Dog Breed Guide

American Cocker Spaniel

Profile

Size

Small

Country of origin

United States

Origin

19th century

Bred for

Bird hunting, Companion

Height

male about 38cm (15in), female about 35.5cm (14in)

Weight

male 11 - 14kg (24 - 31lb), female 9 - 11kg (20 - 24lb)

Life span

10 - 14 years

A rounded head, large round eyes, long drop ears and a full, silky coat are its hallmarks. The profuse feathering on the legs, ears and belly gives it a glamorous look. Colors include black, buff (light yellowish tan) and parti-color.

Bright, cheerful and affectionate, the American Cocker loves being with its family and plays well with children. It is sensitive, so it learns better through praise than scolding.

Keeping its abundant coat in shape requires frequent brushing and regular grooming. Its long ears get dirty easily and are prone to infection. The breed is also known to be prone to eye diseases.

Good to know

Lady, the heroine of Disney's animated film Lady and the Tramp (1955), is an American Cocker Spaniel. In the story, a pampered house dog falls in love with a stray named Tramp, and the scene where the two share a plate of spaghetti became one of the most famous in film history.

In 1952, future president Richard Nixon gave a televised speech to clear himself of accusations about campaign funds. In it, he mentioned Checkers, a Cocker Spaniel puppy given to his family by a supporter, and said that his children loved the dog and they were going to keep it. The "Checkers speech" won wide sympathy and is said to have saved his political career.

On the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings it held the top spot for many years from the late 1930s into the 1950s, and returned to number one again in the mid-1980s.