American Breeder Cocker Spaniel: Character, Care and Nutrition

The exquisite appearance and good-natured complaisant character of the American cocker spaniel make him an excellent companion. This beautiful little dog was bred for hunting, but today it has become a pet. It adapts well to living in urban apartments. Therefore, it is increasingly found on the streets of modern megacities. Having become acquainted with today's article, you will learn a lot of useful information about the representatives of this breed.

Origin

These dogs have a very long history. Experts are sure that the birthplace of spaniels is Spain. The ancestors of these animals were lop-eared long-haired bird dogs, who got to England during her conquest by the troops of Julius Caesar. Cockers stood out from the whole variety of spaniels with their miniature sizes. The height of an adult dog should not exceed 30 centimeters, and weight - 10-12 kilograms.

In 1893 they were recognized by the London Kennel Club as a separate breed. And nine years later the first official standard of English cocks was approved. Having come from Britain to the United States, these dogs continued to change. As a result, an American cocker spaniel appeared. The nature and appearance of this dog was fully consistent with the purposes for which it was displayed. Despite the fact that American and English cockers were exhibited in different exhibition rings, during a certain period they were crossed among themselves. But in the thirties of the 20th century a decision was made to ban interbreeding. And on July 30, 1992, the official American Cocker standard was approved. Over time, representatives of this breed have spread throughout the world and have gained popularity among professional breeders. In Russia, these dogs were not found until the 1970s.

Description of the breed

American Cocker Spaniel, in the nature of which clearly traced hunting instincts, differs with a memorable appearance. It has a well-balanced compact body with a deep chest and a proportionate beautiful head. On a round, not flat skull are well-defined superciliary arches and a clear transition from the forehead to the wide muzzle. Equal rectangular jaws of the animal are covered with tightly fitting lips. Small almond-shaped spaniel eyes should be painted in dark brown color. Hanging long ears of the Cocker are covered with thick soft wool.

A muscular neck with a slight hanging in the throat region smoothly passes into a well-defined withers, strong back and straight loins, turning into a docked, slightly raised tail. Under the slightly extended body of representatives of the breed American Cocker Spaniel, photos of which can be seen in today's article, muscular limbs with gathered paws and hard pads. Well-defined animal blades are slightly retracted.

Coat and allowable colors

The whole body of the American Cocker is covered with silky straight or slightly wavy fur. On the head the wool is shorter, on the body - hair of medium length. On the ears, chest, abdomen and limbs of the dog there are beautiful stripes, hiding the natural outlines of the dog.

As for color, the standard allows for several different options. American cocker spaniel, the character and exterior of which make him an excellent companion, can be black and tan, speckled, spotty and monophonic. The most common is the color range, ranging from brown to light-pale shade. The color of the animal should be uniform, without foreign impurities. The standard allows the presence of a white tie on the chest or throat of the dog. As for the scraps, they should not occupy more than 10% of the main tone.

Character of the American Cocker Spaniel

And the disposition, and the appearance of this little dog, always evoke tenderness. Representatives of this breed are very optimistic and friendly. They are always ready to accompany their owner for walks and long voyages. They are very obedient and easy to train. With proper education, excellent companions grow up from American Cockers.

They get along well with children and get along well with other pets. These spaniels need constant communication with a person. In the absence of contact with the owner, the dog may feel unnecessary. Therefore, it can not be left alone for a long time.

In the nature of the American Cocker Spaniel, a natural love for people is laid. This doggie quickly becomes attached to all members of the host family and needs to communicate with them more than in games with their congeners. Affectionate, good-natured and tireless cockerel will become an ideal dog for a teenager. He will make a wonderful partner for children's mobile ball games.

Care of hair

Representatives of this breed need regular combing and shearing. Despite the good-natured nature of the American cocker spaniel, caring for the coat can cause some dissatisfaction on his part. Therefore, it is necessary to accustom a dog to hygienic procedures from puppyhood. Immediately after the child has become accustomed to a new place of residence, he is gradually introduced to the comb and hairdryer. Approximately once a month and a half it is desirable to visit the groomer. Over time, when the puppy gets used to this procedure, you can increase the break between visits to the dog hairdresser.

Combing the luxurious coat of a cocker is desirable at least three times a week. Of course, it takes a lot of time, but the result is worth the effort. If your rhythm of life does not allow you to regularly comb out the pet, then it can be cut short. This makes the dog look more neat, and you will save a lot of free time.

An animal should be washed no more often than once in two months. Doing this is desirable with the use of special shampoos, sold in any department of pet products. During water procedures, it is important to ensure that water does not get into the eyes and ears of the dog. After washing, the wool of the cockerel can be rinsed with a weak solution of vinegar. From this it will become more brilliant.

Care of teeth, claws and ears

Like any other dog, an American cocker spaniel, whose character is described a little above, needs the care of its master. Special care requires the long hanging ears of the animal. To prevent dust and dirt from accumulating in the ear canals, they must be cleaned regularly. In addition, it is important to regularly cut thick wool in the area of the auricles in order to ensure normal ventilation.

No less attention is required for the dog's teeth. To prevent oral diseases, they need to be cleaned regularly with a special brush and paste. In addition, it is important to remove the formed tartar in a timely manner. This can be done at any veterinary clinic.

It is also necessary to monitor the length of dog claws. As they grow, they cut them off with a special device. You need to do this very carefully, so as not to damage living tissues.

Feeding advice

The American cocker spaniel, the nature and nutrition of which is described in today's publication, can eat both industrial and natural food. In both cases, it is important to observe the recommended norms, since the representatives of this breed often suffer from obesity.

Those who decided to give their pet a dry food, should give preference to proven brands superpremium or holistic-class. In such products contain all the necessary vitamins and trace elements. The composition of quality dry food should not be potatoes, corn and wheat.

For those who are planning to give their cookies natural products, it is important to remember that the basis of the canine diet should be meat. Dogs can be given beef, lamb and poultry. Approximately twice a week, the meat component is recommended to be replaced by low-fat marine fish. Also in the menu of the animal there should be eggs, vegetables, cottage cheese, kefir, rice and buckwheat.

Education

Representatives of this breed can easily be trained. The character of the American cocker spaniel promotes high learning ability and quick memorization of the main commands. Education puppy should be dealt with immediately after his appearance in your home. It is important that the baby remember his name from the first days. As soon as the puppy begins to joyfully run up to the call, you can proceed to study more complex commands.

In the process of training you need to exercise consistency and hardness. Do not allow the puppy what will later be forbidden to an adult dog. Initially, the training should take place in a game form. Categorically forbidden to shout at the animal, much less beat it.

Breeding diseases

In general, American cocker spaniels are distinguished by strong health and good immunity. But, like any other living beings, they are prone to certain diseases. They are often diagnosed with allergies, atopic dermatitis, obesity, seborrhea, and otitis media.

Also American cockers are prone to urolithiasis and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, they sometimes detect corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, cataracts, hepatitis, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Conclusion

From all of the above, we can conclude that the American Cocker Spaniel - the ideal family dog. He has a touching appearance and good-natured, cheerful character.

Representatives of this breed perfectly adapt to any conditions of detention and do not require complex specific care. They can be fed both industrial and natural food. Plus they all have a well-developed intelligence and are quite capable of training. With proper education from them, excellent companions and partners in mobile games are obtained.