Have you always wanted to have a dog in your family? You may be searching for the perfect breed. A lot of families love the American Cocker Spaniel. They are fun-loving and affectionate canines that love their family. They can be used as working dogs too. Let’s learn more about the American Cocker Spaniel.
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What can I Expect from the American Cocker Spaniel?
Originally, the American Cocker Spaniel was used as a gun dog when they first came to the United States. They soon became a popular pet for families but still enjoyed being a working dog. They are around 1 foot 2 inches tall as well as weighing around 24 to 28 pounds. They can enjoy an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
The American Cocker Spaniel has a wavy coat that is along around the body and short on the head. They can be a variety of colors, including red, brown, cream and black. It is also possible for the American Cocker Spaniel to be parti-color.
Do They have a Good Temperament?
The American Cocker Spaniel is known to have a merry and loving personality. They love to spend time with their humans and have some fun. They are very affectionate and this makes them great companions to have in the house. The good thing is, they are always up for an adventure too and they are enthusiastic about life.
The American Cocker Spaniel is also very intelligent. This is a good trait that means they can be easier to train than other breeds. They can pick up new commands very quickly and they are loyal. So, this means that they like to follow your lead and love to please. Positive reinforcement will work well for the American Cocker Spaniel and their training.
It is important to realize that the American Cocker Spaniel is a working dog. They were used for hunting and this still is their hidden talent. But it does mean that they have a high prey drive and this is something that you have to be aware of when you are outdoors with your canine. In particular, they should have excellent recall before they are allowed off the leash.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDo They Need a lot of Exercise?
The American Cocker Spaniel is a dog that loves to be active. They are going to be best suited for households that like to be out and about during the day. The American Cocker Spaniel will love to join you on hikes or be your jogging companion. If you are going to be out for long periods of the day or work a lot, this is not going to be the best breed for you. The American Cocker Spaniel requires several hours of exercise every day to be happy and content. Otherwise, they might start to develop undesirable behaviors such as barking and chewing on furniture.
Remember that the American Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent breed. This means that they also require mental stimulation during the day. Always provide your furry friend with plenty of toys to keep them amused. You should also ensure that you spend time playing with them during the day. Short and regular training sessions are going to be good for testing your pup’s brain too.
Do They Need a lot of Grooming?
If you are looking for a dog that is easy to take care of, the American Cocker Spaniel might not be the one for you. This pooch does require a lot of grooming and this is something that you will need to be prepared for. For instance, the American Cocker Spaniel will shed a lot in your home. This is particularly true during the spring and fall months. You will have to be prepared to do some extra cleaning.
In addition, you will have to be prepared to brush your pooch every day. They have long coats and this means that it can easily become knotted and matted. When you brush their fur on a regular basis, you can stop this from happening and ensure that it does not become uncomfortable for your canine.
Where Can I Find an American Cocker Spaniel?
The American Cocker Spaniel is an active and fun dog to have in your family. After reading about their needs, you may have decided they are the perfect pooch for you. This means that you will want to know where you can find an American Cocker Spaniel. The best place to start looking for a new canine is at your local animal shelter. There are lots of dogs here just waiting for their new forever home. It is a rewarding experience and the benefits including getting a dog with some basic training. The American Cocker Spaniel is not going to be the most popular breed to find at the animal shelter. But you may be lucky and find your beloved companion here.
Next, you can search online for a new furry friend. There are dog charities and rescues that can help find an American Cocker Spaniel for you. You may have to do some traveling to find your pup but it will be worth it. You can also keep an eye out for adverts from American Cocker Spaniel owners. They might be trying to rehome their canine. Sometimes, rehoming a dog can be free or there can be a small fee. Just ensure that you find out about the dog before offering to take them.
Your last option is to purchase an American Cocker Spaniel puppy from a breeder. This gives you the opportunity to get a head start on their training and socialization from an early age. But you will have to be prepared to pay the price when you buy this canine from a breeder. You should also do a lot of research to ensure that you choose a breeder that is registered, experienced and popular. This is going to make sure that you do not get your dog from a puppy mill or someone that is irresponsible with their canines. Always ask to see the parents of your American Cocker Spaniel puppy first.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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