American Cocker Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The American Cocker Spaniel should be a sweet-natured, happy, playful dog. And many individuals are.

Unfortunately behavioral consultants like myself see an awful lot of American Cockers with neurotic behaviors, including nastiness. So you need to be very careful when buying or adopting a Cocker Spaniel. Obviously you want to choose one of the nice ones!

The American Cocker does need regular exercise, but daily walks and romps in the backyard or at a dog park will suffice.

When well socialized, American Cocker Spaniels are friendly and peaceful with strangers and other animals.

Some Cockers are a bit stubborn, but most are responsive to persuasive, cheerful obedience training that includes praise and occasional food rewards.

Some Cocker Spaniels, especially adolescents and young adults, are excessively submissive. These dogs might suddenly urinate (or dribble urine) when they get over-excited or feel intimidated. This might simply be someone's hand reaching to pet them, or your body looming over them during play. This is not a housebreaking issue! It's called excitable or submissive urination and it might go away with time as long as you don't punish the dog.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Cockers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your American Cocker Spaniel to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the American Cocker Spaniel

If I was considering an American Cocker Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...

1. Unstable temperaments. The American Cocker Spaniel is such a common breed that many people breed them. Unfortunately, most of those people don't know how to produce good temperaments. The result is a lot of poorly-bred Cockers with neurotic behaviors, including aggression.

   If you have small children, I would be very careful about choosing an American Cocker Spaniel. A good Cocker would be fine, but there are so many whose temperaments are suspect. Some of these dogs won't tolerate any nonsense. Others get overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making. If you combine such a sensitive individual with active children, the result might be stress that could lead to defensive biting if the dog felt startled or threatened.

2. Potential separation anxiety. More than many other breeds, American Cocker Spaniels need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking.
3. Grooming. To keep their silky coat free of mats, American Cocker Spaniels require weekly brushing and combing. Also clipping and trimming every 2-3 months. If you clip the short really short, it's much easier to care for.
4. Shedding. American Cocker Spaniels shed a LOT. Make sure you don't mind hair on your clothing and furnishings.
5. Doggy odor. Cocker Spaniels have a distinctive doggy odor that some people find bothersome.
6. Potential barking. American Cocker Spaniels are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.

   To teach your Cocker to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Cocker Spaniel Training Page discusses the program you need.

7. Potential health problems. From hip problems to eye problems to skin problems to epilepsy, American Cocker Spaniels are one of the riskiest breeds in the health department. To keep this breed healthy, I recommend following all of the advice on my Cocker Spaniel Health Page.