensure that vision is preserved for life, the dog can occasionally, once a week, wash its eyes with a cotton swab dipped in eye fluid. With the same frequency, it is useful to clean the ears with cotton swabs, but very carefully and not deeply.

Also, do not forget to buy special bones for brushing your teeth.

diet

With food, everything is standard for this type of dog. But the cocker has very long ears, and so that they do not get dirty on food, you must either put on a headband that will hold the ears, or pin them before eating with an ordinary clothespin behind the head for wool.

The American Cocker Spaniel has an immoderate appetite, they are prone to overeating and obesity!

But this does not mean that the dog should be starved, just give it a load every day in the form of two-hour walks, and the dog will be normal for the rest of his life.

The ration should be as follows:

• Raw lean meat;
• Vegetables, either stewed or raw;
• Kashi;
• Fish, sea, boiled.

The ratio should be approximately 80% protein and 20% carbohydrate. Without experience, it is difficult to adhere to these relationships, so it is recommended to feed the dog with premium or super premium ready-made food. If you have a show dog, then for a shiny coat, the use of super premium foods is a must.

Feeds are balanced and rich in vitamins, but more expensive than natural food. Natural and prepared foods can be alternated, but not mixed at the same time.

Remember to change the water in the bowl often.

And remember - we are responsible for those we have tamed!

The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds today. And it must be borne in mind that this variety has appeared for a very long time. The English Spaniel is considered to be a very ancient breed intended for hunting. However, the owners love them not only for this. People buy such animals even for their children, as spaniels are very friendly, smart, funny puppies with excellent intellectual abilities. Such a dog can become an ideal friend and companion for its owner.

Historical facts

The English Cocker Spaniel is a dog that arrived in European countries from Spain. According to experts dealing with the issue of crossing animals, the dog Obo is considered the founder of this breed, which had a black thick coat, as well as incredible endurance and courage.

Crossing was carried out at the beginning of the nineteenth century, but official data appeared in world sources only in 1902. Such a breed as the English Cocker Spaniel was developed for a reason. The purpose of crossing was to get a dog that would be an excellent assistant for hunters.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, there were very strict requirements for this breed, so it was almost impossible to breed puppies. Therefore, only in 1974, the English Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the world community. Although at the moment the requirements for such a breed have become much softer. At the very beginning, the main purpose of the spaniel was to scare the birds, and to do everything possible so that the hunter could get prey.

But in Russia dogs of this breed appeared relatively long ago, at the beginning of the twentieth century, but the Russians did not like them at all. And only in the seventies, the inhabitants of this country were able to appreciate them. This happened after a high-bred English Cocker Spaniel was brought to us from Finland and England. However, many people confuse this breed with American Spaniels. Although these dogs are similar in appearance, they are still very different from each other.

Description of the breed: external characteristics

The English Cocker Spaniel is considered a medium-sized dog. Its height at the withers is about forty centimeters, while its weight ranges from twelve to sixteen kilograms. The coat of this dog breed is very soft and slightly curly. If you look closely, then you can see that the wool cover on the paws resembles a fringe, and the bottom of the body looks like a skirt made of wool.

If a representative of this breed has a very fluffy, wavy or extremely hard coat, then he is considered a "culling".

The dog has a perfectly shaped body. It is quite squat, but at the same time the back is characterized by very smooth bends.

The muzzle of the English Cocker Spaniel is quite elongated and sharp, the nose is relatively large. iris of the eye can have a different shade, ranging from light hazel to dark brown.

An important distinguishing feature of this breed are long hanging ears, located slightly below the level of the back of the head. The neck is of medium length, but very strong and muscular.

The tail is below the level of the back. Characterized by great mobility. However, if the dog is to be used for the purpose of hunting, then it is removed. Another important feature of this breed is the ability of the dog to move correctly. Paws are very strong and muscular, while the stride is sweeping.

What can be the color

The English Cocker Spaniel breed can have a wide variety of colors. The coat color can be not only solid, but also spotted. Most often there are black dogs, but there are also sable, chestnut or red individuals. In this case, the color of the dog can very smoothly move into different shades. If the dog has a spotted color, then usually you can see white spots on it that occur throughout the body. It is very common to see a black dog of this breed with small white specks.

The most valuable and expensive dogs of this breed are representatives with a tricolor coat. But dogs that have a brown-white, brindle and steel color are not included in the standardization of English Cocker Spaniels at all.

The main varieties of this breed

A breed such as the English Cocker Spaniel (a description of the breed is given on this resource) is usually divided according to the following two criteria:

• for what purpose it was bred: for exhibitions or for hunting;
• where and when was it released.

