American cocker spaniel dog. Description, features, care and price of the breed

Description

American or "dwarf" cocker spaniels are active, friendly and good-natured medium-sized animals. Over the years, they have gained popularity in all countries of the world. Dogs are suitable for large families with children, but they will also be excellent “companions” for single people.

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Without communication, the species will begin to bark, chew things, or urinate to show its displeasure. This is a sensitive dog that needs an owner. The species always tries to obey and is ready to obey the owner. The animal is calm and easy to train, it respects your authority. The dog needs gentle training methods, as it does not respond well to harshness.

Proper feeding

You can feed mini cocker spaniels natural food or ready-made food no lower than super-premium, or better yet, holistic-class. At the same time, if the dog is prone to allergies or obesity, you should opt for a special dietary food.

When feeding natural food, the basis of the diet should be cut into pieces and scalded raw lean meat.

You should add chopped vegetables (raw or boiled), as well as fermented milk products, such as cottage cheese or kefir.

When feeding your pet naturally, it is also necessary to add vitamins and mineral supplements to your pet’s food..

Appearance

Height at the withers: boy 37-39 centimeters, girl 34-37 centimeters.

Average weight: men 11-14 kilograms, women 11-14 kilograms.

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The description of the American Cocker Spaniel breed differs from its English counterpart. The American weighs a little less. However, he has a more rounded head and pronounced eyes. Also, the American's coat is longer, wavy or straight. In general, the American Cocker Spaniel has more hair than the English Cocker Spaniel.

The dog looks slender. She has large almond-shaped eyes and an intelligent look. Animals of black, red, cream shades have black or dark brown eyes. Dogs with red and brown bodies have brown eyes.

The muzzles of the breed are wide, with square jaws. The noses of individuals are large and well developed. In dark-colored dogs they are black, while in lighter-colored dogs they are brown or black. The breed's ears are covered with soft, wavy hairs. The animals have a “scissors” bite, in which their upper teeth neatly overlap their lower teeth.

The pets' necks are long and muscular, their shoulders are sloping, and their chests are well arched. The front legs are straight, muscular, with strong bones. Their hips are wide apart. The hind legs are well developed, which gives the American Cocker a powerful appearance.

The tails are thicker at the base and taper to a tip, which individuals hold at back level or slightly higher.

The dogs' fur is silky and wavy to the touch. It can be of different colors. American Spaniel colors include the following:

• black;
• black and beige;
• black and white;
• black, white and beige;
• brown and white;
• pale yellow;
• platinum;
• chocolate;
• chocolate and beige;
• chocolate and white;
• red and so on.

Briefly about character and temperament

Spaniels have an active and lively temperament, they are friendly towards people and are very good with children.

Representatives of different breeds may have different attitudes towards other pets.

But with proper upbringing and timely socialization, spaniels can easily get along with other dogs, cats and other living creatures, with the possible exception of birds and small rodents.

They are loyal and obedient pets to their owners, distinguished by their intelligence, intelligence and good learning ability..

When hunting, spaniels work with interest and confidence: they are good at finding prey by instinct or by following a scent, and after shooting they present it to the hunter.

Pros and cons of a dog

Positive features:

• Animals are loving and loyal by nature.
• Pets are smart, so they respond well to training.
• Individuals are easily adaptable, so they can live both in an apartment and in a house.
• They are the right breed if you decide to get a dog for the first time.
• Cockers love daily exercise.

Negative features:

• Dogs have a lot of hair shedding, especially in spring and autumn.
• They are high maintenance.
• Pets can suffer from many health problems. You must be prepared to pay for vet visits and medications.
• Animals suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.
• Some dogs bark loudly, which can cause discomfort.

Education and training

Even if you are indifferent to handling and do not intend to take your pet hunting, it is still necessary to raise it and teach it commands, if only for the sake of your own comfort and peace of mind. An American Cocker Spaniel that is poorly socialized and does not obey basic rules of behavior is a lawless dog. Representatives of this breed are easy to train, but due to their natural restlessness, they better absorb educational material if it is presented in a playful way. The method of positive reinforcement will also not be superfluous - not a single “American” can resist a mouth-watering treat.

