Buying or Adopting an American Cocker Spaniel
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the American Cocker Spaniel until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is an American Cocker Spaniel the right breed for you?
American Cocker Spaniel Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for an American Cocker Spaniel?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Cocker Spaniel stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, flyball, musical freestyle); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – a lot
- Trimming/clipping – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems American Cocker Spaniels are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with heavy shedding
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Cocker Spaniel to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Cocker, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt an American Cocker Spaniel?
American Cocker Spaniels are one of the most common breeds in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, American Cockers rank 29th. The breed is very easy to find.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Cocker Spaniels (and Cocker crosses and mixes) are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Cocker Spaniels may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need too much grooming, or because the dog was "snippy" with their kids. Other Cocker Spaniels are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
American Cocker Spaniels are found here regularly, although Cocker Spaniel Rescue groups do try to move Cockers out of shelters and into their rescue network.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy an American Cocker Spaniel from a show breeder, who breeds Cockers to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Cocker Spaniel from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an American Cocker Spaniel puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Cocker Spaniel ends up with cataracts and hip dysplasia.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
American Cocker Spaniels are commonly found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right American Cocker Spaniel Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of American Cocker Spaniel puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered American Cocker Spaniel puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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