Cocker Spaniel

Looking for cute photos of this dog breed? Check out our slideshow about the Cocker Spaniel!

With big baby eyes, soft coat, cozy size, and an upbeat personality, it's easy to see why the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dogs in America. Cockers are sensitive and playful dogs, and they love people, often more than other dogs. He forms a tight, lifelong bond with his owner.

The Cocker can adapt easily to city or country living, as long as he gets his exercise and playtime.

It may be hard to imagine now, but this little house dog was a highly respected hunter not so long ago. His game was the woodcock, a migratory European bird that the breed loved to dive after into the thick undergrowth and chase into the air. So it became known as the woodcock, or "Cocker," Spaniel.

The Cocker Spaniel has a beautiful, silky coat that is straight or wavy, but it doesn't get that way by itself. Daily brushing and professional grooming every three months are essential to the well being of this dog.

In dog shows, Cockers are judged in separate varieties by their colors: Black (can have some tan points); Any Solid Color Other than Black (ASCOB); solid colored with tan markings (a little bit of white on chest or throat is allowed); Parti-Color (mostly white with another color).

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: The smallest of the sporting dogs, he is sturdy, speedy, and merry. His expression should be intelligent, alert, and soft. His tail is docked, and his step is sporty.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 15 inches at the withers; females, 14 inches.

Fun Facts

Most Cockers are happy house pets. Some, however, have lived unusual lives. One Cocker, Chota Peg, lived at sea for 13 years as the dog of the skipper of the SS United States. She traveled a total of two million miles of ocean. Sergeant Boade, another Cocker Spaniel, parachuted 16 times with his owner, a military paratrooper.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.