American cocker spaniel on a leash

It is necessary to begin education with elementary commands like “No!” and “Sit!” From the first weeks of being in the house, the puppy should be able to recognize its own nickname, as well as understand the meaning of the command “Place!” Don't be lazy to accustom your animal to your hands. The dog should not shy away from your touch or panic from being lifted. And of course, no psychological or, even worse, physical violence against your pet! American cockers are dogs with a gentle psyche; they have absolutely no need for unnecessary phobias.

Despite the fact that FCI classifies American Cocker Spaniels as gun dogs, in its homeland the breed is better known as a sporting dog. In the USA, cockers are regular participants in all kinds of dog shows and agility competitions, so if you are planning a show career for your pet, take a ring training course with him and teach him the correct stance. For example, to develop correct posture, it is useful to walk the dog on the so-called “ring”, which is a short ribbon, the ends of which are closed in loops. This type of leash allows you to pull up the animal’s head, fixing it in a slightly raised position. This accessory, which is unpleasant for a dog, must be used very carefully and in doses. An “American” should not have the impression that he is being pushed around. The American Cocker Spaniel is taught to walk around the ring on command using treats. At first, the animal follows the owner to grab a treat from his hands, but subsequently gets used to doing without it, reacting only to the command “Come to me!”

Helpful advice: If an American Cocker Spaniel becomes overly emotional and bites you or other family members during training, it must be stopped. Give your pet a favorite toy or distract him with a treat. Dogs that are too distracted by their own attacks and have fallen out of touch with reality are not prohibited from being lightly spanked.

American cocker spaniel light fawn color

History of the breed

Cocker spaniels are descended from spaniels, one of the oldest dog breeds. They were mentioned in the stories of Chaucer (1342-1400) and Shakespeare (1564-1616).

It is assumed that the name came from Spain, since the word "spaniel" is probably of Spanish origin. According to another version, the breed received its name from the French phrase Chiens de l'Espagnol (dog of Spain).

Initially, animals were used exclusively for hunting. The dogs helped look for woodcock, a type of wood pigeon.

American Cocker Spaniels are closely related to English Cocker Spaniels. In fact, it was the same breed until the late 1870s. After this, they began to be separated due to differences in the standards of the Americans and the British.

In the early 1900s, American Cocker Spaniels first captured the hearts of the world. In 1921, the American species became the first to win Best in Show. This happened at a dog show at the Westminster Kennel Club.

The breed was officially recognized in 1945/46.

The English Cocker Spaniel was bred more for hunting, while the American Cocker Spaniel was bred for shows and performances.

Today, it is the smallest recognized sporting dog.

Purpose of the breed and training

American Cocker Spaniels have firmly taken their place as pets and companions, but have not lost their hunting instincts. We said above that cockers are a gun breed, the purpose of which is to bring shot game, in particular poultry. The animal easily learns both to bring prey and to raise birds from hiding, but long hair will prevent the cocker spaniel from making its way through grass, bushes or swamps. Therefore, show dogs do not participate in hunting; if a pet is purchased in order to walk under the gun, the owner must provide a comfortable length of fur for it.

American Cocker Spaniel on the hunt

To train an animal to be useful in hunting, it is worth taking special training courses with it. Training cockers includes several stages that are practiced until complete mastery: standing, reaching, intimidating and bringing in game. The dog will also be taught to work with a clicker or whistle, introduced to different types of game, and taught that the bird should be handed over to the owner, and not feasted on alone. But, before you go for training, you need to go through a basic training course with your puppy.

As the name implies, this course includes basic skills for every dog: the ability to walk next to the owner’s leg, come when called, learning the commands “Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “Stand!” and others. Basic training is very important for American Spaniels, because they are restless by nature, and their hunting instincts awaken at the most inopportune moments. A responsible owner who wants to achieve mutual understanding with the dog and learn how to manage it competently will definitely take group or individual classes with a dog handler.

