Welcome to our guide to the American Cocker Spaniel.
The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the American Cocker Spaniel breed of dog.
You can also help too!
If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.
We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your American Cocker Spaniel you would like to email us.
Are you looking to buy a American Cocker Spaniel – then see our list of American Cocker Spaniel breeders.
Why Choose a American Cocker Spaniel?
What type of owners buy a American Cocker Spaniel?
What in your opinion are the best things about the American Cocker Spaniel breed?
Why do you think the American Cocker Spaniel is special?
What are your favourite things about the American Cocker Spaniel?
Are you glad you choose to buy a American Cocker Spaniel and not another breed?
How would you describe the American Cocker Spaniel temperament?
What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a American Cocker Spaniel over other breeds?
History & Origins
What are the history and origins of the American Cocker Spaniel?
About The Breed
What colors of American Cocker Spaniel are most popular?
What does the American Cocker Spaniel look like?
What are the pros/cons of the American Cocker Spaniel breed?
What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the American Cocker Spaniel and other breeds?
Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?
What type of typical personality does the American Cocker Spaniel have?
Is it possible to describe a fairly typical American Cocker Spaniel?
What is the breed standard/description for the American Cocker Spaniel?
Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?
Are there any downsides to owning a American Cocker Spaniel that prospective owners should be aware of?
Is the American Cocker Spaniel breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?
Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the American Cocker Spaniel?
What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?
Is the American Cocker Spaniel breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?
Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the American Cocker Spaniel match up to that role?
Are there myths about the American Cocker Spaniel – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?
We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of American Cocker Spaniel puppies and this is what they said:
What types of questions do you get once owners get their American Cocker Spaniel home?
Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?
What is the typical temperament of a American Cocker Spaniel, so people know what to expect from their new pet?
When fully grown how much on average does a American Cocker Spaniel weigh?
When the American Cocker Spaniel is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?
Is the American Cocker Spaniel ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?
Does the American Cocker Spaniel smell or drool a lot?
Do you have a American Cocker Spaniel growth chart?
What breed group does the American Cocker Spaniel come under?
What type of coat do they have?
Can they swim?
What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?
Suitability
Are there some types of people that you can suggest the American Cocker Spaniel is not suitable for, perhaps families?
How is the American Cocker Spaniel with children?
Do you think the American Cocker Spaniel is suitable for families with young children?
How does the American Cocker Spaniel get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new American Cocker Spaniel owners in terms of successful integration?
Is it better to buy one American Cocker Spaniel or two?
Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?
Would the American Cocker Spaniel be suitable as a guard dog?
Can I leave my American Cocker Spaniel during the day while I go to work?
Lifespan
What is the expected average lifespan of the American Cocker Spaniel?
In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the American Cocker Spaniel breed live to?
Food & Diet
Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?
Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?
How to handle the American Cocker Spaniel puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?
What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?
What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc
Do owners need to consider supplements for their American Cocker Spaniel?
How about for older dogs?
Buying – How Much Do They Cost?
How much did your American Cocker Spaniel cost to buy?
Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a American Cocker Spaniel and how much should they spend?
What advice would you offer new American Cocker Spaniel owners?
What types of people are buying the American Cocker Spaniel and why?
Where can I buy American Cocker Spaniel rescue dogs or find a American Cocker Spaniel for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ American Cocker Spaniel can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!
Do I need public liability insurance or a license?
Puppy
How would you describe the American Cocker Spaniel puppy to potential new owners?
What types of owners are best suited to owning a American Cocker Spaniel?
What colors and sizes are most popular?
Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?
What can people expect when they become a new owner?
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the American Cocker Spaniel?
As a American Cocker Spaniel breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Are there specific times of the year that you breed?
Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?
How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a American Cocker Spaniel?
When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?
Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?
We invite you to email us your American Cocker Spaniel’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing American Cocker Spaniel puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.
Do they have any nicknames or does the American Cocker Spaniel have popular names?
If my American Cocker Spaniel is pregnant what might the litter size be?
Could the American Cocker Spaniel be dangerous around young children?
Problem Behaviors
How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?
How do you prevent a American Cocker Spaniel biting?
How do you prevent a American Cocker Spaniel chewing?
How do you stop a American Cocker Spaniel jumping up?
Does the American Cocker Spaniel have an issue with excessive digging?
Why does my American Cocker Spaniel keep growling and barking?
Is there a reason my American Cocker Spaniel dog is often scratching excessively?
Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?
Exercise
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the American Cocker Spaniel and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new American Cocker Spaniel owners?
As a breeder of the American Cocker Spaniel , do you prefer a collar or harness?
As an expert of the American Cocker Spaniel breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?
Can you offer any dog walking tips for American Cocker Spaniel owners?
Playtime & Tricks
What games and toys can you recommend for the American Cocker Spaniel?
Are there toys you suggest avoiding?
How intelligent is the American Cocker Spaniel compared to other dog breeds?
How much can they understand?
Grooming
Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new American Cocker Spaniel owners?
How much time is involved?
What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a American Cocker Spaniel?
Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?
How much do American Cocker Spaniel shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?
How can I prevent or cure ear infections?
Do you have any tips for eye care?
Is the American Cocker Spaniel a hypoallergenic breed?
Bathing
Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your American Cocker Spaniel?
Can you offer new American Cocker Spaniel owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?
Showing
What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the American Cocker Spaniel?
What started your interest in showing the American Cocker Spaniel?
If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their American Cocker Spaniel – where would they begin?
Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?
How would an owner know they have a show-quality American Cocker Spaniel and how would they start off?
Can you give away any of your secrets?!
Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?
What do judges look for in a winner?
Breeding
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the American Cocker Spaniel?
What official organisations are there for the new American Cocker Spaniel owner and what benefits or services do they provide?
In buying a American Cocker Spaniel, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?
How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?
Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remains the same?
How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the American Cocker Spaniel out of all the breeds you could have chosen?
What do you think makes the American Cocker Spaniel special to you?
Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?
As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Training
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a American Cocker Spaniel and do you have any tips or advice for new American Cocker Spaniel owners?
How should new owners approach bringing a new American Cocker Spaniel home, any advice and tips you can give?
Should I allow my American Cocker Spaniel to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?
Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?
Should my American Cocker Spaniel sleep in a kennel or crate?
Health
Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new American Cocker Spaniel owners to be aware of in particular?
Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?
What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?
What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your American Cocker Spaniel?
Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?
What type of health issues can a American Cocker Spaniel have and how do you deal with preventing these?
Why does my American Cocker Spaniel have diarrhea?
Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?
Why is my American Cocker Spaniel vomiting and do I go to the vets?
When should I take my American Cocker Spaniel for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?
How often will my American Cocker Spaniel be in heat?
Should I consider getting my American Cocker Spaniel spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?
My American Cocker Spaniel is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?
Do they suffer from allergies?
Why is my American Cocker Spaniel not eating?
How much does it cost to insure my American Cocker Spaniel?
What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide American Cocker Spaniel dog health insurance?
Old Age
What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ American Cocker Spaniel?
Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?
What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older American Cocker Spaniel?
Do you feed any supplements to an older American Cocker Spaniel – or anything else which helps them as they age?
Are there any health issues particular to a senior American Cocker Spaniel dog?
Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior American Cocker Spaniel or tips you can pass on?
Here is an interesting video on the American Cocker Spaniel.
Leave a Reply