Dogs of the Cocker Spaniel breed (translated from Spanish.cocker spaniel) can become great friend, a companion and a full member of the family. The English Cocker Spaniel (not to be confused with the French) was originally bred in England exclusively for hunting purposes.
But very quickly this breed gained distribution in other countries literally all over the world and gained great popularity among people of a wide variety of professions and ages. Currently, representatives of this breed often and with great success take part in dog shows.
Description of the breed
Outwardly, these four-legged dogs are small and compact. Based on generally accepted standards, representatives of this breed should differ in the following parameters:
Now let's look at what breed varieties are distinguished.
Gallery: English Cocker Spaniel (25 photos)
Varieties of the breed
It is customary to divide these pets according to two main parameters: the purpose of the dog, that is, hunting or exhibition; place and time of origin of the breed.
Initially, representatives of this breed were bred for hunting... But after a while, the dogs moved into the show category, acquiring certain characteristics.
When it comes to hunting, breeders tried to breed white dogs that stood out well against the tall grass.
A modern spaniel with a completely white coat are not allowed to dog shows... Show pets have longer hair and ears than their hunting counterparts. It is customary to dock the tail, but in hunting species its length is up to 13 cm, and exhibition standards provide for a tail length of no more than 10 cm.
The British companion is far from the only representative of the whole family of spaniels. The main difference from all types of these dogs lies in their size.
Characteristics of Cocker Spaniels
This four-legged dog is rightfully called one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the world. His mischievous nature, combined with his attractive appearance, turned English hunters into man's best friends. Cockers have a rather memorable appearance:
Life span of dogs up to 15 years old... If the life expectancy has exceeded 16 years, then the animal is already considered a long-liver.
This animal is incredible smart and quick-witted dog... If the animal is provided with the correct upbringing and constant training, then the puppies are able to memorize a large number of different commands.
It is also worth noting that representatives of this breed are quite quickly respond to changes in the mood of their owner... The eyes can tell about the mood of the dog. As a rule, a cheerful and cheerful pet has a lively look, shiny and wet. If your pet is tired or sick, then his eyes will become sad and dull.
Character traits
Cockers are very mobile and strong character... It is safe to say that these dogs are true sanguine among everything canine world... These domestic hunters simply cannot sit quietly in one place.
At the same time, in English spaniels inquisitive and rather friendly disposition... They will sniff some unfamiliar object with the same interest during a walk or meet a new family member, a guest.
By the way, it is worth noting that spaniels are quite friendly animals... They easily get along in the same house with children, cats, other dogs and even guinea pigs. But it is recommended not to allow cockers to approach small animals, for example, chickens, since in this case they may exhibit a hunting instinct.
Almost throughout their life, English pets remain active and cheerful animals... They very much resemble beagles or children: the same spoiled and agile. The owner should start raising his pet as early as possible. Otherwise, disobedience and willfulness will remain with the cocker for the rest of his life.
Despite their small stature, representatives of this breed are good watchmen... They will be quite suspicious of strangers. Thanks to its sonorous bark, the spaniel can quickly warn the owner about a thief who has entered the site.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of dogs are as follows:
- intelligent and active animals;
- loyal dogs, forever attached to family members;
- will be ideal pets for families with children.
But the breed also has some disadvantages:
- Sometimes difficult to train.
- Some members of the breed are distinguished by strong barking.
- Ear infections are common.
To avoid ear infections various infections, you must follow some simple rules of care and maintenance. Let's take a closer look at them.
Features of maintenance and care
As has been said many times, an English friend is a hunting dog. That is why representatives of this breed need long outdoor walks. Ideally, you will walk your pet in nature for several hours every day.
As for caring for a cocker, it does not take much time and effort. The key point in grooming is timely combing and washing of wool: 1 time in 10 days will be enough.
One more achilles heel cockers are ears. The large auricles completely cover the inner and middle ear. Thanks to this, there is a possibility inflammatory processes, the development of demodicosis in the ears and the appearance of otitis media. To prevent this from happening, you need to constantly check ear canals and treat them for preventive purposes.
As for the feeding habits, these dogs are not very picky about food. You can feed them both ready-made commercial food and homemade food. But at the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that if the animal is constantly pampered with carbohydrate food, then the cocker may develop obesity.
Choosing a puppy
If you have already decided for sure that you want to have a British four-legged friend at home, then you will probably have a question about where it is better to buy a dog, how to choose the right puppy, and also how much such a baby will cost.
Speaking about where to buy a pet, it is best to contact to professional breeders... This way, you can be sure that your British pet is healthy.
In addition, professional breeders will tell you everything about the parents of a new family member, they may even personally introduce you to them. Here you can consult the breeder regarding the characteristics of the care and maintenance of the pet.
Typically, a Cocker Spaniel bitch usually brings no more than 5 puppies. In the process of choosing your pet, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- In no case should the puppy be weaned from the mother before the age of one month. The fact is that during this period the immune system the future hunter, and with mother's milk all the necessary useful material.