Any active activity will be a joy for a cocker spaniel

If the owner of an American Cocker Spaniel does not intend to take the animal hunting, you can choose other sports where the dog can burn off energy and enjoy movement and working together with the owner.

Thus, American cockers perform well in agility . This is a sport involving the interaction between dog and owner. The pet’s task is to accurately and in the shortest period of time go through a course with obstacles, such as a “snake”, barriers of various configurations, tunnels, logs (booms), swings and the like. At the same time, the dog is in “free flight”; it should not be wearing a collar, much less a leash.

Cockers perform well in frisbee - competitions for catching a flying saucer. Another sport in which a cocker spaniel can warm up and even get tired is coursing. Coursing is fun for dogs with hunting skills. A mechanism is installed in a certain area that moves an artificial hare along a selected trajectory. In this case, the “prey” may unexpectedly change direction, freeze or accelerate. Coursing is good because the animal not only realizes its hunting potential, but also learns to make decisions, not get lost in unexpected situations, and in general gets physical exercise.

American Spaniels are active and energetic dogs.

You can also do tracking work with representatives of the breed - the hunter's instinct greatly helps cockers in this. An excellent sense of smell allows American Cocker Spaniels to be very useful. Dogs of this breed work to search for missing people and help police officers search for drugs. What is especially convenient for operatives is that spaniels are small in size and have a calm, friendly character. This allows dogs to work in crowded places: airports, train stations, without scaring others. Also, with spaniels they check public transport that crosses borders - trains and buses, and their compact size allows the animal to easily work in narrow passages and cramped spaces.

American Cocker Spaniels are worked with by rescue workers and volunteers focused on searching for people. The spaniel works well in both wooded or field areas, as well as rubble (stone and snow). Small size and weight also play an important role in the search abilities of spaniels. Firstly, the animal can maneuver between trees, overcome various obstacles and go through many places without the risk of falling through. Secondly, the handler can carry a small dog for some time in order to deliver it to the right place, avoiding a dangerous area.

Video - About American Cockers

Maintenance and care

As with any other breed, individuals need to be looked after. Brush the coat regularly and have it trimmed by a groomer. A pet that has not been cut for a long time will look untidy. The specialist will perform a haircut using a clipper and can also create various hairstyles.

Exercise regularly to keep your pets fit and avoid gaining weight. In addition, feed them with high-quality food that meets all their needs. Set up a mini area for them to sleep comfortably.

Dogs need to be brushed every day and examined at the same time. Don't let their long hairs get tangled.

Because of the shape of the ears, air cannot circulate in them as well as it should. Often, moisture gets trapped in the inner ear, creating the perfect environment for yeast infections to spread. Therefore, if the animal gets wet or you have given it a bath, check your pet's ears. They must be dry.

Another peculiarity is that dogs are susceptible to eye diseases. Check and clean your dogs eyes regularly.

To ensure your pet's well-being during the cold season, purchase a jumpsuit for him. You can also find dog clothing patterns online.

Differences between the lifespan of females and males

If you want to keep an American Spaniel at home, you will have to choose between a female and a male. According to statistics, the life expectancy of males is longer than that of females. The latter bear puppies and die during childbirth from too large offspring. Each litter shortens the dog's life and causes severe harm to its health. A necessary measure to prolong the life of a spaniel bitch is sterilization.

Neutered males live longer. They are protected from problems with the reproductive system and related diseases, so their life span is longer. For bitches, sterilization is protection against diseases of the genital organs. Owners should sterilize their dogs to ensure they live long and stay healthy.

