American Cocker Spaniel – Great in All the Right Ways
The sweet-natured cocker spaniel is one of the more popular household pets;
and this is with good reason. Intelligent but not stubbornly so, easy to
train and willing to respond to commands, playful and well-rounded toward
other animals: the cocker spaniel meets all the requirements of a favored
household pet. And, though it was originally bred to flush out birds
(woodcocks, to be precise, from which it got its name), it doesn't retain as
much of those hunting instincts as many breeds. Now, it is used as a pet,
rather than a gaming dog. And, though they still make excellent watch dogs
and agility competitors, they lack the usual aggressiveness of a dog bred to
hunt.
And that is why the cocker spaniel is such a popular breed. Their very faces
inspire gentleness. This is a loyal dog, and one you will love as a
companion. They need an average amount of exercise but will do fine in small
quarters. A slight shedder, the cocker spaniel does need to be groomed
regularly to maintain its trademark coat. Training is a simple matter with
this breed due to their eagerness to please you. Never strike your cocker
spaniel, however, if he should happen to make a mistake. This is a sensitive
dog and positive reinforcement is key. They can live up to fifteen years and
will remain active until the end, making them the lively pet for your life.
The great problem (perhaps the only real one) for the cocker spaniel comes
from health issues. Since this is such a popular dog, people tend to breed
without discretion, mixing in bloodlines that are filled with past problems.
This can create many health concerns for the cocker spaniel: hip dysphasia,
cataracts, entropian, elbow dysphasia and the fatal Immune Mediated
Hemolytic Anemia. You must buy this breed for a reputable source. Do not
visit puppy stores and the like. You need to have a dog that has been
thoroughly screened and whose bloodline is clean.
The cocker spaniel is the sweetheart of the dog world; it is a loyal and
gentle breed that you will love. The perfection of its character can only be
undone by imperfections in breeding. You have to keep track of that.
