American Cocker Spaniels are typically gentle-tempered companions with a loving and friendly personality. They are characterized by moderate activity and enjoy spending time with both children and adults. 

Early socialization is necessary to make the American Cocker Spaniel a confident and loyal partner. By teaching your furry friend good manners while still a puppy, you can help it avoid bad habits in the future. Proper training will also prevent this important family member from misbehavior and possible aggression toward strangers. 

Unlike other sporting breeds, the American Cocker Spaniel only needs 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. Recommended activities for them should include walking in the yard with the family, jogging, swimming, and brain games. 

Consistency is crucial to discipline your Cocker Spaniel. When it comes to rewarding good behavior, like many other breeds, food is a great motivator for these beloved friends. Remember, the Cocker Spaniel is a very sensitive dog – with them, using a calm tone of voice always works better than giving orders harshly.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia refers to partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. Most companion animals suffer from hip dysplasia from birth. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily correct the problem. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones. 

Although genetics play an important role in the development of the disease, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on the joints. Daily walking and swimming will help to form the muscles around the pelvis and maintain their strength.

Ear Infections

Breeds with large ears (German Shepherd, Poodle, and Beagles) are particularly prone to ear infections. To prevent ear infections, we recommend using hygiene products specially designed for four-legged friends. Along with fungi and bacteria, ear infections may also be caused by a foreign body, a polyp, or even a tumor. That is why only drug treatment cannot solve the problem – your American Cocker Spaniel’s ears should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve. In the initial stages of glaucoma, the vision of companion animals deteriorates slightly, however, over time, it may lead to incurable blindness.

Although it is difficult to prevent the disease, regular veterinary check-ups and eye health diagnostics can significantly help to detect the disease at an early stage and effectively guide the treatment process. A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E will significantly help your important family member maintain eye health.

Hereditary Cataract

Cataracts cause a gradual deterioration of the companion animal’s vision. At this time, the crystal, which is transparent in a healthy eye, acquires a grayish or milky color. Congenital cataracts are usually caused by an infectious disease or birth trauma acquired during the mother’s pregnancy. Although managing congenital diseases is often beyond our control, eating foods rich in vitamins C and E can greatly improve the eye health of your important family member. 

As a competent parent, remember that regular veterinary check-ups and protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun are prerequisites for effective disease management.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual degeneration of the retina and loss of vision. The disease is passed on to companion animals by inheritance. Regular eye exams and a diet rich in antioxidants can help maintain retinal health. Before adopting an important family member, carefully research its genetics and make sure that your future companion doesn’t have a genetic predisposition to vision problems.

The intake of food containing vitamins and minerals is especially important for the health of the American Cocker Spaniel. Fortunately, high-quality commercial dog food made with modern technology offers balanced amounts of essential vitamins and minerals for important members of our family. 

As a competent parent, don’t forget to follow the instructions on the dog food packaging and avoid free feeding. To prevent excess weight, also establish regular meal times and get around foods that contain artificial additives and excess grains. Furthermore, always provide access to clean water, and in addition, diversify your beloved friend’s diet with small pieces of fruit and vegetables (eg, carrots, apples, green beans).

Remember, some foods meant for humans (e.g. chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic) can be poisonous to dogs. Therefore, keep your companion animal away from table scraps and you will avoid obesity and digestive system problems. 

In general, the American Cocker Spaniel is an active and energetic breed, but if your furry friend prefers a sedentary lifestyle, it will need a lower-calorie diet to avoid obesity. To establish a daily routine, try to feed your friend at the same time. 

As a rule, for adult dogs, two meals a day (morning and evening) are completely sufficient. However, since each representative of the breed is unique and their dietary needs vary according to age, health status, and activity level, to effectively meet the specific nutritional requirements of the companion animal and determine the appropriate feeding schedule, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist.

The ancestors of the American Cocker Spaniel come from England. However, breeders refined the breed in the United States and took care of its standardization here. The English and Canadian Kennel Clubs recognized American and English Cocker Spaniels as separate breeds in 1940. 

Just like the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker Spaniel was developed to hunt forest birds. Although these important family members are considered loyal friends and best companions nowadays, they still retain exemplary hunting instincts. 

Due to its kind and loving nature, the breed is considered one of the most popular therapy dogs, loved by children. Among other famous owners of the American Cocker Spaniel is even the 37th President of the USA, Richard Nixon.

These beloved canines were especially popular in the first half of the 20th century. This is partly thanks to Walt Disney and his team since, in the animated film “Lady and the Tramp” made by Disney in 1955, American Cocker Spaniel is presented in the role of Lady.