Nutrition

Many owners wonder: how to feed a cocker? Dogs need to be fed high-quality, natural, balanced food that meets all their needs. Also, food should suit different stages of life. They are not known to be picky about it. The approximate amount of food that should be given to the animal, depending on its activity:

• Weight 11 kg: feed from 148 to 193 g.
• Weight 12 kg: feed from 158 to 207 g.
• Weight 13 kg: feed 165 to 216 g.
• Weight 14 kg: feed from 177 to 232 g.

Decorative (mini)

Cavalier King Charles

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an innate hunting instinct and can track game as well as other spaniels, but they have been used only as companions for several centuries.
They were in great demand as boudoir dogs back in the 15th and 16th centuries, but the breed’s heyday came in the second half of the 17th century and is associated with the reign of King Charles II Stuart in England, from whom they got their name .

In the old days, Cavalier King Charles had another purpose - they were used as living heating pads, protecting their owners from the piercing cold in the premises of ancient castles or while traveling in carriages.

Currently popular as pets and show dogs . They are elegant, graceful and have a playful and affectionate disposition. At the same time, they are brave, agile and energetic.

Weight ranges from 5.4 to 8 kg, their wool is quite soft and long . There are three acceptable colors for Cavalier King Charles: black and tan, ruby, Blenheim (reddish-white or white-fawn) and tricolor.

King Charles

King Charles Spaniels are cheerful, active and affectionate companion dogs that weigh between 3.6 and 6.3 kg.
King Charles have a flat head and a short muzzle with an upturned nose, giving them a funny expression. The eyes are large, expressive, widely spaced. Colors can be black and tan, ruby, Blenheim or tri-color.

King Charles Spaniels are great as lap dogs, but when kept in an apartment they require regular walks..

Continental Toy

A small dog, approximately 28 cm tall and weighing 1.5-5 kg.

The head is medium-sized, with a convex skull and a sharp transition to an elongated, slightly pointed muzzle.

The ears are set above the eye line and can be erect, covered with a beautiful fringe, or hanging.

Depending on the position of the ears, continental toy spaniels are divided into two varieties :

• Papillon (with erect ears).
• Phalen (his ears droop).

IMPORTANT! These dogs are distinguished by their active, mischievous and playful disposition; they love outdoor games and are incredibly loyal to their owners.

Tibetan

Bred in the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet, Tibetan spaniels are not related to European spaniels. Their original purpose was to warn the monks about the approach of strangers, in addition, they turned prayer mills.

Apparently, they came to Europe during the Middle Ages.

Tibetan spaniels are small, fluffy dogs that resemble Pekingese dogs . Their height at the withers is 24-26 cm, and their weight is from 4 to 6 kg. The head is medium-sized, with a slightly convex skull and a slightly flattened muzzle.

The eyes are oval, dark and expressive. The ears are small, set high, the tail is thrown over the back and resembles a fan.

The coat is short on the muzzle and on the front sides of the limbs, somewhat elongated on the body, with a thick and thin undercoat . There are featherings on the ears, tail and back of the limbs.

Any colors are allowed, but the most valuable are considered dark ones with a small white spot on the chest, which in Tibet is considered a sign of a pure heart.

Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a medium-sized dog with a flattened muzzle and expressive dark eyes, originating from Tibetan spaniels.
They first came to Europe in the 17th century and, apparently, became one of the ancestors of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are distinguished by their small size (height in males is up to 25 cm, in females slightly lower, weight - 1.8-3.2 kg) .

The body format is square, the head is rounded and quite wide, with a well-defined stop. The muzzle is shortened and upturned, the nose is located approximately at eye level. The ears are hanging, triangular, covered with silky long hair.

The tail, carried over the back, is also profusely pubescent.

The coat is straight, silky and long, the undercoat is poorly developed . The color is white and black or white and red.

The Japanese Chin is an intelligent, proud, but at the same time friendly and balanced dog, distinguished by a special, delicate manner of communicating with its owners.

Breeding

An important characteristic when breeding individuals is the health of the future parents. Before mating two dogs, make sure that they do not have any hereditary diseases. The most favorable age for mating is 2 years. Although puberty occurs earlier, it is still recommended to wait to make sure your pets are healthy. The bitch's estrus lasts 71-127 days. It is “visible” to the human eye that occurs in 21-32 days.

