American Cocker Spaniel Puppy Dog Care Information

Photo of an attractive
American Cocker Spaniel puppy dog

American Cocker Spaniel Health Information:

Like any breed of dog, the purebred Cocker Spaniel is subject to a variety of health concerns. For this reason, when deciding to choose a new American Spaniel puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Cocker Spaniels include:

Cataracts
Retinal atrophy
Susceptible to tonsillitis
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Epilepsy
Various skin disorders
Prone to ear infections

American Cocker Spaniel Exercise Information:

The Cocker Spaniel is bred for work in the field and, for this reason, he does need his exercise. Failing to provide him with adequate room to romp and play can lead to obesity or, if left alone for too long, the Cocker Spaniel may turn to destructive behavior. Ideally, Cocker Spaniel owners should have a large fenced in yard, or be prepared to make frequent trips down to the dog park so he can play a few rousing games of fetch. While they can adapt to apartment living, keeping a Cocker Spaniel will mean frequent walks and, even more important, the necessity of a leash - due to the fact that they are hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels can be prone to wandering away or bolting after things.

American Cocker Spaniel Grooming Needs:

Compared to some of the other breeds, the Cocker Spaniel desires a fair amount of maintenance, if you plan on keeping him looking pretty. Long waves of silky hair cover his body and should be trimmed in order to keep him neat, in addition to requiring frequent brushing to prevent mats. Many keep their Cocker Spaniels clipped short, especially during hot weather, but this will still mean regular trips to the groomer.

In addition to his coat, the Cocker Spaniel's ears are so thick and heavy that they frequently need to be cleaned and checked for signs of infection. This is important to do on a weekly basis, and perhaps even more often if your dog is one that likes to swim or get into any situation where he may get moisture in his ears. Light-colored dogs can also be prone to rust-colored stains from their eyes, though this is easily maintained with special bathing products.