Photo: American Cocker Spaniel
Courtesy of Annie's Rescued Friends
Spaniels have been in the history of dogs since the early 1300's, although dogs with resemblance to spaniels date back to ancient times. The word "Spaniel" comes from Spain, designating a dog from that country. Wherever the breed originated, it is easy to say that during the 13th and 14th centuries, before huntsmen used guns in the field, falcons were used by wealthy sportsmen. The Spaniels scented out the location of the game, went down to it, and crept close, getting the attention of the game. The hunters would place a net over the dog and game alike. When necessary, Spaniels could swim and dive under water to retrieve wounded game.
Early on, Spaniels were divided into two varieties, land and water. All of the Spaniel breeds have evolved from those early divisions. Even Setters have evolved from the crossing of the Spanish Pointer with the Spaniel. The cross took place after the gun displaced falcons and net in sport hunting around 1775. Early guns took a long time to load and aim. If the game moved, hunters were unable to shoot and hit it. The lively Spaniel was a nuisance, frightening the birds and rabbits. The smaller, quiet lap dog varieties became popular.
By 1837, the English Spaniel had been developed into a breed and this change became apparent as new classes were introduced at shows. Shorter legged Cockers and longer legged Springers also began to evolve.
Cockers found their way to America in the late 19th century. By 1920 the popularity of the Cocker was growing by leaps and bounds. Although the English type and the American type began to take shape from the early years of breeding, it was not until 1946 that the AKC actually granted recognition to the two separate Cocker breeds. The American Cocker Spaniel rapidly rose to become the single most popular breed in the America's history. IN the 1930's the AKC divided the Cocker Spaniel into two completely separate color varieties for the purpose of showing: solid and parti-colored. Solid colors were further divided into classes for black and solids other than black.
Although the product of America, the American Cocker Spaniel has become a worldwide favorite.
SHOULD YOU HAVE AN AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL?
The American Cocker is not low maintenance. He requires attention from his master, is almost always interested in whatever his humans are doing, and needs both grooming and bathing on a regular basis. He needs firm, gentle discipline, and he will get his feelings hurt easily and can easily suffer from a heavy hand. If you are looking for a dog who can spend time alone, and leave you alone, the Cocker is not a breed for you. Instead of minding his own business, the Cocker is almost constantly interested in minding yours!
He is protective of his family, and loves to play. He will live to be 12 to 15 years of age, often getting along fine after he is blind or deaf from old age. The sense of smell is strong, and in familiar circumstances he can still lead a happy, comfortable life.
Cockers were originally field dogs. They love the water and will head for water or mud in the yeard instead of avoiding it. This is not always the thing that makes the owner happy when he finds the sprinklers dug up, the flowers rearranged, and the lovely Cocker coat cakced in mud.
HEALTH
The most common health problem in Cocker Spaniels is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a complex disease consisting of several inherited photoreceptor diseases that have a similar clinical appearance. It is a recessive trait in various dog breeds, including the Cocker spaniel. The age of onset of clinical signs varies with the type of PRA. It can show up as early as 4 to 6 months, or as late as 6 or 7 years. For this reason, an annual check is necessary. Dogs must be tested every year because it is possible for a dog to be clear of PRA in youth, only to develop the disease later in life.
Night blindness is noted early and progresses to total blindness over a period of months to years. Progressive cortical cataracts are common later in the course of PRA and may mask the underlying retinopathy. No effective therapy is available.
Hips and Patellas
Although the most common term heard concerning dog's health is a hip dysplasia, the Cocker Spaniel is a small breed, with a compact build, and it is typical that smaller, well proportioned dogs are not troubled by hip problems. More common are patella problems. The patella is the rear joint similar to the knee cap in humans. It may move out of place and cause pain - a condition called a "luxating patella." In severe cases it may require an operation to stabilize it.
Skin Problems
One of the most frustrating health problems can be skin infections and conditions. Most diseases are carried as recessive genes. It is possible that both parents can be free of the disease, but be carriers. Buyers should always ask the breeder about the soundness of the complete bloodline. Be sure to ask what, if any, guarantee is being offered. If a line is free of health problems, line breeding and inbreeding ensure that the puppies will be clear because there is no way for the recessive, offending gene to enter the gene pool.