The animal's gestation period lasts about 58 days. The average number of puppies is 5. However, even with such a small number, not all survive.

During and after childbirth, a sudden drop in the mother's temperature may occur. Enlist the help of a veterinarian to ensure the process goes smoothly. If your pet is taking too long to give birth, the puppy may be stuck and the birth canal is narrow. Therefore, it is better to enlist the help of your veterinarian in advance.

Mating

The first mating is carried out at the age of one and a half years. The ideal moment is 8-10 days of estrus. The mating takes place on the territory of the male dog. Spaniels are best bred in the morning after a walk, but before feeding. During mating, it is recommended to hold the bitch by the ears or head. This must be done carefully, but firmly. A day after the first mating, a control mating is carried out.

Pregnancy and childbirth

On average, cocker pregnancy lasts 9 weeks. If the litter is large, signs become obvious by 7 weeks. If the female carries 1-2 puppies, the pregnancy may go unnoticed.

Before giving birth, detailed veterinary advice should be obtained. It is best to call a doctor at home.

Childbirth can last from several hours to a day. In the first 10-12 days after the birth of puppies, the temperature in the room should be maintained at 28 degrees. Then it is gradually reduced to 20.

Puppies

Newborn pets are noisy and active. You must protect your home and garden from them in advance. Any puppy will feel vulnerable when leaving its mother and brothers, which is something to consider.

The best time to adopt a puppy is when you can be with him for the first week. This is necessary for the socialization of the baby. Puppy proofing your home and garden means removing any tools that might be noisy or those that could cause him injury.

Kids love to chew things, so it's better to hide the wiring securely. All individuals are sensitive to noise. It is important to reduce noise levels when a baby arrives in the house. What a baby American cocker looks like is shown in the photo.

Puppies must have an appropriate diet so that they can develop and grow as expected. Feed him 3-4 times a day with approximately the following amounts of special food depending on his body size:

• two months - from 150 to 231 g;
• three months - from 176 to 257 g;
• four months - from 187 to 268 g;
• six months - from 189 to 270 g;
• seven months - from 171 to 250 g;
• eight months - from 153 to 240 g;
• ten months - from 135 to 193 g;
• eleven month - from 132 to 191 g.

When the puppy is 12 months old, he can be fed like an adult dog.

Many people wonder: why does the baby bite? This is due to the fact that until the age of two months he simply has not yet learned to play correctly.

Bathing

To keep your dog clean, it is not necessary to bathe it every time it gets dirty.
It is enough to brush regularly with a soft brush. If you bathe frequently using detergents, your dog may experience itchy skin and flaking. Shampoo and soap destroy the fat layer, which naturally protects the skin from dirt and moisture. This is especially true for puppies under six months of age. You can bathe your puppy using homemade shampoo, consisting of kefir or curdled milk, egg yolk and warm water. This composition will not damage the protective layer. If the pet is dirty and the dirt cannot be washed off with a home remedy, then shampoo for long-haired dogs is used. It is diluted with warm water in a 1:1 ratio.

Paws and ears are washed every time you return to the house. The puppy must be taught this procedure from an early age.

Dog character

The breed is often called the fun-loving cocker, and for good reason. The animals are famous for their cheerful personalities, which is why they are popular as pets.

By nature, they are energetic and intelligent individuals. Therefore, they need to be given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If left for long periods of time or not given enough attention, cockers can develop some unwanted behavioral problems. This makes them unmanageable and difficult to handle.

They are very gentle and quite sensitive by nature, making them good with children. The animals are sociable, and they also have highly developed hunting instincts. Therefore, dogs will happily chase smaller animals whenever they have the opportunity.

Some individuals love to listen to their voices. This needs to be stopped while the dog is still young. But do it gently - don't scold too much as they are very sensitive by nature.

