Cocker Spaniel

By some reports, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dogs in the world. He leads other breeds in almost every country where dogs are registered. As popular as the American Cocker is, the popularity does not carry over into the hunting field. He once had a fine reputation as a great sporting companion, but now is known more for his extraordinary beauty and quality as a pet and show dog.

The modern Cocker Spaniel is divided into two main types, the English Cocker and the American Cocker. The main difference between the two is their size. The English Cocker is larger than that of the American types. The English resembles a small Springer. The males run from about twenty-eight to 34 pounds. The muzzle is slightly longer that that of the American Cocker. His color seems to run all black, liver, and red, roan colors are of blue, red, orange, liver and lemon.

The American Cocker Spaniel is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Spaniels. The American breed is divided into three varieties based primarily on color. The American Cocker Spanier males usually run about twenty-two to twenty-eight pounds.

The training of the Cocker Spaniel is relatively easy as most are highly alert, will give you their complete attention, and will take correction in stride. A good Cocker Spaniel will have a merry, effervescent disposition. One problem that a Cocker Spaniel puppy has is its desire not to be fenced in. Most Cocker Spaniel puppies are known for the fact that they can find a way out of a fenced area, be it either digging out underneath the fence or through the fence because of their small size.

By the time a Cocker Spaniel puppy is six to eight weeks old it can be tested to see if it is a hunter, if it will go into the water, and what other natural abilities that the puppy may have. Good hunting Cocker Spaniels have the ability to both hunt by body scent and to pick up a trail.

Additional information on the Cocker Spaniel can be found at the website for the American Kennel Club.