Dogs bred for hunting are most often characterized by a white coat color. This is necessary so that the little hunter can be clearly seen in the grass. At the same time, their coat is much shorter than that of the exhibition specimens, and the tail has a maximum length of twelve to thirteen centimeters.

Breeds intended for exhibitions have thicker and longer coats. The ears are also more elongated. Please note a very important point, the white English Cocker Spaniel breed will not be allowed to show.

What is the temperament of this dog?

Despite its original purpose, this breed is very friendly and cheerful. This dog will be very happy play with children (even with the smallest ones), as well as with other animals. Such a dog will become an excellent member of the family, and will be able to make friends with its entire composition. She loves it when people show affection to her and communicate. However, be prepared for the fact that dogs of this breed simply cannot stand being alone. Left alone in the house, they will howl, bark, and also ruin your favorite things.

Also a good feature of the Cocker Spaniel is its curiosity and the ability to learn very quickly. Going for a walk with him, you may notice that the dog walks by itself. But in reality this is far from the case. Even running far from his master, he will not let him out of sight. Such a fine quality is a manifestation of his basic hunting instincts. After you return home with the dog, you will see that he does not want to leave his owner at all, and will always be with him.

How to keep such a dog

The English Cocker Spaniel, including black, is perfect for keeping in an apartment environment. Such a dog does not need a lot of space, so even the smallest apartment is perfect. There are only two things that such a dog cannot do without:

• constant communication with a person;
• walks outside regardless of weather conditions.

Please note that such a dog has a huge and indefatigable vitality. Therefore, if you do not provide her with constant and long walks, she will simply begin to spoil the furniture in the house, and spend her indefatigable energy in all sorts of other ways. Pay attention to the duration of the walks. They should be at least two to three hours a day, daily. Also such a dog will not mind taking part in various sports competitions.

Never keep a Cocker Spaniel in an aviary. Also, do not keep a dog of this breed outside in the winter season. She will definitely get sick, and this can be fatal.

Care rules

The Black Cocker Spaniel, like dogs of other colors, needs regular grooming. Get ready for daily brushing. It is very important to do such a procedure, otherwise the wool will begin to get tangled, and tangles will appear on it, which will not be so easy to get rid of. Also, such a dog will need regular brushing of teeth. Carry out the procedure will have to do several times a week. By the way, special bones that can be bought at any pet store can be ideal for this.

Experts advise paying special attention to the dog's ears. While eating, they can get into the food bowl and become contaminated. Therefore, before each feeding, tie the dog's ears, or purchase a special narrowed bowl.

A haircut is a prerequisite for caring for a Cocker Spaniel. It is best if it is done by a specially trained master. However, you will have to and regularly cut the hair in the paws, otherwise the dog will have discomfort in moving.

You should also take care of the claws. If the dog spends a lot of time outside, they will wear down naturally. If not, then trim them while cutting.

Carrying out water procedures

The Black Cocker Spaniel, like other representatives of this breed, needs bathing. If you do not carry out water procedures, then the dog's coat will look extremely unaesthetic. Therefore, bathing should be carried out at least six to eight times a year. This is especially important to do after the dog has been out in the rain. Pieces of dirt can accumulate on her coat, which then will not be so easy for you to remove. Very important after swimming take care of the dog's coat. It must be wiped dry or dried with a hair dryer. This is done so that the animal does not get sick.

Never wash your dog's ears. The only thing you can do is wipe them with a Q-tip.

Get ready for what the dog will be just happy swim in open water.

How to feed

How you feed your black pet will determine his health. The characteristic of this breed is that the dogs are very mobile. Therefore, food products for black cocker spaniels and dogs of a different color should be as high in calories as possible. The diet should contain a lot of meat and boneless fish.

It is very important to combine meat products with various cereals and vegetables. The dog will not mind eating buckwheat, rice, as well as cucumbers, zucchini and carrots. Be very careful when giving dairy products to your dog. To avoid diarrhea, it is better not to give milk at all. But kefir and cottage cheese are allowed several times a week.

Do not give the Cocker Spaniel bones, but he can eat cartilage in large quantities. For proper digestion, once a day, you can put one tablespoon of vegetable oil in porridge. This will also help keep your pet's coat looking beautiful.

It is also allowed to give dry food to such dogs, however, before doing this, be sure to read its description on the package. If you still want to feed your dog dry food, then you will have to give your preference to one brand. Also, in no case should you combine dry and natural food, as this will have a negative impact on the health of your pet.

It is also very important to pay attention to how many times a day you need to feed the dog. Puppies need more frequent feeding. Therefore, there should be about six meals a day.. Over time, the number of servings gradually decreases. An individual that has reached the age of two needs two meals a day. Follow this rule strictly, otherwise the animal will very quickly begin to gain excess weight.