Other individuals bark only when there are strangers or when they don’t like something in their environment. The dogs are natural watchdogs and are always eager to let their owner know when there are strangers. Animals rarely do this aggressively, preferring to keep their distance.

Causes of premature death of a dog

Accidents, poisoning, and existing pathologies of internal organs lead to the sudden death of animals. Negative consequences are difficult to predict, however, it is preferable to know what potential dangers threaten your pet.

Common causes of premature canine death:

• poisoning;
• heart disease;
• pneumothorax;
• tracheal collapse;
• congenital abnormalities;
• expansion, volvulus of the stomach;
• ulcer;
• splenic tumor rupture;
• foreign body entering the throat;
• heatstroke;
• injury.

Dogs often suffer from poisons intended for rodents, poisons distributed to exterminate stray dogs. During a walk, be sure to keep an eye on your pet; if the dog does not respond to the command “ugh,” put on a closed muzzle so that the dog does not try questionable “food.”

Heart diseases can manifest asymptomatically, but if a young dog gets tired quickly, is weak, or is breathing heavily, you need to visit a veterinarian for a diagnostic examination.

Air accumulation in the peripulmonary space (pneumothorax) occurs due to injuries to the sternum leading to damage to the emphysematous bladder or existing tumor on the lung.

Tracheal collapse is more common in small breeds, is expressed by a sharp cough after active mobility or the manifestation of strong emotions, and sometimes occurs as a complication of past infections.

A congenital pathology that leads to tragic consequences is the displacement of the cervical vertebrae as a result of insufficient development or defect of the ligaments. An accidental jolt to the problem area can cause pressure on the spinal cord and be fatal.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus are more common in older dogs; both pathologies interfere with the normal blood supply to other organs and are considered deadly. Prevention of stomach problems is considered to be proper nutrition, adherence to a feeding regime and moderate exercise.

The premature death of the animal is caused by complications of peptic ulcer disease, expressed in the formation of a through hole in the wall of the stomach or bleeding. A precaution is the proper nutrition of your pet.

New growths on the spleen (benign and malignant) are susceptible to rupture, which can lead to fatal loss of blood. Tumor rupture is possible even with minor damage caused by difficult bowel movements or increased physical activity.

Swallowing a foreign object risks suffocation or injury to internal organs as the swallowed object moves inside.

Heatstroke is caused by severe overheating of the body and often occurs in dogs locked in a car in hot weather.

A dog can be injured on the street (being hit by a car, fighting with other dogs, etc.), at home (falling from a height, electric shock, etc.), the danger of injury depends on the degree of its severity and the provision of first aid.

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Education

These are smart pets who always strive to please their owners. Because American Cockers are easy to learn new things, they are easy to train. But, like all breeds, raising and training a Cocker Spaniel must begin early. Puppies need to be socialized from a young age so that they become outgoing, confident adult dogs in the future.

It is important how you train your pet. They do not like rude treatment and will also appreciate encouragement.

Owners should begin training by establishing ground rules, limits and boundaries. The puppy must understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not. The first commands that a baby should learn are:

• Come.
• Sit.
• Stay.
• Quiet.
• Leave it.
• Down.
• Place.

Character of the American Cocker Spaniel

During selection, breeders paid attention to appearance, so the hunting qualities of these dogs were almost lost. American spaniels have evolved into family dogs. This fluffy cute dog is very loyal and devoted. He is ready to follow his owner and participate in all activities and games. But the spaniel is very sensitive, he understands when the owner is busy and will not bother him. And if someone is sad, they will definitely calm and cheer them up. He treats strangers calmly and does not show aggression. Therefore, this dog cannot be made into a guard or watchman.

He is a cheerful and good-natured fidget, he is always looking for something to do. Cockers are cheerful, sad only when separated from their owner. They definitely need the presence of a person who loves them. When alone, they will whine and may start to damage things.