- If the puppy is too mobile, attacks its fellows, then it is not recommended to acquire it. When he grows up, such aggression can only intensify. You should also not get too sluggish and constantly lying dogs. Perhaps they are susceptible to some kind of disease.
- Before buying, you need to decide what exactly you are buying a dog for. If the four-legged Briton is purchased exclusively for hunting, then it is recommended to give preference to girls. The fact is that bitches are more obedient and better at absorbing commands.
- It is recommended that you refuse to buy a fairly adult pet. Spaniels become very attached to the people around them. If you take away from the family already adult dog then you will inflict great psychological trauma on her.
As for the cost of the puppy, it will depend on the place where the pet is purchased. If you are buying a cocker from a professional breeder or from a kennel, then the cost month old puppy usually amounts to from 20,000 to 25,000 rubles... Here we mean puppies with documents from elite parents. If you decide to buy a pet from your hands, then its cost will be about 5,000 to 8,000 rubles.
Before buying a dog a house in mandatory necessary prepare for such an event... Give your future pet a separate area with a sleeping basket, toilet and bowls for food and drink. It is recommended to keep the spaniel in the house for the first time.
Now let's take a look at some of the reviews from the owners of the British four-legged comrade.
The English Cocker Spaniel is considered one of the most popular breeds dogs. And it should be borne in mind that such a variety has appeared a very long time ago. The English Spaniel is considered a very ancient hunting breed. However, the owners love them not only for this. People buy such animals even for their children, as spaniels are very friendly, intelligent, funny puppies with excellent intellectual abilities. Such a dog can become an ideal friend and companion for its owner.
Historical facts
The English Cocker Spaniel is a dog that arrived in European countries from Spain. According to experts dealing with the issue of crossing animals, the dog Obo is considered the founder of this breed, which had a black thick coat, as well as incredible endurance and courage.
Crossbreeding was carried out at the beginning of the nineteenth century, but official data appeared in world sources only in 1902. A breed like the English Cocker Spaniel was developed for a reason. The purpose of crossing was to get a dog, which will be an excellent helper for hunters.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, there were very strict requirements for this breed, so it was almost impossible to breed puppies. Therefore, it was only in 1974 that the English Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the world community. Although on this moment the requirements for such a breed have become much softer. At the very beginning, the main purpose of the spaniel was to scare the birds away, and to do everything possible so that the hunter could get the prey.
But in Russia dogs of this breed appeared relatively long ago, at the beginning of the twentieth century, but the Russians did not like them at all. And only in the seventies the inhabitants of this country were able to appreciate them. This happened after a highly bred English Cocker Spaniel was brought to us from Finland and England. However, many people confuse this breed with American Spaniels. Such dogs, although similar in appearance, are still very different from each other.
Description of the breed: external characteristics
The English Cocker Spaniel is considered a medium sized dog. Its height at the withers is about forty centimeters, while its weight ranges from twelve to sixteen kilograms. The coat of this breed of dog is very delicate, and a little frizzy. If you look closely, then you can see that the woolen cover on the legs resembles a fringe, and the bottom of the body looks like a wool skirt.
If a member of a given breed has a very fluffy, wavy or extremely coarse coat, then it is considered "culling".
The dog has a perfectly folded body. It is rather squat, but the back is characterized by very smooth curves.
The muzzle of the English Cocker Spaniel is quite elongated and sharp, the nose is relatively large. Iris can have a different shade, ranging from light hazel to dark brown.
An important distinctive feature such a breed is long hanging ears, located slightly below the level of the back of the head. The neck is of medium length, but very strong and muscular.
The tail is below the level of the back. It is characterized by great mobility. However, if the dog is to be used for hunting purposes, then it is removed. Another important feature of this breed is the dog's ability to move correctly. Feet very strong and muscular, while the step is sweeping.
What color can be
The English Cocker Spaniel breed can have a wide variety of colors. The color of the coat can be not only solid, but also spotted. Most often, dogs are black, but there are also sable, chestnut or red individuals. In this case, the color of the dog can very smoothly transition into different shades. If the dog has spotted color, then usually you can see white spots on it, found all over the body. It is very common to meet a black dog. of this breed with small white specks.
The most valuable and expensive dogs of this breed are representatives with tricolor wool. But dogs with brown-white, brindle and steel colors are not included in the standardization of English cocker spaniels at all.
The main varieties of this breed
A breed such as the English Cocker Spaniel (a description of the breed is given on this resource) is usually divided according to the following two criteria:
- for what purpose it was bred: for exhibitions or for hunting;
- where and when it was withdrawn.
Dogs bred for hunting are most often characterized by a white coat. This is necessary so that the little hunter can be clearly seen in the grass. Moreover, their hair is much shorter than that of the show specimens, and the tail has a maximum length of twelve to thirteen centimeters.