Rules of upbringing

The character of the English Cocker Spaniel begins to form already in the second or third month. It is at this age that the dog will most need your attention. You can start training as early as three or four months of age. Dogs of this breed are very smart and quick-witted. With proper training with motivational elements, the dog will very quickly understand what she needs to do.

During the process of education, the owner must teach his puppy to unquestioningly carry out the commands required of him. At the same time, in no case should you pay attention to the whims of the puppy, otherwise he will grow up to be a very spoiled and naughty dog.

Never forget that the English Cocker Spaniel really needs your love and care. Only in this case the dog can be happy.

- a hardy hunting dog, which is in the genes to bring game to its owner. A distinctive feature of the spaniel from most modern breeds is its long ears. Therefore, it is logical to assume that his ancestors were ancient dogs with the same structure of the ears. But in fact, English Cocker Spaniels originated from ordinary dogs with small ears, and only as a result of human selection, not natural selection, did they get such luxurious ears.

	Training
	Mind
	Moult
	Guard qualities
	Security qualities
	Popularity
	The size
	Agility
	Attitude towards children

History of the breed

The ancestor of representatives of this breed is an ash dog that lived in the Bronze Age. These dogs performed hunting functions and are considered the progenitors of all modern hunting breeds. They were called "ashy" by scientists, as their well-preserved remains were found in the ashes. Apparently, ancient people sacrificed dogs to the gods of hunting, burning them at the stake. But, of course, most of the dogs were left alive, because they were indispensable helpers in the hunt.

Over the centuries, people have learned to consolidate the best hunting qualities in the breed and create a breed type that is identical in appearance. This is how the breed of spaniels appeared, which at that time were not yet divided into national varieties: English, and Russian. Interestingly, most researchers associate the origin of spaniels with Spain. It is believed that they are descended from small, long-haired Spanish hunting dogs with which people hunted partridges.

But this version also has opponents who believe that the phonetic similarity in the words spaniel and Spain is not enough for a serious statement about the origin of the breed. They believe that spaniels are descended from the British dogs known as Agasses, which are small, with excellent flair and long hair. Mention of spaniels as special hunting dogs are found in written sources dating back to the 4th century AD. e.

The British found an even more interesting explanation for the origin of their breed. They tied the word spaniel to the phrase "span spain", the translation of which is: "the one who jumps high." This name really corresponds to the behavior of spaniels on the hunt, when they jump out of high thickets or stand on their hind legs, stretched out to attention, ready to jump high at any second.

But the second word in the name of the breed does not cause discussion. Cocker is a forest bird, woodcock, for hunting which the English Cocker Spaniel was bred. If the origin of the first spaniels cannot be reliably confirmed and one can only hypothesize about the region in which their ancestors lived, then the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel breed is firmly connected with England.

Cynologists-spanielists began to actively breed the breed at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1885, they formed the English Spaniel Club, whose goal was to officially recognize and popularize the breed. In this country, the breed was registered in 1893, and after 9 years the official breed standard was approved. There have been several revisions of the standard over the years, with the latest version appearing in 1969. In 1974, the breed was recognized by the FCI, and an international standard emerged, according to which English Cocker Spaniels are bred all over the world. Interestingly, in England the breed is simply called the Cocker Spaniel, while in America the American Cocker is called so.

In Russia, a foreign breed did not take root immediately. The first English Cocker Spaniels appeared in our country at the beginning of the 20th century. But for a long time there were so few of them that the breed practically did not develop. Wide public interest in cockers appeared only in the 70s. Most of the first thoroughbred dogs were brought to our country from kennels in England and Finland. These beautiful and funny dogs became especially popular in the early 80s, they were regular participants in exhibitions, they were brought up not only by hunters, but simply by dog ​​lovers.

The progenitor of all modern Cockers was the black male Obo, who was born in 1879 in England and left numerous offspring. From his son Obo 2 went the breed of American Cocker Spaniels.

At first, the breed appeared at English shows under the name "field spaniels". Then the unofficial name "jolly cocker" was fixed in their homeland.

Standard

The appearance of the English Cocker Spaniel conveys the energy of his character. The body of the dog is approximately square, the shape of the muzzle resembles a rectangle. The skull has a smooth outline, looks moderately light and moderately heavy. The nose is wide enough.

Eyes of dark color: brown of different shades. They are large, but without bulge. The expression of the eyes is good-natured and intelligent. There is a cheerful gleam in the eyes.

Ears are set at eye level, hanging down and having a patchwork shape. Thin ears are completely covered with silky hair.

Scissor bite.

Neck without dewlap, medium length. Beautifully placed on the shoulders.