Cockers love all family members and treat children with tenderness. Adult dogs control themselves and will never offend a child. They live quietly in the same house with all pets, except birds. Hunting instincts force the dog to hunt them.

Of the negative character traits, cockers have cunning and the ability to manipulate. They feel when the owner shows weakness and will take advantage of it.

Features of education and training

From the first day a puppy appears in the house, it is necessary to begin education and socialization. Although this dog is smart and obedient, it has an explosive temperament. Without proper upbringing, she can become aggressive and uncontrollable. The owner must show persistence and patience. The dog must understand who is boss in the house.

You need to immediately teach your baby:

• go to the toilet for a diaper, and then go outside;
• calmly endure hygiene procedures;
• know your place, go there on command;
• do not climb on the bed;
• don't bite;
• don't just bark;
• respond to a nickname;
• walk with a collar and leash;
• calmly react to strangers, other dogs and animals, cars, noise.

Mandatory commands that every dog ​​should know are “come to me”, “stand”, “sit”, “near”, “no”, “fu”. It is also recommended to teach the American Spaniel the “quiet” command, as these dogs love to express their emotions with their voices.

Exercises with your pet should be regular and consistent. It is better to conduct them in a playful way to interest the baby. They love to play catch, search for and bring objects. It is recommended to reward correct behavior with treats and affection. But mistakes and mischief should not be forgiven; you should immediately scold the puppy. Just don’t scream, much less hit your pet. He should not be afraid of his owner.

The American Cocker is easy to train. This dog loves to learn new things, he is curious and smart. He wants to please his beloved owner, so he will obey and loves attention and praise.

If a dog is bought for hunting, it needs to be trained from an early age. The hunting skills of American cockers are weak, so they need to be trained to smell game and search for prey. It is advisable to have this done by a professional.

Diseases

They are generally healthy dogs, although, like many other purebred breeds, they are susceptible to certain hereditary diseases. Problems that are most common:

• Hereditary cataract.
• Retinal dysplasia.
• Progressive retinal atrophy.
• Goniodysgenesis.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Knee dysplasia.
• Multifocal retinal dysplasia.
• Distichiasis.
• Corneal lipidosis.
• Dry eye.
• Ear problems.
• Heart problems, including cardiomyopathy.
• Canine epilepsy.
• Eversion of the century.
• Entropion/cherry eye.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Seborrhea.
• Phosphofructokinase deficiency.
• Liver diseases.
• Allergies.
• Pancreatitis.
• Chronic heart failure

All these diagnoses must be made by a veterinarian, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The puppies had to have their vaccinations before they were sold. Your veterinarian will determine your follow-up schedule.

Some American Cockers gain weight after being spayed or neutered. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog's waist. If your dog begins to gain weight, adjust his daily caloric intake and increase his exercise.

Individuals are susceptible to allergies. Main reasons:

• Certain products.
• Airborne pollen.
• Dust mites.
• Environment.
• Flea and tick bites.
• Chemicals found in household cleaning products.

Once the cause is determined, you need to eliminate the allergen.

How long do purebred animals live?

According to veterinary experts, there is a clear relationship between the breed and the years measured to the animal. It has been scientifically proven that the smaller the dog, the longer its life.

The vitality of representatives of different breeds varies. This is due to human breeding activities. When developing standards, dogs develop and reinforce features that are often unnatural.

Breeding a breed is fraught with complications, which are expressed in hereditary diseases:

1. Chihuahua. These cute little creatures are genetically prone to medial dislocations of the kneecaps, elbow joints, and various dysplasias.
2. Dachshund. Natural hunters, with a funny long body on short legs, pay with health for such a body structure. Hereditary pathology in dachshunds is intervertebral disc disease.
3. Shar-Pei. Not only in this breed of dog, but in all pets with skin folds, the disease entropion, which is essentially an entropion of the eyelid, is common.
4. Rottweilers. Strong, brave, fearless, smart. But they are also susceptible to hereditary diseases - aortic stenosis, Rottweiler leukoencephalopathy, follicular lipidosis.
5. Pikines. This ancient breed is distinguished by a special eye structure, for which it suffers from a tendency to eversion of the eyelids, cataracts, and corneal ulcers.