Show breeds have thicker and longer coats. The ears are also more elongated. Consider very important point, breed English Cocker Spaniel white color will not be admitted to exhibitions.
What kind of disposition does this dog have?
Despite its original purpose, this breed is very friendly and fun. Such a dog will be very happy play with children (even the smallest ones), as well as with other animals. Such a dog will become an excellent member of the family, and will be able to make friends with all of its composition. She loves it very much when people show affection to her and communicate. However, be prepared for the fact that dogs of this breed simply cannot stand loneliness. Left alone in the house, they will howl, bark, and spoil your favorite things.
Also, a good feature of the Cocker Spaniel is its curiosity and ability to learn very quickly. Going with him for a walk, you may notice that the dog walks by itself. But in reality, this is far from the case. Even running far from his master, he will not let him out of sight. This fine quality is a manifestation of his basic hunting instincts. After you return home with the dog, you will see that it does not want to leave its owner at all, and will always be with him.
How to properly maintain such a dog
The English Cocker Spaniel, including black, is perfect for keeping in an apartment. Such a dog does not need a lot of space, so even the smallest apartment is perfect. There are only two things such a dog cannot do without:
- constant communication with a person;
- walks on the street regardless of weather conditions.
Please note that such a dog has tremendous and irrepressible vitality. Therefore, if you do not provide her with constant and long walks, she will simply begin to spoil the furniture in the house, and spend her irrepressible energy in all sorts of other ways. Pay attention to the length of the walks. They should be at least two to three hours a day, daily. Also such a dog will not mind taking part in various sporting events.
Never keep your Cocker Spaniel in an aviary. Also, do not keep a dog of this breed outside in winter time year. She will definitely get sick, and this can be fatal.
Care rules
Black Cocker Spaniels, like other color dogs, need regular grooming. Get ready for daily brushing. It is very important to do this procedure, otherwise the wool will begin to get tangled, and tangles will appear on it, which will not be so easy to get rid of. Also, such a dog will need regular brushing. Carry out the procedure will have to several times a week. By the way, special bones, which can be purchased at any pet store, are ideal for this.
Experts advise Special attention to give to the dog's ears. During meals, they can fall into the bowl of food and become dirty. Therefore, tie the dog's ears before each feeding, or purchase a special narrowed bowl.
A prerequisite for caring for a cocker spaniel is a haircut. It is best if it is done by a specially trained master. However, you will have to yourself and regularly cut the hair in the paws, otherwise the dog will have discomfort in moving.
It is also worth taking care of the claws. If the dog spends a lot of time outside, then they will grind naturally. If not, then trim them while cutting.
Carrying out water procedures
The black cocker spaniel, like other representatives of this breed, needs bathing. If you do not carry out water treatments, then the dog's coat will not look very aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, bathing should be carried out at least six to eight times a year. This is especially important after the dog has been in the rain. Chunks of dirt can build up on her coat, which will be difficult for you to remove later. Very important after swimming take care of the dog's coat. It needs to be wiped dry or dried with a hairdryer. This is done to prevent the animal from getting sick.
Never wash your dog's ears. The only thing you can do is wipe them with a cotton swab.
Be prepared for the fact that the dog will be just happy swim in the open water.
How to feed properly
How you feed your black pet, and his health will depend. The characteristic of this breed is that dogs are very mobile. Therefore, food products for the black cocker spaniel and dogs of other colors should be as high in calories as possible. The diet should contain a lot of meat and pitted fish.
It is very important to combine meat products with various cereals and vegetables. The dog will not mind eating buckwheat, rice, as well as cucumbers, zucchini and carrots. Give your dog dairy products with extreme caution. It is best not to give milk at all to avoid diarrhea. But kefir and cottage cheese several times a week are allowed.
Do not give the cocker spaniel bones, but he can eat cartilage in a large number... For proper digestion you can put one tablespoon in porridge once a day vegetable oil... This will also help keep beautiful view your pet's fur.
It is also allowed to give such dogs dry food, but before doing this, be sure to read its description on the package. If you still want to feed your dog dry food, then you will have to give your preference to any one brand. Also, in no case should you combine dry and natural feed as it will have bad influence on the health of your pet.
It is also very important to pay attention to how many times a day you need to feed your dog. Puppies need more frequent feedings. Therefore, there should be about six meals a day.... Over time, the number of servings gradually decreases. An individual that has reached the age of two needs to be fed two times a day. Follow this rule strictly, otherwise the animal will very quickly begin to gain excess weight.
Parenting rules
The character of the English Cocker Spaniel begins to form already in the second or third month. It is at this age that the dog will need your attention as much as possible. You can start training as early as three or four months of age... Dogs of this breed are very smart and quick-witted. With proper training with motivational elements, the dog will very quickly understand what it needs to do.