The chest is strongly developed, but not wide. The shoulders are set obliquely and seem to merge with the body.

The forelimbs are powerful and short, which provides the dog with a strong support, but does not reduce its performance. Paws are covered with wool.

The body is very strong for a small dog. The ribs are convex, the loin is short and strong. The topline is level and firm, sloping slightly towards the croup. The croup is broad, rounded and muscular.

The skeleton of the hind limbs is strong, the knee joints have a good amplitude of flexion, which ensures rapid movement. Paws with soft cat pads.

The tail is very mobile, set slightly below the level of the back. In a mobile state, it is at the level of the back and never rides up. It is docked mainly for hunting purposes, not too short.

Black English Cocker Spaniel

Wool in structure resembles silky hair, devoid of stiffness. The coat is long, but not curly or curled. The color is varied: black, roan, spotted. If the color is solid, then white spots on the back and sides are considered a disadvantage.

Movements are fast, free, moves in vigorous jumps.

The height at the withers is 39-40.5 cm for males and 38-39.5 cm for females. Weight is allowed in the range from 12.7 to 14.5 kg.

English Cockers can stand on an airplane flying in the sky, mistaking it for a bird.

The nature of the English Cocker Spaniel breed

The English Cocker Spaniel breed combines three main qualities: intelligence, kindness and cunning. These qualities determine the behavior of the dog and its character.

In many ways, the character of the English Cocker Spaniel was influenced by his hunting past. Therefore, for a quiet city life, he may seem overly mobile and excited dog. For example, on a walk, he can smell something interesting and follow the call of nature for an intriguing smell, running away at a decent distance from the owner. Cockers are used to hunting not only on command, but also on their own, so they can make an independent decision, setting off to carry out an important, in their opinion, mission.

At the same time, dogs of this breed are extremely obedient, but they do not have slavish obedience and desire to curry favor. They are obedient somehow in a special nobly way, trying to keep with the owner on an equal footing and fulfilling his requirements as a friend, not a servant.

English Cocker Spaniels are very funny animals. They love fun, movement and noisy companies. It is unlikely that your pet will be bored or shy in the company of dogs of other breeds, he will definitely become, if not the ringleader, then one of the most active participants in all dog activities.

: they run after them, they like ball games. But if the children are very small (under 7 years old), then this process should still be controlled by an adult. A cocker excited by the game can bite or scratch the baby. Of course, these dogs do not have natural aggression, and they are very good-natured, but small children cannot cope with their excessive playfulness and activity.

The energy and cheerfulness of the English Cocker Spaniel made him a resilient companion and friend of man. He is easily trained, peaceful, and gets along well with other animals. Only some representatives of the breed, for the most part, avid hunters, can show hostility to small animals.

English Cocker Spaniels love to ride in cars. They can even discreetly jump into someone else's car to ride with the breeze.

Care and maintenance

This breed of dog is quite suitable for keeping in an apartment mainly because of its small size. But, like any dog, it needs some care. There is no need to bathe Cockers too often, it is enough to wash their paws after walks. But if your pet is very dirty, and it should be remembered that a cocker, as a true hunter, can wallow in something bad or just recklessly rush through the puddles, then it should be bathed using a special shampoo.

The appearance of the Cocker is maintained by regular combing and plucking of the tuft on the head. This process is especially time consuming, when the Cocker molts for the first time, this happens at about 6 months. Avalanches of fluff descend from dogs, which must be removed in a timely manner so that it does not spoil the further growth of wool.

The long ears of the dog also require care, they can often get dirty during walks or while eating. For such dogs, special dishes for food are needed, on a stand so that the ears do not climb into the plate and rub against the floor.

Also, the cocker needs to periodically cut its claws and pluck out long hairs on the muzzle. Closer attention to appearance should be paid during preparation for exhibitions.

English Cocker Spaniels work in the service of the police and customs, looking for drugs and other illegal substances. Other persistent odors, such as gasoline, cannot deceive the Cocker's flair.

Hunting

Do not discount the hunting abilities of the English Cocker Spaniel. They are varied and interesting. The dog eagerly searches for game, loves to swim and dive, collecting all the wounded animals. A small cocker will not take up much space in the boat, its wool will not let it freeze in cold water and protect it from prickly branches in the thickets. They perfectly drive the beast with a voice, so sometimes they are used even when hunting for a hare and a wild boar.

But, of course, the main specialization of the English Cocker Spaniel is forest game: woodcock, pheasant, quail. The dog easily and quickly moves through swampy swamps, chasing water chickens and ducks. They deftly raise the game, giving a sign to the hunter with their voice. Cocker is called the "birdhound", but his abilities can be expanded. Dogs of this breed follow the blood trail perfectly, they are able to smell it, even if 15 hours have passed since its appearance. Therefore, cockers lead the hunter to a wounded large animal, such as an elk or a roe deer.

