| By :
Brent McCoy
The Cocker Spaniel is a true sporting breed of dog that is often divided into two categories with very small differences - the American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel. Each features long, wavy-haired ears with a cost that comes in a variety of solid and multi-color combinations including white with black, red or brown markings, black, liver, red, golden and tan. The primary differences between them are that the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller with a shorter muzzle, domed head and shorter back while the English Cocker Spaniel is larger with a slightly narrower head and chest. A small number of their more distinctive attributes are known to be cheerful and affectionate temperament as well as their love for being part of the family - which assist in making the Cocker Spaniel one of the most popular breeds around the world as a companion dog for active families. The English Cocker Spaniel is believed to have descended from the original spaniels of Spain as early as the 1300s, whereas the American Cocker Spaniel was created after the English Cocker Spaniel was brought to the United States in the 1800s and cross-bred with smaller local dogs. They were both designed for specialist bird hunting purposes - the English Cocker Spaniel was chosen for hunting woodcock, while the need for creating the smaller American Cocker Spaniel was based on hunting small game such as quail. American Cocker Spaniels are classified as a small-sized breed. The recommended standard size for the American Cocker Spaniel male is 15 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 24-28 pounds, while the suggested size for female American Cocker Spaniels is 14 inches tall from paw to shoulder with a weight of 24-28 pounds. English Cocker Spaniels are classified as a medium-sized breed of dog. The suggested standard size for the English Cocker Spaniel male is 16-17 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 28-34 pounds, whereas the suggested size for female English Cocker Spaniels is 15-16 inches tall from paw to shoulder with a weight of 26-32 pounds. Both types of Cocker Spaniel are legendary for their cheerful, affectionate and loyal disposition. They are often friendly with unfamiliar people, which can make them unsuitable as a guard dog. The English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel are both known to be highly intelligent - placing equal 18th and 20th respectively in comparison with other dogs when taking into account their capacity to be taught obedience commands. They are additionally renowned to be great with children - meaning they are highly suitable as a family pet. The Cocker Spaniel is very companionable with other dogs and gets along very well with cats when raised with them. The Cocker Spaniel loves to have a small yard to play in, but they can be quite suitable for living in an apartment if they are given adequate exercise. The Cocker Spaniel benefits from pastimes that include chasing after a ball or frisbee and just simply being included in any activity with their family. They possess a medium to high level of energy and have a need for daily exercise in the manner of moderate to long walks (with English Cocker Spaniels requiring slightly more exercise than American Cocker Spaniels) to stop destructive behavior that can result from boredom if they're left alone all day. The Cocker Spaniel can be the perfect breed of dog for an active owner or family looking for a dog to include in their every activity. They are well-matched to anybody that is ready to commit to a fairly high amount of grooming and allow time to provide them with early socialization and basic obedience training to help reduce problem barking as well as take them for moderately long walks every day and give a high amount of companionship and devotion - though they can be left alone for short periods, they are happiest when included in the family life and thrive on human contact. Though they can be a bit inappropriate for a guard dog, if you are capable of meeting their need for human contact and regular activity then the Cocker Spaniel possibly will be the best dog breed for you.
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