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American Cocker Spaniel |
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The American version of the Cocker Spaniel evolved from early spaniel imports. By the 1930s, this Cocker Spaniel was much smaller than his English ancestors and had other conformation differences, so the breed was given separate status. Not long after that, hi the 1940s, he had changed even more dramatically so that he bore almost no resemblance
to his English counterpart.
Early AKC spaniel
trials included classes for Cocker Spaniels, and the little spaniel was
used frequently for gunning. During the middle of this century, a Cocker
served as friend and playmate in many a household during the week and
as a working assistant to the hunter on the weekend. For many years, no
competitions were held for the Cocker Spaniel's field ability, but with
AKC's new hunting tests for spaniels, owners once again can try their
dogs with game. His modern propensity is mainly as a pet and a show dog.
In the 1940s, the Cocker rose to first in AKC registrations and remained
there for some time. Displaced by the Poodle for a number of years, he
has since regained the top spot in AKC registrations.
For a breed
to go to the top in registrations and stay there, he must have a lot of
good things going for him. The modern American Cocker Spaniel is a happy,
trusting, intelligent, as well as handsome, companion dog.
The Cocker Spaniels
head is domed, with a short, deep muzzle and abrupt stop. Short of back
and up on leg, his usual dramatic angulation allows tremendous reach and
drive in a small package. The luxurious coat, with thick feathering on
legs and belly nearly reaching the ground, creates a picture hard to resist
by dog show judge and puppy buyer alike. But prospective owners should
be aware of the care necessary to keep that lovely coat "in the pink."
Buyers should
also seek the merry temperament, avoiding any fear or stand-offishness
exhibited by the parents. As so often happens when Cocker Spaniel puppies
are in high demand, the unscrupulous and unknowledgeable "backyard"
breeders and disreputable puppy millers rush to fill the demand. Conscientious
Cocker fanciers have some of the finest tempered animals in all of dogdom.
But it is no secret that there are frightened and snappish examples of
this breed produced when the sale of Cocker Spaniels puppies is the only
goal.
Hunting instincts
are still present inside that well-coiffed body. The superabundant coat,
however, does make field work difficult. The American Cocker Spaniel is
a good obedience worker, because of his happy nature and desire to please.
The Cocker Spaniel fits into almost any household, adapting to a variety
of age groups and lifestyles.
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