Despite the innate hunting instinct, it is not enough just to bring the dog into the forest to awaken its abilities. She needs to be specially trained in the art of hunting, or, as the hunters say, trained. Training begins with basic commands that will come in handy both in everyday life and on the hunt: “Come!”, “Place!”, “Fu!”, “Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “Give!”, “Next !

To work out the upper sense, that is, the ability to catch odors in the upper air stream, it is recommended to do the following exercise from the first months of life. Put the cheese on a surface 1-1.5 meters high and give the command "Search!". You can also train your dog to look for a hidden thing by giving it a thorough sniff, and then hiding it in the apartment. By the way, a cocker trained in this technique can help you look for socks that are always lost in the morning.

Spaniel training lasts approximately one season. He must learn to lift the game, but not to drive it, get used to the shots, which will be a signal for him to search for a wrecked trophy, and properly serve the game, gently taking it across the carcass.

In addition to hunting, the working qualities of the dog are tested in field trials, where such abilities are evaluated as:

• flair,
• manner of enchantment;
• Search;
• eyeliner skill;
• persistence;
• innings;
• obedience.

An experienced hunter or a specialist dog handler can properly train a dog. This takes into account not only the breed qualities of the dog, but also its individual characteristics: temperament, degree of initial training.

At the exhibition of hunting dogs in Moscow in 1978, there were only 12 English Cocker Spaniels.

How to choose and where to buy an English Cocker Spaniel puppy

If your goal is to buy not just any dog, but an English Cocker Spaniel, then you need to search among litters with a pedigree. This puppy may not necessarily be from champion parents, but at least its origin will not be in doubt. It often happens that a dog without a pedigree outwardly meets the standard, but the character and habits are completely unusual for the breed, which greatly upsets the owners.

When you come to a meeting with a dog breeder from whom you are going to buy a puppy, then pay attention not only to the dogs themselves, but also to the behavior of the owner. A real Cocker breeder will not rush to sell a puppy from his hands at any cost, he really cares about his pets. Unfortunately, there are situations when bitch owners sell puppies that have been raised incorrectly, lacking food and vitamins. It is very difficult to correct the mistakes of such a dog breeder, because the first months are the most important for the development and formation of a dog.

In each litter, there are usually promising puppies and kids for the soul, who have some serious and not very deviations from the standard. Usually promising puppies are sold for more, but at such a young age it is difficult to determine whether they will grow out of the kings of the ring and the hunt. If you are unsure of the sincerity of the breeder, then take a specialist with you to help you choose a puppy that suits your goals. It's a shame when you dream of a breeding bitch, but get a dog that is obviously not suitable for breeding, even despite the presence of eminent ancestors in the pedigree.

A more understandable question is the choice of the gender of the future puppy. Cocker boys look more spectacular, as lovers of this breed say, "well dressed", but they are more independent in disposition. In addition, they love to walk in search of love, which gives their owners a lot of experiences. Girls are more elegant, obedient and affectionate, but when starting a bitch, you must calculate your strength: do you have the time, money and, most importantly, the desire to engage in mating, maintenance and placement of offspring. Although some dog breeders swear by oath that they do not plan anything like this, they often end up having to babysit puppies for a couple of months instead of going to the sea.

Price of puppies

Puppies without documents, that is, without a puppy card, cannot cost more than 10 thousand rubles. Cost of purebred English Cocker Spaniel puppies the average is 15 thousand rubles.

Photo breed English Cocker Spaniel

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The English Spaniel is an impossibly playful animal. A small tail, hanging ears and huge eyes create a special atmosphere of absolute happiness and joy around this small dog. And the soft, flowing under the fingers, full of shine, the wool just begs to be stroked.

In the Middle Ages, when this breed was just born, Cocker Spaniels were used in hunting as water hounds. The English Spaniel breed (see photo below) originated, you guessed it, in England. Today, these pets are not just hunting dogs, they have become true friends for people due to their light and cheerful disposition.

English Cocker Spaniel. Description of the breed

They are not tall, on average 39-41 cm, the knots are slightly smaller. For exhibition individuals, there are quite serious requirements for appearance. The pet must be of small stature and weight. According to the rules of the standard, its weight must vary in the region of 12-15 kilograms. True, the main focus of the test is on the correctness of the physique, and not on weight. The dog should be moderately well-fed, with a beautiful and shiny coat. Without signs of rickets and other deviations in health. Eyes bright and shiny, wet nose, well-groomed ears. Here is the first thing you should pay attention to when buying an animal for yourself. For breeding or participation in exhibitions, the requirements are much wider.

