American Cocker Spaniel, the smallest of
the sporting dogs, weighing between 10 and 13 kg (22 and 28 lb) and standing
only about 35 to 39 cm (14 to 15 in) tall at the shoulder. The cocker spaniel
has a rounded skull; long, wide ears; and a docked tail carried in line
with the back. The silky hair is flat or wavy and moderately long; the
ears, chest, abdomen, and legs are well feathered. Coat colour is solid
black, red, liver, or lemon; black and tan; or particolour.
American cocker spaniels are eager hunting dogs;
they are capable both of flushing and retrieving game, occasionally even
from water. The name, in fact, is thought to derive from their skill in
hunting woodcock. After many years as the most popular breed in the United
States, the cocker lost that title in 1953 to the beagle; overbreeding
resulted in nervousness, and the cocker spaniel diminished in popularity.
The long-lived English cocker, a separate breed,
shares a common ancestry with the American cocker. It is slightly larger,
with longer legs and a bigger muzzle. It grows up to 40.5 cm (16 in) tall
at the shoulder, and weighs about 14 kg (30lb). Originally a hunting dog,
it makes a faithful, intelligent pet. |
