To talk about the American Cocker Spaniel, we must first talk about the English Cocker Spaniel, which is the main breed from which the North American lineage originated. And to speak of the English cocker spaniel, we must also determine what a group of spaniels is: this term, believed to be derived from the French “espaigneul”, Spanish, includes a breed of hunting dog that specializes in birds. There are more than 10 dog breeds that have the spaniel surname in their name. They all had long, silky hair—some curly—and drooping ears.
Before the 19th century and the selection of dog breeds for appearance over functionality began, spaniels were divided into two basic groups: land hounds and water hounds.
Cocker, in this case, is a spaniel hunting in water and it mixes very well with another similar breed, the springer spaniel. As we said, until the 19th century and the advent of dog shows, the spaniel breed was diversified as individual breeds and was given official status. Second, in the United Statesin the early 20th century, a more enterprise-oriented cocker spaniel was developed, reducing its natural size, compacting its general appearance, with more and longer hair, opted for a more domed skull with a shorter muzzle and a calmer, calmer character. This is the birth of the current American Cocker Spaniel.
The two breeds are fully recognized by all dog associations in the world, and although they are essentially the same breed, their current differences are sufficient to prohibit crosses between them and their litters from being registered as recognized breeds. .
As a semantic anecdotal fact, it should be noted that in England they speak of dry cocker spaniel to refer to English, and American cocker spaniel to distinguish transoceanic varieties. However, in the United States, “their” cocker spaniel is an unspecified cocker spaniel and Europeans are British cocker spaniels.
The English Cocker Spaniel is one of those breeds that has gone through a period of unbridled fashion during the 80s and 90s of the twentieth century in our country.
The English Cocker Spaniel: happy, very energetic and demanding
British Cocker in coexistence is very compassionate and receptive to his family environment, trusting of strangers and enthusiastic to any activity. They love water and Their hunting instincts, even in company ranks, are usually marked, and they often have to carry their toys (or anything within reach) in their mouths to seek their guardian’s approval for giving away the “stuff” that has been caught. They have to show character naturally tolerant of other animals and childrenwhich doesn’t mean that Adequate socialization must be carried out to strengthen that quality. As working dogs, they high need for activity and mental stimulation to avoid behavioral and health problems.
Theirs double layered hair requires frequent care to prevent tangles and is one of the breeds that has a special haircut that should be consulted with a professional dog groomer.
To see what colors and patterns are allowed in English Cocker Spaniels, you can check their file with the standard International Federation of Sinology.
American Cocker Spaniel: Friendly, Quiet and Cozy
In the genetic selection of specimens carried out during the process of creating this variety, it was judged positively that the rooster was something. more separate rather than a pure English line, so the American Cocker Spaniel is a dog tame with his family core live together but does not stand out because of dependenceY enjoy your private space. Is Very cleverand they have good obedience and trainability. They shouldn’t show any shame. In coexistence with children and animals, early socialization and surveillance recommended.
Theirs double layer hair is much longer, thicker and smoother than its English congener, which does not make it particularly suitable for certain activities or exercises because of the great risk of snagging or numbness it poses and need more constant care. Accepted colors can also be consulted on the card FCI.
Anger syndrome in cocker spaniels
Cocker spaniel health, in both varieties, naturally good as long as the specimen comes from a breeder who performs a health test relevant to their specimens, in order to avoid hereditary diseases of hip dysplasia or heart failure, but special attention should be paid to anger syndrome, and its specific links to light specimens and solid colors, such as gold. This syndrome refers to sudden aggressive attacks without provocation, and in which animals become aggressive without warning and show a momentary disconnection from reality, without paying attention to external stimuli, without appearing to be aware of what is happening around them and showing lost sight. It was a short episode, and it should be explained that it’s not a matter of bad behavior or education, but for a pathological cause which must be attended by a veterinary professional.
Cases are relatively rare today, but it is a disease closely related to the cocker spaniel. It can be diagnosed by encephalogram and genetic tests and hence Affected dogs should be removed from breeding immediately to prevent its spread. It was common in Spain in the two decades where the English cocker spaniel was in vogue, to encounter gold specimens that exhibited an aggressive character and were very barking. This is explained because in fashion, “blonde” spaniels are the most in demand, which causes, as is usual and cyclical, that many individuals or illegal farms breed roosters affected by anger syndrome in an uncontrolled way for sales and gatherings. demands. In other words, it’s a disease that’s passed between irresponsibly bred lineages and a lack of veterinary control. About anger syndrome, you can consult this scientific studyby the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
If you want to responsibly procure a cocker spaniel and for more information on the characteristics of the two breeds and their compatibility with our lifestyle, you can consult Spanish Spanish Club or via spaniel allianceboth formations under the rules Royal Canine Society of Spain. If you choose to adopt, you can go to the dissemination page Spanish SOS Cocker.
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