Life expectancy

13 years

Age adult

11 months

Height (Shoulder height)

36 cm

Weight

11 kg

Coat texture

long-haired / undercoat / silky / short straight hair on the face

Coat color

black, creme, gold, brown tones, blue, grey, red, loh, various colour combinations with white or loh, with and without loh colored markings

Common illnesses

ear diseases / idiopathic epilepsy / kidney disease / heart diseases / autoimmune hemolytic anemia / skin diseases / flews eczema / Animal welfare relevant breeding for extreme breeding / phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFKD)

Food expenses per month in €

about € 29

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather not

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather yes

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

happy / alert / playful / clingy / lively / gentle

Bred for

winged game / Stöberjagd / show dog

Common illnesses

ear diseases / idiopathic epilepsy / kidney disease / heart diseases / autoimmune hemolytic anemia / skin diseases / flews eczema / Animal welfare relevant breeding for extreme breeding / phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFKD)

Dog type according to FCI

retrievers - flushing dogs - water dogs

FCI description

Retrieval dogs are to find shot game and bring it to the hunter. They are mainly used for duck or small game hunting. This is where their love of water comes from. They have a "soft mouth" in order not to damage the delicate prey with their teeth. Since they always want to please their humans, are usually compatible, social and balanced, they are popular companion dogs. Nevertheless it must not be forgotten that they want to live out their needs as hunting dogs, i.e. they have to be intellectually and athletically challenged. Today they are also often trained as rescue dogs, and their fine nose and love for people help them to do so.

Flushing dogs look independently (without visual contact to the hunter) for the track in thicket and unclear terrain for tall game or small game. If the game is found, the hunt-dog is track-laut, scare it up and drives it through its gebell to the hunter. They are agile, independent, tend to bark and have a certain obstinacy. However, when they are engaged in a species-appropriate way, with a lot of exercise and nose work, they are patient and friendly dogs.

Water dogs work hunting in the water, fishing, catching fishing nets or helping shipwrecked people. They are alert, adaptable, agile and seek spiritual challenges.

You should give dogs in this group the opportunity to use their sense of smell and their urge to move and partly to hunt.

Short description

The American Cocker Spaniel is a friendly and playful family-dog which is quick and eager to learn. He has fun hunting and flushing. Excessive show breeding led to certain disabilities, therefore, this breed’s vitality and health suffer. The American Cocker Spaniel is loyal, curious and loves to be outdoors on a regular basis. Unfortunately, his coat and long ears prevent him from running and playing outside in wet and muddy conditions. He knows how to twist his owners around his finger and likes to test his limits. His coat needs a lot of care and regular grooming.