About the Cocker Spaniel

  
     
  The members of the Cocker Spaniel Club of Eastern Missouri (CSCEM) feel that Cocker Spaniels are special dogs and we want to share with you the information we know about them. Cocker Spaniels are merry, loving, and forgiving pets. We think they are almost human. They thrive on human companionship and all they ask is for a chance to please their family. Cocker Spaniels are house dogs and will not tolerate being outside for long periods of time.

The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the sporting group. They are divided into three varieties: ASCOB, Black, and Parti-color - based on coat color. ASCOB stands for Any Solid Color Other than Black and includes all shades of buff, red, brown, and brown and tan. Black includes solid black, and black and tan. Parti-color is white with another color such as black, red, or brown, and also these colors with tan points. The ideal height at the shoulders is 14 inches for females and 15 inches for males. Females usually weigh between 18 to 22 pounds and males range from 23 to 28 pounds normally. We think they are the ideal size house dog. Cocker Spaniels have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years or longer with proper care which includes at least an annual visit to the vet.

As a member club of The American Spaniel Club (ASC) the CSCEM agrees with the ASC recommendation that all cocker breeding stock be checked for inherited disorders such as juvenile cataracts, PRA, and hip dysplasia. The very least you should expect from the breeder is a copy of the current eye exams on the parents of your puppy. This is not a guarantee that your puppy will remain unaffected but it should assure you that the breeder is making a conscientious effort to avoid these problems. Nearly every breed has inherited faults. A good resource to learn about the faults of AKC breeds is through the AKC Gazette magazine.

It has become customary for many breeders to withhold the AKC registration papers until after you have your puppy spayed or neutered, or to sell their puppies on a Limited Registration. This assures the breeder that the puppy sold as a pet will not be used for reproduction. There are many good reasons why the breeder requests this. For more on why NOT to breed your dog check our resources page.

CARING FOR YOUR COCKER
Cockers are not meant to be outside dogs. They are happiest in the house with their owners. Also, inclement weather is very hard on the cocker coat. We do not advocate tying or chaining a Cocker Spaniel outside. A fenced in yard is a wonderful convenience, but if you do not have one, plan on walking or exercising the dog on a leash several times a day.

One of the easiest and most effective methods of house breaking is crate training. When using a crate you must remember to exercise the puppy anytime he is removed from the crate. When housebreaking a young puppy, take him outside as soon as you get up. The puppy should be let out after every meal, every time he is removed from the crate and of course, before bedtime and before crating. The puppy should not be left in the house unsupervised. This is especially important until his house training is reliable. When a puppy is playing and starts to circle or wander off looking for a spot be quick to get him outside BEFORE he makes a mistake.

The breeder or a veterinarian can recommend a good quality food for your puppy and also a schedule of vaccinations. Your puppy should have access to clean water at all times. Generally, a good dry food is all that is needed.

Before your puppy is brought home, make sire to "puppy proof” your house. You can do this the same way you would child proof a house.

We urge you to visit several breeders before you buy. Every cocker should have a friendly temperament, good looks, good health and fit into your family's lifestyle.

GROOMING TIPS
Generally the pet cocker needs trimming every 4 to 6 weeks. Most breeders would like you to come back for at least one grooming. They want to see how the puppy is developing, expose you to correct grooming and answer any questions you may have.

As a rule, the puppy needs to be brushed/combed once a week, and as the coat comes in the cocker should be brushed and combed twice weekly. Combing is actually more important than brushing since brushing does not work out the mats.

As long as your puppy is healthy, you can bathe him as often as once a week. You should use a good quality shampoo for dogs. Do not use human shampoos as the Ph is wrong for dogs. It is important to thoroughly dry the puppy, which can be done by brushing while blowing dry with a hair dryer. Be careful not to get soap into the eyes or water in the ears. Keep the puppy out of drafts until thoroughly dry. Your cocker's ears will benefit by being cleaned weekly. Consult your vet for a good cleaning solution or check our Resources page for a recipe for an ear cleaner. Cocker spaniels are prone to ear infections like many other long eared breeds, but with the proper care this does not have to be.

The nails should be trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks depending on how well he wears them down. Nails that are too long can cause the dog discomfort when walking. If you cut the nail too short, use a styptic pencil or put the nail in a soft cake of soap to stop the bleeding.

The Cocker Spaniel thrives on attention expressed by its human family. It needs your love and attention to remain the merry companion you have chosen for your family.