The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that originated in the United Kingdom and was brought to Canada and the United States in the late 1800s. American Cocker Spaniels were given their own AKC Stud Book in the early 1900s. By 1946, the English Cocker Spaniel was distinct enough in type from the "American" variety, that the American Kennel Club established it as a breed separate from the American Cocker Spaniel. It was given its own Stud Book and that left the "American" type to be known as the Cocker Spaniel in the United States. They are in the sporting breed group of dogs and are the smallest of their group. American Cocker Spaniels were used to flush out birds and prey from the brush so their masters could shoot it.

Appearance
The signature trait of the American Cocker Spaniel is its dark, expressive eyes that reflect a happy, loving, and active nature. Cocker Spaniel s are a dropped eared breed (pendulous ears) and the mature Cocker Spaniel is shown in a full feathered, silky coat. After its show career ends, the fur is often trimmed into a "puppy cut," shortened on the legs, sides and belly, that is easier to keep whether as a pet, performance dog, or hunting companion.

Character
The Cocker Spaniel is a happy, people-oriented dog; and is a good family pet and companion. There should be no suggestion of shyness or viciousness. The Cocker Spaniel loves children and usually sociable and gentle with other pets.
 

Temperament
A big hearted little dog whose merry temperament is legendary. This temperament lends itself to a sensible training regime; Cocker Spaniels respond relatively quickly, they DO NOT, however, respond to harsh training methods. Cocker Spaniels love long walks, swimming, chasing balls, cuddles, rides in the car, good food (don’t over do it) and toys, they dislike teasing, taunting, rough handling, being untidy and unkempt.

Exercise/Training
A Cocker Spaniel requires a moderate amount of exercise although he would probably run all day a “fetch the ball” work out or a walk in the park or on the beech will generally satisfy his requirements. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Cocker Spaniel will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
Cocker Spaniels are divided by the breed standard into three varieties: Black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black),and Parti-colors. Black Variety includes: solid blacks and black & tan. ASCOB includes solid colors ranging from silver, to light cream (buff) to dark red and brown and brown with tan points. Parti-colors have large areas of white with another color(s) and must be have at least 10% coloration (not more than 90% white). Parti-colors include: black & white; black & white with tan points (referred to as tri-colors or "tris"), brown & white, brown & white with tan points (referred to as a "brown tri"), and red & white. Roans are shown in the Parti-color variety and can be black (referred to as "blue roans"), red ("orange roan"), or brown ("liver or chocolate roan"); with or without tan points. In a roan coat of the Cocker Spaniel, individual colored hairs are mingled in with the white. Sable coloring is seen in solids or Parti-colors, but no longer can be shown in conformation by the American Spaniel Club, although it still can be shown in Canada. Merle is a highly controversial pattern, as it is debated whether it is a result of breeding to another breed. Cocker Spaniels cannot be registered as merles with the AKC. It is not recognized by the American Spaniel Club and cannot be shown in conformation.

Grooming
The Cocker Spaniels beautiful silky coat with long feathered ears, chest, belly, legs and pants does require regular attention, a regular 6-8 week visit to a professional groomer is recommended. Comb the Cocker Spaniel at least once a week, special care is required around the ear canal keeping this area free from of hair to assist ventilation. Don’t feel you have let the side down if by having your Cocker Spaniel completely clipped off for summer its much cooler for him and makes swimming much more pleasurable. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Cocker Spaniel shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Cocker Spaniel as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Cocker Spaniel should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well. It is important to keep the hair clipped from both sides of the ear about one third down the ear flap. This helps to keep air flowing through the ear canal and reduce risk of ear infections from bacteria, injury or parasites.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.