American Cocker Spaniel

The American cocker spaniel is the smaller North American branch of the cocker spaniel family, developed from English cocker spaniels and separated as a distinct breed as show type and hunting use diverged. It is a compact sporting dog with a rounded head, soft expression, long low-set ears, and a silky coat that may be black, parti-colored, or shades grouped by registries as any solid color other than black. Although many are kept as companions and show dogs, the breed's background is that of a flushing spaniel for woodcock and other upland birds.

This is a hands-on grooming breed. The feathered coat mats quickly without brushing and trimming, and the heavy ears need routine checks because poor airflow can contribute to infections. American cocker spaniels are usually cheerful and trainable, but sensitive lines do best with patient handling and early exposure to children, visitors, and household noise. Careful breeders screen for inherited eye disease, hip problems, patellar issues, and temperament, while owners should watch weight; a soft, pleading expression has talked many people into overfeeding this small sporting dog.