So: there are certain standard rules for the English Cocker Spaniel dog. The description of the breed below will allow you to figure out how a thoroughbred dog should look like.

Standard rules

• The head has a clearly defined, regular skull, with a pronounced transition from the nose to the frontal lobe.
• The ears are located on the same level with the eyes, thin, teardrop-shaped. Since they are quite long and at the same time set low, they easily reach the nose of the dog.
• The eyes are large enough, but not protruding and always dark in color. Bright and shiny pupils. But for chocolate-colored animals, light brown eyes are allowed.
• The nose is straight, with a large tip and developed nostrils. The color is black, with the exception of breeds of chocolate shades, they have a brown color of the nose pad.
• Bite: cheekbones even, not protruding. The incisors should be strictly vertical, and the bite should be shaped like scissors.
• The body is well developed with a regular topline and a slight slope from the loins to the beginning of the tail.
• The chest is deep, beautifully folded, of medium size.
• The back is rather short, straight, with strong muscles.
• The forelegs are straight, of small length and with full pads.
• The hind limbs differ from the forelimbs in more developed musculature. They have impressive hips, giving power and speed of running. The legs are straight, parallel to each other.
• The tail is below the line of the back. Trimmed in half or two-thirds of the length.

Summing up, we can say that the requirements for these dogs are quite stringent. And when selling a puppy of the English Cocker Spaniel breed, the price is set based not only on the personal qualities of the animal, but also on the status of its parents.

A haircut

Since this breed of dog was bred in the UK, the haircut must be done according to the rules of this particular country. It is performed in a very natural style, and when looking at a four-legged friend, one gets the impression that his hairstyle was a creation of nature, and not the result of the painstaking work of a master.

The English Cocker Spaniel's haircut has its secrets, the main of which is the use of thinning scissors. The haircut can be divided into two parts - first they process the head and body, not forgetting to thin out the undercoat of the animal, and then they start cutting the hair on the ears and paws. The English Spaniel (photo below) is trimmed according to all the rules of the standards for this breed.

Character

It has an extremely good-natured disposition and extreme energy. The dog will become a great friend to children and a wonderful assistant in hunting. With the right upbringing, you can participate in agility exhibition competitions with this cheerful animal.

Spaniels are very affectionate, becoming faithful comrades and companions for their owners for life. Due to their very light nature, they get along well with the rest of the animals in the house. But you should not indulge their whims while they are still puppies, otherwise a very wayward and harmful dog will grow up in the future. These dogs do their best to play a dominant role in the family.

Training rules

They are excellent in training. These are magnificent athletes, in whose blood lives a real hunting passion. Knowing the characteristic features of the behavior of the dog, you should make classes as intense as possible and establish equal relations. Under no circumstances should you beat a pet, he will never forgive you for this. But it’s also not worth giving a descent, otherwise your four-legged partner will grow up as an extremely selfish beast.

This is a very beautiful dog, with a shiny, flowing coat and bright bottomless eyes. But, as beautiful as she is, she also demands attention. The greatest advantage of this breed is wool. True, she is also the biggest drawback, bringing a lot of trouble and problems for those who keep a dog like the English Cocker Spaniel at home. The description of the breed, presented below, touches on very important nuances in caring for this dog.

• Shedding in a dog is not periodic, but permanent. It needs to be combed every day to remove dead "hair". For the same purpose, trimming should be done periodically. Daily combing will get rid of tangles that easily form on a curly thin fur coat.
• You should not wash the animal often, because of this it may develop dandruff, and the coat itself will fade and become completely ugly. But you need to clean it daily, especially since the dog just loves to be scratched. To do this, use a special brush, with teeth of various lengths. Brushing is a very useful procedure, since during it a massage is carried out, which improves blood circulation and, accordingly, the metabolism of the animal.
• The nails are trimmed as they grow, using a nail cutter. Do not forget about the hair that grows between the pads on the paws, it must be trimmed.
• In winter, when coming from the street, always wash off the salt from your pet's paws, it can provoke severe inflammation.
• The ears also need close attention. Somewhere once or twice a week they are cleaned with a special solution, and periodically, with the help of a cotton swab, various secretions are removed. During feeding, ears need to be tied up, or buy a bowl for cocker spaniels. Excess hair in the ears is trimmed.
• About three times a week, you should wipe your eyes with tea leaves or a certain solution that is sold in
• Teeth also need regular brushing, with pet toothpaste and a toothbrush. Don't rely on food to clean your own teeth.

Remember, you need to teach your four-legged friend to hygiene from childhood. And then the procedures, the implementation of which has already been brought to automatism, will not take much time. And your dog will be healthy and beautiful.

Don't buy an English Cocker Spaniel if...

