Overview
Average lifespan
The feisty American Cocker Spaniel usually lives to 12 years of age but can live up to 14 years when living in a caring home and fed the correct diet.
Average size and weight
The American Cocker Spaniel female usually weighs about 10kg to 12kg and is 33cm to 36cm in height, while the male’s ideal weight is from 12kg to 15kg and is 36cm to 39cm tall.
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
The American Cocker Spaniel has a typical gundog temperament, with a keenly developed sense of retrieving. They are outgoing, friendly, and very sociable dogs. They make keen companions and are very good with children.
Compatibility with other pets
This breed adjusts readily to most pets.
Care requirements
American Cocker Spaniels require time and great care to bring their coat into full bloom. To achieve this frequent brushing and bathing is needed or regular trips to the grooming parlour. This applies not only when they are puppies, but also for the life of the dog. While the American Cocker looks very elegant when in full coat, many pet owners keep their dogs in ‘pet clip’ – leaving the coat only about 5cm in length on the legs and stomach. This significantly reduces the tendency of the coat to knot, and makes bathing, drying and grooming much easier.
Although a small breed, the American Cocker still needs daily exercise. Digging holes in the garden can be a sign of boredom. Ideally this breed needs to be allowed off the leash to run free, providing it is safe to do so. Such free exercise periods should be well supervised, with the dog kept within calling distance at all times.
Decision time
Ideal owners
Families who are prepared to meet this breed's ongoing grooming needs, and want a companion to go ‘out and about’ with them will not be disappointed.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders