American Cocker Spaniel
Known in French as Cocker Américain or Cocker Spaniel américain
- Height at the withers
- 34 to 39 cm
- Weight
- 10 to 13 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
One of the smallest hunting spaniels, the American Cocker Spaniel is a compact dog with a finely chiseled head, a long, abundant silky coat, long ears and a sweet expression.
History and origins
Developed in the United States from English Cocker Spaniels imported in the late 19th century. American breeders selected a smaller dog with a rounder head and a fuller coat, first for hunting quail and woodcock, then for the show ring. Recognized as a separate breed by the AKC in 1946, it belongs to FCI group 8.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Chronic ear infections
- Glaucoma and cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
American Cocker Spaniel FAQ
How big does the American Cocker Spaniel get?
The American Cocker Spaniel stands 34 to 39 cm at the withers and weighs 10 to 13 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the American Cocker Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs a great deal of care. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the American Cocker Spaniel live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the American Cocker Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the American Cocker Spaniel good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Cocker Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are chronic ear infections, as well as glaucoma and cataracts.