During the upbringing process, the owner must teach his puppy to unquestioningly follow the commands required from him. In this case, in no case should you pay attention to the whims of the puppy, otherwise he will grow up to be a very spoiled and disobedient dog.
Never forget that the English Cocker Spaniel really needs your love and care. Only in this case the dog can be happy..
- a hardy hunting dog, in which it is in the genes, to bring game to its owner. A distinctive feature of the spaniel from most modern breeds is long ears... Therefore, it is logical to assume that his ancestors were ancient dogs with the same structure of ears. But in fact, English Cocker Spaniels descended from ordinary dogs with small ears, and only as a result of human selection, not natural selection, they got such luxurious ears.
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History of the breed
The ancestor of representatives of this breed is an ash dog that lived in the Bronze Age. These dogs performed hunting functions and are considered the progenitors of all modern hunting breeds. Scientists called them "ash" because their well-preserved remains were found in the ash. Apparently, the ancient people sacrificed dogs to the gods of the hunt, burning them at the stake. But, of course, most of the dogs were kept alive, because they were indispensable helpers in the hunt.
Over the centuries, people have learned to consolidate the best hunting qualities in the breed and create the same breed type in appearance. This is how the breed of spaniels appeared, which then were not yet divided into national varieties: English, and Russian. Interestingly, most researchers associate the origin of spaniels with Spain. They are believed to have evolved from the small, long-haired Spanish hunting dogs that humans used to hunt partridges.
But this version also has opponents who believe that the phonetic similarity in the words spaniel and Spain is not enough for a serious statement about the origin of the breed. They believe spaniels are descended from British dogs known as "agass", small, with excellent flair and long hair. Spaniels are mentioned as special hunting dogs in written sources dating back to the 4th century AD. NS.
The British found an even more interesting explanation for the origin of their breed. They tied the word spaniel to the phrase "span Spain", which translates as "the one who jumps high." This name really matches the hunting behavior of spaniels when they jump out of tall thickets or stand on hind legs, stretched out to the string, ready to jump high at any second.
But the second word in the name of the breed does not cause discussion. Cocker is forest bird, a woodcock, for which the English cocker spaniel was bred. If the origin of the first spaniels cannot be reliably confirmed and one can only make hypotheses about the region in which their ancestors lived, then the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel breed is strongly associated with England.
Spaniel dog handlers began to actively engage in breeding of the breed at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1885, they formed the English Spaniel Club, whose goal was to officially recognize and popularize the breed. In this country, the breed was registered in 1893, and after 9 years the official breed standard was approved. In subsequent years, there have been several revisions of the standard, and its latest version appeared in 1969. In 1974, the breed was recognized by the FCI, and appeared international standard, which is used to breed English Cocker Spaniels all over the world. It is interesting that in England the breed is simply called the Cocker Spaniel, and in America this is what American cockers are called.
In Russia, the foreign breed did not take root immediately. The first English cocker spaniels appeared in our country at the beginning of the 20th century. But long time there were so few of them that the breed practically did not develop. Broad public interest in cockers did not appear until the 70s. Most of the first purebred dogs was brought to our country from nurseries in England and Finland. These beautiful and funny dogs became especially popular in the early 80s, they were constant participants in exhibitions, they were started not only by hunters, but also simply by dog lovers.
The progenitor of all modern cockers was the black male Obo, who was born in 1879 in England and left numerous offspring. From his son Obo 2 came the American Cocker Spaniel breed.
First, the breed appeared at British shows under the name "Field Spaniels". Then the unofficial name "jolly cocker" was fixed in their homeland.
Standard
The appearance of the English Cocker Spaniel conveys the energy of its character. The body of the dog is approximately square in size, the shape of the muzzle resembles a rectangle. The skull has smooth outlines, looks moderately light and moderately heavy. The nose is wide enough.
Eyes dark color: brown in different shades. They are large, but without bulge. The expression in the eyes is good-natured and intelligent. There is a cheerful sparkle in the eyes.
Ears are set at eye level, which hang down and have a patchy shape. The thin ears are completely covered in silky hair.
Scissor bite.
Neck without dewlap, medium length. Beautifully placed on the shoulders.
The rib cage is strongly developed, but not wide. The shoulders are set obliquely and, as it were, merge with the body.
The forelegs are strong and short, which provides the dog with solid support, but does not reduce its performance. Paws are covered with hair.
The torso is very strong for a small dog. The ribs are prominent, the loin is short and strong. The topline is flat and firm, with only a slight slope towards the rump. The croup is wide, rounded and muscular.
Backbone hind limbs strong, knee joints have a good range of flexion, which allows for quick movement. Feet with soft cat pads.
The tail is very mobile, set just below the level of the back. In a mobile state, it is at the level of the back and never lifts up. Docked mainly for hunting purposes, not too short.
Black english cocker spaniel
The structure of the wool resembles silky hair, devoid of stiffness. The coat is long, but not curly or curled. The color is varied: black, roan, spotted. If the color is solid, then white spots on the back and sides are considered a disadvantage.
