American Cocker Spaniel

Like every breed, the American Cocker Spaniel is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use consistent, reward-based methods and start early.
• Avoid harsh handling or forceful methods, which can cause fear.
• Teach a good retrieve and practise swapping objects happily, as they love to carry things and conflict can lead to resource guarding.
• Try dog sports and activities: the breed can compete well in many of them.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Often suits first-time owners.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Glaucoma

  A painful condition in which pressure builds up inside the eye. The Royal Kennel Club lists eye testing, including gonioscopy for pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA), under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as a minimum test before breeding.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  An inherited disorder in which part of the eye degenerates, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test for prcd-PRA is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice testing.

• Hereditary cataracts

  The lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can result in blindness.

• Hip dysplasia

  The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme as part of best-practice testing.

• Ear infections

  Purina lists ear infections among the problems the breed may encounter.

• Cruciate disease

  The ligaments in the knee become diseased and damaged, which can lead to pain and limping.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a American Cocker Spaniel home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a American Cocker Spaniel home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the American Cocker Spaniel suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

American Cocker Spaniels do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.