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Cocker Spaniel |
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Description... |
 The
Cocker Spaniel is considered the smallest member of the sporting
group. They are very popular as pets and companions. They are
great lovers of home and family, ordinarily trustworthy and
adaptable, and they have great speed. They make a fine family pet
but also adapt well to living as a companion to a single working
person.
Cockers are divided into field types and show types. You
shouldn't expect a Cocker from show lines to hunt, but either type makes a
fine pet. Cocker Spaniels have three basic colours: Black, Any Solid
Colour Other than Black (ASCOB), and Particolour (black-and-tan,
white-and-tan, black/tan/white).
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History...
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Bred in England for the purpose of hunting,
especially the woodcock, as part of the name implies. The breed
specialized in hunting out and flushing game birds from their
hiding places.
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Traits...
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 They
are social dogs, thriving on the attention of their human
families, but usually can amuse themselves when left alone as long
as they have a few doggy toys to play with and a fresh supply of
water.
It is wise to take your Cocker to training classes. Both
you and the dog will learn a lot, and your Cocker will be a more enjoyable
pet because of it. If you wish to participate in more formal and
competitive activities in show, field, or obedience; check with multiple
breeders to see what accomplishments their dogs have achieved.
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Good aspects...
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The Cocker is popular both at dog shows and as a
loving family pet. He is fine for a novice owner, and good with
children.
The Cocker does fine in the city if exercised regularly
and if accustomed to people and noises at an early age, for some can be a
bit timid. They get along well with strangers and other animals. The
Cocker is a willing dog, very responsive to persuasive obedience training
-- never hit this sensitive breed, or they can become snappy and
defensive.
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Health...
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The Cocker is susceptible to PRA, cataracts,
glaucoma, eyelid and eyelash and retinal abnormalities, skin
conditions, haemophilia, ear infections, heart disease, and
epilepsy. Buy only from CERF-registered parents.
The most common problems afflicting Cockers are poor
temperament, hereditary eye problems, some degree of hip problems, and
poor quality type not meeting the breed standard.
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Be aware...
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A well-bred Cocker is lively, cheerful, gentle, and
playful. A poorly bred one can be nasty, and have bizarre physical
and behavioural problems. The great popularity of the breed has
resulted in puppy-mill production, producing large numbers of
animals with a general degradation in quality and some bizarre
temperamental changes and behavioural problems. If you buy a
Cocker from a poor breeder, you will probably end up with a
flat-headed, skinny-muzzled, short-eared, sparse-coated Cocker
with serious health and behavioural problems. Potential
behavioural problems include excessive whining and barking;
dominance problems; submissive urinating; aggressive guarding of
objects, people, and places; house soiling; self-abusive hair
chewing; hyperactivity; shy-sharpness; hyperphagia; pica;
polydipsia; hyper sexuality and roaming. The well-bred Cocker may
exhibit excessive barking, stealing food, and perhaps house
soiling. Don't choose a timid or wildly excitable Cocker puppy.
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Summary...
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The Cocker's exercise needs are moderate, but his
coat needs frequent brushing, and his eyes and ears should be
checked regularly. The long, thick silky coat is longer on the
chest, stomach, legs, and tail. It needs brushing and combing
twice a week, and professional grooming every six weeks to three
months.
If you don't have a fenced-in yard, you need to walk
your Cocker every day.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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Further resources... |
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