The animal has a very beautiful coat, which requires constant attention. If you are not ready to devote a considerable part of the time from your personal life to the dog, then you should not start it, in this way you will only ruin the life of both yourself and your pet.

Who Should Buy an English Cocker Spaniel?

If you have never had a dog, but you are ready to take care of your dog, giving him all the affection and care; or you have children, and your whole family decided to buy a four-legged friend into the house - then this is exactly the dog that you need. Incredible mobility and friendly character will not leave anyone indifferent. For hunters and those who simply love to travel in nature, this dog will be a wonderful companion.

Health

The Spaniel lives about 15 years and is generally in good health. True, some representatives of the breed with age are overcome by eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. Keep in mind that solid colored dogs tend to be aggressive and require more rigorous training. A prerequisite for maintaining the health of the animal is a large number of walks in the fresh air and active physical activity.

Knitting features

If you decide to breed puppies for sale, you should be aware that this is a rather complicated process. Think carefully, clearly assess your capabilities, and only then start looking for a partner for your dog. Indeed, in order for English Cocker Spaniel puppies to be born in the near future, a lot of effort and money should be invested in caring for your pregnant pet.

Before mating, it is imperative to conduct all the necessary tests so that the bitch is completely healthy. You also need to do a genetic test. Estrus should be repeated 2 times a year - this is an indicator of the norm. It is after going through all the procedures before estrus that the mating of the English Cocker Spaniel will become the most fruitful.

The mating process itself must be tightly controlled. First, the animals are given time to get to know and adapt to the new environment. Further, so that the bitch does not break out, it is held by the head and under the stomach, until the moment of the so-called lock. The duration of the castle is usually about ten minutes. After a couple of days, knitting is recommended to be repeated.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Ordinary pregnancy, without any problems, lasts for 56-63 days. To accurately determine the day of onset of labor, rectal temperature is measured. When it drops and stays around 37 ° C, you can begin to prepare for the process of the birth of puppies.

Primary births are best done in the presence of a veterinarian, as a caesarean section may be necessary. Puppies appear in fetal membranes, do not interfere, the bitch will gnaw them herself and free the kids. Childbirth is a rather long process, usually the second puppy appears only three hours after the first. Then things go a little faster.

English Cocker Spaniel puppies require a very careful attitude. If the bitch does not have milk, or there is too little of it, then you will have to feed the babies yourself. Every two hours, including at night, they will need to be bottled with warm milk.

Somewhere in 2.5 months, puppies are vaccinated. And only then, plus a week of the incubation period, you can go out with the kids for a walk. When selling puppies of the English Cocker Spaniel breed, the price for promising young animals is much higher and can differ greatly from the usual market value.

Color

The Black English Cocker Spaniel is actually not always completely solid. This color has many variants, for example: black and tan, black and gray, black and piebald. A pure black shade without impurities is a rather rare phenomenon.

In the English Cocker Spaniel breed, colors are very diverse, and different countries have their own wishes for colors. So, for example, in Eastern Europe they love the golden-red variant of the color, and the rare, pure white color is considered undesirable, as it can go hand in hand with congenital deafness.

Summing up, let's say: if you have children and want to get a dog, then take a closer look at such a puppy as an English Cocker Spaniel. The description of the breed provided in this article makes it clear that an amazing four-legged friend will grow out of him, who will delight you with his cheerful disposition day after day.

The English Cocker Spaniel always receives very favorable reviews. Many owners note that this is a wonderful dog, a little timid, but very kind. Everyone likes her touching muzzle and beautiful coat. And always the owners note her playful character.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a wonderful hunter of game birds. This was emphasized in breeding. He is a good tracker, a good swimmer and an excellent companion. The American Spaniel is quite intelligent and easy to train. But it is important that the owner was alone, his dog will be perceived as a leader and mentor. Country of origin - USA.

In education, physical force is not allowed in relation to the dog, for which she will stop trusting you. This breed needs active exercise and walks for several hours a day. If this is not possible, at least, it is necessary to ensure his active pastime at home. Games and commands like “bring slippers”, “find a toy” are great activities.

The American Cocker Spaniel stands out for its obedient and good-natured disposition. This breed requires a lot of your attention, as a reward you will receive responsiveness, sensitivity and affection. Cocker should not be left alone for a long time, he will think that he has been abandoned, he will stop trusting and listening. Do not worry if there are other animals and children in the house, the dog will get along well with them, make friends and play with pleasure.

American Cocker Spaniels are selected by breeders based on a variety of criteria, including character traits. They try not to breed restless and overly aggressive dogs, since such manifestations are considered a breed deviation.

The Americans have bred a friendly dog ​​that understands the mood of the owner and behaves with him accordingly. She does not stick to an annoyed person, but tries in every possible way to cheer up a sad and dull person.

The Cocker Spaniel quickly and sincerely becomes attached to the owner and to all household members. The dog is very assiduous when they expect obedience from it, but gladly responds to the call of the owners to run and play in the yard.

While playing with a pet, aggressive attacks on his part should not be allowed. So he can bite painfully on the legs and arms, grab his teeth and hang on the leg. With age, such fun develops into habits from which it will be difficult for an adult dog to wean, and stronger teeth can cause serious damage.

To cool the ardor of a restless animal, it is recommended to train with it. In training classes, such qualities of a dog as excitement and natural curiosity will come in handy. A trained cocker will thank you by showing the best features of a hunting breed.

It is desirable that these dogs be adopted by families with sociable children, where one of them could always spend time with her. Lonely and often busy breeders are better off choosing another dog that does not require constant attention.

Diet and health

The American Spaniel is unpretentious in the choice of food and is always willing to steal something from the table. But as a feed, give preference to ready-made rations for small and decorative breeds. If necessary, you can give bioadditives for wool. And during active physical exertion, you can feed with natural food: meat, cottage cheese, fish.

Be careful, the indefatigable appetite of the Cocker often leads to obesity, it is very important not to overfeed the pet.

The American Cocker Spaniel is simply gorgeous and therefore easily falls in love with people. One bewitching look - and they are already feeding him something tasty. Be on your guard and resist the temptation to treat your pet to a tidbit once again.

Health

American cockers do not differ in ideal health.

What are the pathologies of behavior, such as causeless panic, aggression and other psychological problems, often explained by gaps in education.

They often suffer from food allergies. Their problem area is their ears. Sometimes there is congenital deafness. They are also predisposed to eye diseases, hip dysplasia, epilepsy. In old age, problems with the liver are often observed.

Strong dogs with good care live up to 16 years.

History of the American Cocker Spaniel

Historians believe that the breed first appeared on the territory of the modern states at the beginning of the 17th century, when the Mayflower ship arrived on the shores of the New World, and there were two dogs on board: a Great Dane and a Spaniel. Unfortunately, from that moment until the beginning of the 19th century, all data on the development of the breed were lost.

In 1881, the Spaniel Club was opened in America, which is considered the "parent" of modern "Americans", then not yet recognized. In 1921, at the Westminster dog show, the American Cocker Spaniel was presented for the first time in its class. It almost became a collapse for the breed. Small, athletic dogs have become very popular. Their big ears, joyful disposition and sincere eyes won the hearts of Americans. The great popularity has led to careless and unethical breeding.

Novice dog breeders began to churn out Cockers by the thousands. As a result, dogs have acquired a whole bunch of hereditary diseases. Fortunately for the breed, the American Kennel Club did register Cockers in 1947 and traditionally gave them their own entry in the stud book, called "American Cocker Spaniel". Most dog breeders agree that the American Cocker descended from an English cousin.

Psychological picture

The American Cocker Spaniel is a medium, strong dog. The head is round, the muzzle is wide. Scissor bite. The eyes are dark, rounded, sometimes there are blue-eyed representatives of the breed. Ears are long. The body is slightly bevelled. Previously, a docked tail was the standard for Cockers, but today docking is taboo in many countries and dogs with long tails are allowed. The coat is long, silky, straight or slightly wavy, always short on the head. Coloring can be very diverse.

The height of the dog at the withers is 35-38 cm, and the average weight is approximately 12.5 kg.

Courageous, always ready to work, they are great as a pet and hunting companion. Cheerful and gentle Cocker has a fairly high level of intelligence. Always active and playful. Great with children. It can be wary of strangers, but usually does not show aggression. When choosing a puppy, it is important to consider that American Spaniels are divided into two lines: show and working. Working animals have better developed hunting instincts, shorter hair, they are a little more hardy.

The dog is not adapted to living in an aviary. She feels great in a private courtyard, but prefers to spend most of her time not on the street, but indoors.

Particular attention is required to care for the coat, ears and eyes of the animal. Cocker owners will have to periodically cut their pet.

In the summer they make short haircuts, in the winter - longer. Clean ears, teeth and wash eyes as needed. If the dog rarely walks on asphalt, you have to file the claws.

And of course, do not forget about the regular combing of wool, enhanced during the molting period.

cost of an american cocker spaniel puppy

A puppy with malformations that is denied access to the show can be purchased for a price of around $300, although the average price tag for a purebred puppy is about $700. The price formation is influenced by the pedigree of the animal. Show-worthy Cocker Spaniels with a good pedigree are up for sale for $2,500.

Video review about dogs of the American Cocker Spaniel breed