Movement is fast, free, moves in energetic leaps.
Height at withers in males - 39-40.5 cm, bitches - 38-39.5. The weight is permissible in the range from 12.7 to 14.5 kg.
English cockers can stand on a plane flying in the sky, mistaking it for a bird.
English Cocker Spaniel breed character
The English Cocker Spaniel breed combines three main qualities: intelligence, kindness and cunning. These qualities determine the behavior of the dog and its character.
In many ways, the character of the English Cocker Spaniel was imprinted by its hunting past. Therefore, for a calm city life, he may seem to be an overly mobile and agitated dog. For example, on a walk, he can smell something interesting and follow the call of nature for an intriguing smell, having escaped a decent distance from the owner. Cockers are used to acting on a hunt not only on command, but also independently, therefore they can accept independent decision, having gone to carry out an important, in their opinion, mission.
At the same time, dogs of this breed are extremely obedient, but they do not have slavish obedience and a desire to curry favor. They are obedient in a particularly noble way, trying to be on an equal footing with the master and fulfilling his requirements as a friend, not a servant.
English cocker spaniels are very funny animals. They love fun, movement and noisy companies. It is unlikely that your pet will be bored or shy in the company of dogs of other breeds, he will certainly become, if not the ringleader, then one of the most active participants in all canine ventures.
: run with them in catch-up, love ball games. But if the children are very young (under 7 years old), then this process should still be controlled by an adult. A cocker heated up by the game can bite or scratch the baby. Of course, these dogs do not have natural aggression, and they are very good-natured, but small children cannot cope with their excessive playfulness and activity.
The energy and cheerfulness of the English Cocker Spaniel made him a cheerful companion and human friend. He is easily trainable, peaceful, and gets along well with other animals. Only a few representatives of the breed, for the most part, avid hunters, may be unfriendly to small animals.
English Cocker Spaniels love to drive cars. They can even discreetly jump into someone else's car to ride with the breeze.
Care and maintenance
This breed of dog is quite suitable for keeping in an apartment mainly due to its small size. But, like any dog, it needs some care. There is no need to bathe cockers too often; it is enough to wash their paws after walking. But if your pet is very dirty, and it should be remembered that a cocker, as a true hunter, can wallow in something bad or just recklessly rush through the puddles, then it should be bathed using a special shampoo.
The appearance of the cocker is maintained by regular brushing and plucking of the crest on the head. This process is especially time consuming when the cocker sheds for the first time, this happens at about 6 months. Avalanches of fluff descend from the dogs, which must be removed in a timely manner so that it does not spoil the further growth of wool.
Long ears of the dog also require grooming, they can often get dirty during walks or while eating. For such dogs, special dishes for food are needed, on a stand so that their ears do not go into the plate and do not rub against the floor.
Also, the cocker needs to periodically cut the claws and pluck the long hairs on the face. More attention should be paid to appearance during preparation for exhibitions.
English Cocker Spaniels work in the police and customs, looking for drugs and other illegal substances. Other persistent odors, such as gasoline, cannot fool a cocker.
Hunting
Do not discount the hunting abilities of the English Cocker Spaniel. They are diverse and interesting. The dog is looking for game with passion, loves to swim and dive, collecting all the wounded animals. A small cocker will not take up much space in the boat, his fur will not let him freeze in cold water and protects against thorny twigs in thickets. They perfectly chase the beast with a voice, so sometimes they are used even when hunting a hare and a wild boar.
But, of course, the main specialization of the English Cocker Spaniel is wild game: woodcock, pheasant, quail. The dog easily and quickly moves through the swampy swamps, in pursuit of water chickens and ducks. They deftly raise the game, signaling the hunter with their voice. Cocker is called "bird hound", but his abilities can be expanded. Dogs of this breed perfectly follow the blood trail, they are able to smell it, even if 15 hours have passed since its appearance. Therefore, the cockers lead the hunter to a wounded large animal, for example, an elk or a roe deer.
Despite the innate hunting instinct, it is not enough to just bring a dog to the forest to awaken its abilities. She needs to be specially trained in the art of hunting, or, as hunters put it, to train. The training starts with basic commands that will also come in handy in Everyday life, and on the hunt: "Come to me!", "Place!", "Fu!", "Sit!", "Lie!", "Give!", "Near!".
To practice the upper instinct, that is, the ability to catch odors in the upper air stream, it is recommended to do the following exercise from the first months of life. Put cheese on a surface 1-1.5 meters high and give the command "Look!" You can also train your dog to look for a hidden thing by sniffing it thoroughly, and then hiding it in the apartment. By the way, a cocker taught this technique can help you find socks that are always lost in the morning.
Spaniel training lasts approximately one season. He must learn to raise the game, but not drive it, get used to the shots, which will be a signal for him to search for a knocked out trophy, and correctly serve the game, gently taking it across the carcass.
