Chocolate Cocker Spaniel

A chocolate Cocker Spaniel is a very popular family companion in the USA and other countries. Though the breed originated as a gun dog, it adapts well to any lifestyle and can be a watchdog or a companion in hiking or in other sports. Only a few owners use these dogs for their original purpose. To excel in hunting waterfowl, Cocker Spaniels require special training. Show type Cocker Spaniels are not suited for fetching game. Those who want a gun dog should look for a breeder who specializes at working dogs and improves working abilities of the bloodline.

If your aim is showing your dog, look for a breeder who improves the conformation and personality of the bloodline. The beauty of the American Cocker Spaniel is in its coat. It should be silky, slightly wavy or flat, but not curly. On the head, the coat should be short; on the body it should be longer; on the abdomen, legs, ears, and chest, these dogs should have long feathers. The undercoat should be dense enough to protect the dog from cold. Many coat colors are accepted in this breed. A solid chocolate Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular colors.

To correspond to the AKC breed standard, a chocolate Cocker Spaniel should be of a uniform color. Light brown feathering is allowed. White is allowed only on the chest or throat. If a solid chocolate Cocker Spaniel has tan markings, they should be readily visible and located only over the eyes, on both sides of the muzzle, on the ears, on all legs or feet, under the tail, and optionally on the chest. Other markings are a disqualifying fault.

Breed standards describe only the best representatives of the breed that are allowed to compete in the show ring. There are many breed fanciers who appreciate the Cocker Spaniel not because of its look, but because of its personality. Such people buy a pet quality dog and enjoy owning a lively and playful creature. Usually, such people choose a communicative and friendly pet and can buy a chocolate Cocker Spaniel or a dog of any other coat color.