Each breed has its own Achilles heel - dogs with flat faces have problems with the respiratory system, with skin without fur - they suffer from allergies, large pets are often diagnosed with diseases of the joints and bones.

Breeders allow for different situations that affect the life expectancy of dogs:

• Inbreeding;
• Exclusion of the factor of natural selection;
• The appearance of the offspring becomes a priority, not health;
• The lifespan of the progenitors of the offspring is not taken into account.

Dogs of breeds that are less susceptible to selection changes, of medium size, without any special appearance, live the longest. These are terriers, shepherds, huskies.

The presence of long-livers in the family is of great importance. If the pet's parents lived to a ripe old age, then it has every chance of a long life. If we talk about numbers, on average, dogs live about 12 years.

Interesting Facts

• Dogs have long been favorites among the rich and famous. Actor George Clooney has an elderly cocker spaniel named Einstein that he rescued from an animal shelter in California. Duchess Kate's younger brother gave her a baby named Lupo for her wedding. David and Victoria Beckham have a pet named Olive.
• Presidents Truman and Nixon had cockers named Feller and Checkers.
• Today the breed is the 30th most popular registered breed in the United States.
• Fudge's pet graduated from Edinburgh Napier University dressed to match his owner. The animal, named Ginger, took Gaelic lessons with his owner. Ginger mastered basic Gaelic commands in just three weeks.
• Dogs can identify cancer cells by smell. This was confirmed for the first time in a study in England. It was held in 2004. In an experiment when detecting cancer, a cocker named Tangle had the best indicator. Its accuracy was 56%.
• According to observations, 85% of dogs visit the veterinarian at least once a year.

Ear care

Spaniel ears require special care. Long ears are poorly ventilated and are therefore susceptible to fungal diseases and inflammatory processes. It is necessary to clean the ears from wax and dirt once every 2-3 days, using a damp cotton swab. Clean the outer part of the ear canal. You can’t go deep inside - you can damage the cocker’s delicate ear.

In spring and summer, the main problem is ticks. If your pet behaves restlessly, shakes its head, or tries to scratch its ears with its paws, it means there is a tick there.

Daily inspection of the inner and outer parts of the ear is necessary.

Parasites removed in time will not be able to penetrate deep into the ear canal.

The long ears of the Cocker Spaniel collect all debris, especially burrs. If there is a walk in the forest, the dog is given a special cap for the spaniel ears. This will make grooming easier.

Caring for an Elderly Cocker

The average lifespan of cockers is 11-12 years. By the age of 9, animals’ vision deteriorates and their hearing decreases. The elasticity of the ligaments is no longer the same as in a young animal, the bones become fragile. Walks become more relaxed. The owner may have to lift the dog in his arms to climb flights of stairs. After all, such a task becomes difficult for an aging dog.

To maintain the vital functions of the pet, multivitamin complexes are used for aging dogs. The diet is also subject to revision. It is recommended to purchase food for older animals.

Knowledge of how to care for an American or English cocker will help you raise a healthy and active pet that will delight its owner.

Dental care

To accustom a puppy to examining and brushing his teeth from an early age, he is taught the “Show your teeth” command. This will come in handy when the dog begins to participate in exhibitions, because a dental examination is a necessary item.

Dental care is carried out regularly once a week, starting from the age of six months, after the complete replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones.

To do this, use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs to clean the teeth with gentle movements. Soft plaque on teeth can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in water. But tartar in dogs is difficult to remove on your own. To carry out this procedure, contact a veterinarian. The formation of tartar is dangerous because it can cause inflammatory gum disease.

As a natural way to clean the teeth, the spaniel is offered to gnaw on large bones and cartilage. Caring for and maintaining healthy teeth is a prerequisite for maintaining the health of your pet.