In addition to hunting, the working qualities of a dog are tested in field trials, where such abilities are assessed:
- flair,
- manner of smelling;
- Search;
- eyeliner skill;
- persistence;
- innings;
- obedience.
An experienced hunter or dog handler can properly train a dog. This takes into account not only the breed qualities of the dog, but also its individual characteristics: temperament, degree of initial training.
There were only 12 English Cocker Spaniels at the Moscow Hunting Dog Show in 1978.
How to choose and where to buy an English Cocker Spaniel puppy
If your goal is to buy not just any dog, but an English Cocker Spaniel, then you need to search among litters with pedigree. This puppy may not necessarily be from champion parents, but at least its origin is undeniable. It often happens that a dog without a pedigree outwardly corresponds to the standard, but the character and habits are completely unusual for the breed, which greatly upsets the owners.
When you come to a meeting with a dog breeder from whom you are going to buy a puppy, pay attention not only to the dogs themselves, but also to the behavior of the owner. A true Cocker breeder will not rush to sell a puppy at any cost, he really cares about his pets. Unfortunately, there are situations when bitch owners sell puppies that have not been properly raised, received less food and vitamins. It is very difficult to correct the mistakes of such a dog breeder, because the first months are the most important for the development and design of the dog.
In each litter, there are usually promising puppies and babies for the soul, who have some serious and not very deviations from the standard. Usually promising puppies sell more expensive, but at such a young age it is difficult to determine whether they will grow up as kings of the ring and of the hunt. If you are unsure of the breeder's sincerity, then bring a specialist with you to help you choose a puppy that suits your goals. It's a shame when you dream of a breeding bitch, and you get a dog that is obviously not suitable for breeding, even despite the presence of eminent ancestors in the pedigree.
A more understandable question is the choice of the sex of the future puppy. Cocker boys look more impressive, as the fans of this breed say, "well dressed", but they have a more independent disposition. In addition, they love to walk in search of love, which gives their owners a lot of experiences. Girls are more elegant, obedient and affectionate, but when starting a bitch, you must calculate your strength: do you have time, money and, most importantly, a desire to engage in mating, keeping and accommodating offspring. Although some dog breeders swear by oath that they are not planning anything, they often have to babysit the puppies for a couple of months instead of going to the sea.
Price of puppies
Puppies without documents, that is, without a puppy card, cannot cost more expensive than 10 thousand rubles... Price thoroughbred puppies english cocker spaniel an average of 15 thousand rubles.
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English cocker spaniel- hunting breed, favorite royal family Great Britain, even Prince William and Kate Middleton have their own pet Lupo. All animals born in the royal nursery receive the prefix Sandringham (also called the estate in which this nursery is located).
Appearance
This is a compact, well-balanced dog of a square format, height - in the range of 38-41 centimeters, weight - 12.7-14.5 kg. The skeleton is strong, the muscles are well developed.
At the end of the 19th century, the black color was in vogue, but after the adoption of a standard that allowed a variety of colors, individuals of a variety of colors began to appear: black, liver, red, roan of various shades, black and tan, and also mixed.
Coat medium length that does not interfere with field work. The coat is straight, waviness is allowed. The undercoat is well developed. Along the lower part of the body there is a skirt (longer guard hairs), fringes on the paws. A defect is considered to be curly, wiry or fluffy guard hair, as well as the absence of an undercoat.
Head with a clearly marked transition from forehead to muzzle, although not as sharp as in American counterparts, but not as smooth as,. The dome of the skull is close to the oval, but flattened at the top. In this case, a wide and flat skull is unacceptable. The muzzle is rectangular, well filled, its jaw part in profile approaches a square. Lips with dry flews.
Ears hang on thin cartilage, fit snugly to the head. The base of the ear is at eye level.
Movement light, graceful, it seems that the dog soars without touching the ground. A light gallop is characteristic of cockers.
Limbs bony, powerful, well-angulated, well-defined joints.
Character
V last years Cocker Spaniels are increasingly being kept at home as a companion. But the hunting qualities, passed on by inheritance, are fully manifested: they like to load objects, they enjoy exploring the area with pleasure.
They can be taught any tricks, because their intelligence is very high. They are happy to participate in sports competitions: agility or frisbee, and if the owner suddenly gets ready to hunt, they will keep him company.
They are sociable, easily get along with other pets, adapt to the character of each family member. Due to his cute appearance and funny expression the pet's eyes, the owners forgive him a lot.
Malice and cowardice are absolutely not their characters, and according to the standard they are considered a vice.
The main thing that owners should remember is that you should not overfeed your pet. Most cockers are addicted to food, and they quickly figure out how to pity the owner and get an extra bite of something tasty. In combination with a sedentary lifestyle, this leads to obesity, lethargy and low activity. Therefore, for a long and healthy life, strictly adhere to the diet.
