Description:  The American Cocker Spaniel has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size.  He has a much thicker coat and elegant trousers as opposed to his cousin the English Cocker Spaniel .  Know as a merry Cocker, he has charmed himself into many households through out the world making him the world's most popular household pet.  An excellent bird and small-game hunter, great companion, good with children and all around friendly, lively guy.

Other Names:  Cocker Spaniel

Height:  14 -15 in.
Weight:  24 -28 lbs.

Colors:  Black, jet black, shading of brown or liver in sheen of coat undesirable; black and tan and brown and tan, with definite tan markings on jet black or brown body; particolors and tricolors.

Coat:  Short and fine on head, medium length on body, with enough undercoat to give protection.

Temperament:  Active, friendly
With Children:  Yes, if from good blood lines he is exceptionally good with children.
With Pets:  Yes, sociable and gentle.
Special Skills:  Field sports dog and family pet.

Watch-dog:  High
Guard-dog:  Low

Care and Training:  Careful grooming for about forty-five minutes twice a weeks is definitely necessary.  He adapts well to city dwelling, but needs sufficient exercise to prevent him from becoming overweight. 
Learning Rate:  High, Obedience - High, Problem Solving - Low

Activity:  Indoors - Medium, Outdoors - High
Living Environment:  Apartment, house, country or city as long as he is exercised he will adapt.  An owner of a cocker should be willing to spend time grooming his coat and handle him every day.

Health Issues:  The Cocker is quite hardy, but may experience a variety of inherited disorders such as eye problems, hip dysplasia, slipping stifles and epilepsy.

Life Span:  10 - 14 Year
Litter Size:  4 - 6

Country of Origin:  USA
History:  Despite his name, the American Cocker Spaniel is in fact originally a breed of Spanish blood.  The Spanish Spaniel is considered to be the oldest of the recognized spaniels.  Developed by crossing setters and spaniels, it was during the seventeen century he was divided into the water and land spaniels.  In 1892 the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a breed in England.  In the late 1870's the breed was brought to the United States and here he was developed quite different lines from the English Cocker and is now registered as a separate breed.

First Registered by the AKC:  1878
AKC Group:  Sporting Group 
Class:  Gundog
Registries:  AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 8), KC(GB), UKC