The American Cocker Spaniel belongs to the eighth group in this classification: Game Retriever Dogs – Game Retrievers – Water Dogs. These are dogs specialized in different hunting disciplines using different working techniques. The American Cocker Spaniel belongs to the second category, that of Game Raising Dogs. These dogs are very focused on smell, which allows them to follow trails. But this formidable flair can also play tricks on them. Indeed, these are dogs that tend to get lost because of this highly developed sense of smell. They are also dogs that have a voice, which they use to warn their master when they have spotted game.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a direct descendant of the English Cocker Spaniel. It was in 1882 that it was introduced to the United States. This breed came to satisfy breeders on the American continent who were looking at that time for a small companion dog with a beautiful coat. In 1946, the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Very quickly, it became one of the most popular breeds in the United States. And it was only in 1956 that it appeared in France where it was and still is very popular.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog. Males measure between 36 and 39 cm and females between 34 and 36 cm for an average weight of 10 to 13 kg. This is a dog with perfectly balanced proportions and an open gait. Its body is short and compact. Its neck, on the other hand, is quite long, muscular and without dewlap. The chest is high and broad, the ribs well sprung, the back strong and the croup wide. Its limbs are strong, ending in compact feet, quite large and rounded. Its pads are relatively hard. Its tail is set high and carried perfectly in line with the line of the back as well as slightly higher. Shortened for a long time, it wriggles when the dog is in action. The head of the American Cocker Spaniel is finely chiseled and has a rounded skull. His eyebrows are very clearly defined. Its muzzle is wide and high, its jaws square. The color of the nose varies depending on the dog's coat; it can be black or brown. His eyes are slightly almond-shaped, brown and as dark as possible. They are very expressive; we all know that “charming imploration” that we can read in their eyes. Its ears are long, thin and trimmed with fringes. Several coat colors are allowed such as black, black and tan at the ends (white on the chest and throat allowed) and any other solid color other than black. In multi-colored coats, the American Cocker Spaniel presents two or more well-defined colors with the only restrictions that these colors must be well distributed and that one of them must be white. The roan coat (mixture of white hair with another color) is classified as multi-colored, the tan being able to range from the lightest cream to the darkest red. It can only cover a maximum of 10% of the dress. The tan markings are located above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle and cheeks, on the inside of the ears, on the four feet and/or limbs, the chest and the tail. It has short, fine hair on its head and medium length on the rest of its body. The ears, chest, abdomen and limbs are fringed. Its hair is silky, flat but it can also be slightly wavy. It also has an undercoat.

The American Cocker Spaniel, like many breeds elsewhere, can be affected by several types of conditions: heart malformation (persistence of the ductus arteriosus), hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), gum tumor, hip dysplasia, incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, ocular defects (ectropion or retinal atrophy for example). Due to his drooping ears, he is also frequently subject to certain ear fragilities such as ear infections. It is therefore very important not only to select the breeder carefully but also to monitor the dog for these potential pathologies. Hygiene care for the eyes and ears can be provided and regular checks by a veterinarian are recommended.

The American Cocker Spaniel is a luxury and show dog and not a hunting dog. It is no less solid, fast and agile. It is an animal with an easy, balanced and very cheerful character. He is a perfect companion, except for his stubborn side... He is a slightly crazy dog who, although he is able to adapt to life in an apartment, needs daily exercise, especially especially long walks to be happy. It will take patience and firmness to educate him but then, very nice results can be obtained. Indeed, its origins linked to the hunting dog make its education more complex than with a Shepherd Dog for example. He is very focused on his environment and this distracts him a lot. You will therefore have to be more interesting than the attractive smells of nature. In terms of maintenance: a bath twice a month, monthly grooming and daily brushing and combing.