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English Cocker Spaniel dogs
Thinking about
Cocker Spaniel dogs as a companion?
Height: Males: 39-41cm (15.5-16 inches);
Females: 38-39cm (15-15.5 inches) Group Lifespan: 12-14 years Who is the Cocker Spaniel?A merry, active small dog, Cocker Spaniel dogs make loving family pets and devoted companions. Breed history'Spaniel' is a term for a gun dog used for bird hunting - they are generally small, with long coats and drop ears. Spaniels have been around for at least 500 years and were originally divided into land spaniels and water spaniels. Gradually, the different breeds were standardised in the 19th century and the English Cocker Spaniel, one of the smaller spaniels, was registered as a breed in the late 1800s. Even today, however, there are differences in size and appearance within the breed as some were bred to be working dogs ('field-bred cockers') while others, with longer coats and ears, were bred for the show ring. Cocker Spaniel dogs have developed into
two different small dog breeds: the English Cocker Spaniel and the
American Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker Spaniel is
generally smaller than the English variety and has a longer
coat. In both countries, the breed is usually just
referred to as a 'Cocker Spaniel'. Whatever it is called, the breed's happy, affectionate and loyal nature has seen it become one of the most popular puppy breeds in the United Kingdom. Personality
Good with children?Yes - Cocker Spaniel dogs are devoted to their families.Exercise needsAlthough small, Cocker Spaniels thrive on regular exercise and require a daily walk. HealthCocker Spaniels are generally a healthy, sturdy dog. Possible health problemsProgressive retinal atrophy or PRA (a retinal disease that can affect all breeds of dogs, leading to night blindness and gradual loss of day vision) More information for new puppy owners:Want to know more about buying, raising and caring for a puppy? Check out these PuppyPrimer.com pages: Hip and elbow dysplasia (a disease that can cause lameness and arthritis in the hips or elbows) Familial nephropathy (a recessively inherited renal disease) Skin allergies Good breeders should x-ray or test their dogs for as many of these conditions as possible before breeding, or should avoid breeding from dogs that display the conditions. GroomingThe Cocker Spaniel's long coat requires regular grooming. If your dog is a pet and you keep the coat long, you will need to brush the coat every few days and trim the long hair around the ears and feet. It is also possible to trim or clip the entire coat. The breed has long, floppy ears which do not allow the air to flow around the ear's opening. The ears can become infected but regular cleaning with an ear cleanser should keep them in good condition (ask your vet or pet shop for a good product to use). When grooming, remember to check the paws, ears and coat for grass seeds. Also check for any minor injuries and check the teeth to see if they need cleaning. Ideal ownerThe ideal Cocker Spaniel owner will allow their dog to spend much of its time inside with the family - this is not a dog that should be left outside in a dog run. Involve Cocker Spaniel dogs in family activities and keep him active and you will be repaid with devotion and great affection.
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