Spaniel's coat requires regular grooming: combing, trimming, trimming. It is necessary to start accustoming the baby to the groomer's table, to patient waiting and calm behavior on the table from the first months of life.
Even the daily care of a pet is relatively laborious: it is both combing and tying the ears when eating (or you need to purchase a special bowl with a narrowed top, unless, of course, you do not want to wash your ears several times a day).
Hanging ears tightly close the auricle, so you need to check them regularly, clean them, if necessary, cut the hairs around ear canal... In general, keeping a Cocker Spaniel is difficult for a beginner.
Haircut features
Some owners tend to trim the coat on the back so that their pet looks exactly like. This is a big mistake: the hair on the back cannot be cut, it must be combed out from the undercoat so that the guard hairs lie tightly.
Once cut, the guard hair will never fit properly, and the expert has the right to lower the mark at the exhibition for incorrect preparation.
It is advisable to start cutting a puppy as early as possible, some breeders give their babies to a new family already properly trimmed. The sooner the dog gets used to this procedure, the easier it will be to endure it in the future.
Full grooming video of an English cocker:
Health
Cockers live 11-12 years, which is not much, especially when compared to other breeds of similar size. The main causes of death are cancer and heart problems.
There are diseases specific to cockers:
- nephropathy, inherited, manifested before the age of 18 months;
- dysplasia of the hip joint;
- progressive retinal atrophy.
Dogs of mixed colors are prone to deafness.
Experienced breeders test breeders for as many diseases as possible in the lines they work with. When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention not only to the pedigrees and titles of his parents, but also to their health, and also take into account the presence of appropriate certificates, indicating the absence of hereditary diseases.
A bit of history
In the Middle Ages, long-eared hunting dogs were companions of the crusaders, lived at the courts of the English and French aristocrats. Until the middle of the 19th century, they were divided into water and field game workers, but there was no division into breeds. In one litter, puppies of three sizes could be born: springer spaniels, sussex spaniels and cockers, and as the animal grew, it could move from one category to another.
In 1874, when compiling the first herdbook of the Kennel Club of Great Britain, all individuals weighing up to 11.34 kilograms were assigned to cocker spaniels, larger animals to springer spaniels. Cockers enjoyed working on rough terrain, in bush and dense thickets, their main task was to indicate to the hunter the place where the prey was hiding, and then - raising the game on the wing for a shot.
In Russia, representatives of the kokkers appeared even before the revolution, first at the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich, and then at the representatives of the nobility. After the revolution, the fans continued breeding, and after the Great patriotic war the livestock has increased significantly due to imported producers.
State of the art
Experts around the world note that in general, the livestock has changed in better side, has become more stylish and elegant. However, due to the commercialization of breeding, fewer and fewer breeders are experimenting by crossing different lines. From year to year, the same breeding producers are used, giving high-quality offspring, inbreeding is actively used. Due to this approach, the genotype is depleted, the likelihood of mass distribution increases.
Speaking about the exterior of the modern livestock, there is a massive appearance of constitutional flaws, in particular, anatomical problems: poor angles, straight shoulder, narrow front, low-set tail. Part of these problems are caused by the desire for show dogs, with a high set of forelimbs. In addition, as a result of the ban, dogs with tail defects began to appear in the rings, because previously the selection did not take into account the presence of creases, tail length and other parameters.
(English Cocker Spaniel)
Group
Spaniels
Height at withers
Life span
Hypoallergenic
A friend dog, a companion dog, a full-fledged member of the family ... All these epithets perfectly fit a small breed of dog - the English Cocker Spaniel.
The breed, originally bred in England exclusively for hunting purposes, quickly spread throughout the world and gained popularity among people of all kinds of professions and ages. Nowadays, cockers often and with great success perform at dog shows.
Cocker appearance and standards
The English Cocker Spaniel is a small and compact dog. According to generally accepted standards, representatives of the breed must have the following parameters:
- weight: from 13.5 to 14.5 kg, weight of a month-old puppy - 1.5 kg;
- height at the withers: in males - 39-41 cm, in bitches - 37-39 cm;
- color: varied. Golden, brown and white tan, black, white and other colors of wool are widespread;
- coat - long, silky, not curly, but slightly curly, well-defined undercoat.
Varieties of the breed
All cockers are classified according to two main criteria:
- the purpose of the pet (exhibition and hunting);
- time and place of origin of the breed (Springer Spaniel, american cocker spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Field Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, etc.)
Initially, the ancestors of spaniels, mentioned in Spain and Rome (10th century), were displayed as guard dogs... But, having got to England, the breed quickly "retrained" in the hunting. Modern dogs have not lost their protective properties.
Show and hunting cockers
English Cocker Spaniels were originally produced for hunting. But over time, the breed moved into the show category, acquiring certain characteristics.
For hunting, breeders tried to breed white dogs, which will be very clearly visible in the tall grass; modern cockers with absolutely white hair are not allowed to dog shows. Show dogs have much more long coat and ears than those of hunting brethren. The tail is docked, but for hunters it is up to 13 cm long, and the exhibition standard is no more than 10 cm.
The English Cocker Spaniel is far from the only representative of the whole family of spaniels. The main difference between all related varieties of dogs is size.
General description of the breed and character of the dogs
The English Cocker Spaniel can rightfully be called one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the world... The attractive appearance, coupled with the mischievous nature, turned the English hunters into man's best friends.
The cocker has a memorable appearance: a squat, muscular body with smooth transitions and curves; slightly flat head with a well-defined muzzle; smart wet eyes, strong bite; strong neck. The dog moves on strong legs covered with thick hair. Spaniel ears are a special pride. Auricles long, wide, close to the skull, overgrown with silky fur.
Dogs live long enough - up to 14-15 years. Spaniels who have crossed the 16-year mark are considered centenarians.
Dachshund is a hunting dog breed that is equally popular among both hunters and ordinary dog breeders. and her features of caring for her - in our article.
Loyal, fearless, intelligent, possessing excellent guarding qualities - this dog will win your heart forever. Get to know the Cane Corso breed by going.
There are several millennia. This dog with a lively and cheerful disposition is perfect for active people.
The Cocker Spaniel is an incredibly intelligent and quick-witted dog. At correct upbringing and constant training, kids are able to remember a lot of commands... They react quickly to changes in the owner's mood.
By the eyes of the pet, one can judge the mood of the dog: the cheerful and cheerful Englishman has a lively, moist and shiny look. If the four-legged friend is sick or tired, then the eyes will be dull and sad.
Cockers have a very strong and agile character. We can say with confidence that these are real sanguine people among the canine world. House hunters simply cannot sit in one place! At the same time, dogs have a friendly and inquisitive disposition: they will begin to sniff an unfamiliar stone with the same interest on a walk or get to know a new family member.
By the way, spaniels are very welcoming creatures. They will easily get along in a house with children, cats, other dogs, guinea pigs.... But it is better not to let cockers near chickens and very small animals (the hunting instinct may appear).
Throughout their lives, spaniels remain cheerful and active mischievous. They are very similar to or children: the same agile and spoiled. The owner should definitely start raising the dog as early as possible.... Otherwise, the willfulness and disobedience will remain with the cocker for life.
The English Cocker Spaniel, despite its small stature, is a good watchman. He is rather suspicious of strangers. Thanks to a loud and sonorous bark, the cocker will easily warn the owner about a thief who has entered the house.
Choosing a puppy
You have definitely decided that you want to have an English Cocker Spaniel. But where can you buy a dog? How to choose a puppy? How much will the baby cost?
Where can I buy
It is best to contact a professional breeder to purchase a dog. So you will definitely be sure that the cocker is healthy; you can get to know his parents; consult with the breeder about the peculiarities of keeping your pet.
How to choose
An English Cocker Spaniel bitch usually brings few puppies: 4-5 pieces. Choosing exactly "your" baby, you must remember:
- up to a month you can not take the puppy from the mother; at this time, the immunity of the future hunter is formed, useful substances are supplied with mother's milk;
- take a close look: if the puppy is too mobile, attacks the brothers, then it is better not to take him... In adulthood, this aggression can intensify. It is also better not to touch too sluggish and constantly lying puppies. Perhaps they are sick with something;
- decide what you need a dog for? If exclusively for hunting, then give preference to the girl. Cocker bitches are more obedient and learn commands more easily;
- If the spaniel is quite old, then refuse to purchase. Cockers become very attached to the people around them. Taking an adult dog from the family, you inflict a serious psychological wound on it;
- the place where you buy the puppy directly affects the price. If this is a professional breeder or a kennel, then the price of a monthly puppy with documents from elite parents will be 20-25 thousand rubles. If you buy a dog from your hands, you will have to spend 5-8 thousand rubles.
What do we do at home
Be sure to prepare the house before buying a baby. Give your pet a separate corner with a sleeping basket, food and drink bowls, and a toilet. It is better to keep the spaniel in the house, especially the first time. Demodectic mange in the ears. It is necessary to regularly check the dog's ear canals and treat them prophylactically.
Feeding features
Cockers are particularly picky about food. You can feed them both ready-made commercial food and homemade food. But there is one caveat: if you do not prepare a diet for the dog in advance, constantly pamper the pet with carbohydrates, then the cocker develops obesity.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Active and intelligent.
- Devotees become attached to family members.
- Suitable for families with children.
Disadvantages:
- Can be difficult to train.
- Some cockers bark a lot.
- Are prone to ear infections.
The English Cocker Spaniel is perfect dog for home. Unpretentious, friendly, playful, active - this is far from complete list of all positive sides dogs. The only drawback: you need careful ear care and a healthy diet. But the dog will surely thank you for the proper care with his dedication and boundless love.
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