Cocker Spaniels - Information - Reasons to Adopt
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate pets that enjoy friendship with their owners. They are said to be playful and energetic. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cockers of today do not always retain their functions. It is especially true for American Cockers whose main function is companionship. English Cockers are used for their primary purposes more often. Yet, both breeds make wonderful pets no matter what activities they are inclined to perform.
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Photo source:
Northern Virginia Rescue
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Adopting a Cocker from a rescue has both advantages and disadvantages. As a rule, rescued dogs have acquired some training by the time of adoption. It will save you additional hard work to teach the dog some basic obedience rules. At the same time, a Cocker may display particular habits and manners you do not really want to see in your pet.
Since Cocker Spaniels are merry, agile dogs, they can be rather active as puppies. Some people do not always appreciate this trait in the dog due to their natural calm personality and measured life style. No matter how strong their liking for the breed, a Cocker puppy may be the wrong choice for them. On the contrary, an adult dog from a rescue tends to be quieter and will satisfy the need for a lovely companion.
Cocker Spaniels - Information - Give Adoption a Second Thought
Even though a rescued Cocker Spaniel can make a joyful pet, there are some reasons to give a second thought to adopting a dog. Special breed needs in terms of care and health maintenance should cross your mind when considering a Cocker.
First, Cockers need a great deal exercise. They are rather active indoors but the portion of this sort of exercise seems to be a poor substitute for an unrestrained walk in the field. Cockers are suited good for apartment living on the condition they are exercised daily. A spacious back yard will meet a Cocker's need for exploration.
Coat care is surely one of the basic procedures that should be carried out on a daily basis. Cocker Spaniels have a dense under coat, the main function of which is protection from cold and water. Regular brushing, about 2-3 times a week, is necessary for Cocker owners who want their pet neat and healthy.
Prospective Cocker owners should also be aware of some trimming techniques. Professional services are required every 6 to 8 weeks. However, consistent brushing will help to reduce the number of trimming sessions.
Cocker Spaniels - Information - The Next Step
Once you have weighed all the pros and cons of adopting a Cocker Spaniel, and you feel optimistic about it, it is time to find a local Cocker rescue or a club. You will be offered information on available dogs. Their vaccinations will be brought up to date while in rescue.
Since most rescues operate as non-profit organizations, some donation is required during the process of adoption. The cost of a rescued Cocker is definitely much lower than that of a puppy. It includes expenses connected with the Cocker Spaniel's keeping in a rescue, shots, and spaying/neutering surgery.
It should also be kept in mind that rescues cannot always offer purebred Cockers. Nevertheless, even though most of rescued Cocker Spaniels are mixes, one is sure to find a dog that will turn into a great pet.
Cocker Spaniels - Information - Rescues Links
Cocker Spaniels - Information - Rescues Links - US
American Spaniel Club - Cocker Spaniel Rescue - National breed organization sponsors and occasionally provides grants to Cocker rescue groups throughout the U.S. Read their adoption policies and guidelines.
Cocker Paws - American Cocker Spaniel rescue group located in Northwest Arkansas provides information on adoption and volunteer activities. Site includes photos of available dogs.
Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center - Provides pictures and descriptions of Cocker Spaniels in need of homes. Learn about available dogs and find contacts.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue - Listing of Cocker Spaniel rescue organizations.
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Photo source:
The Spaniels World Website
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Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas - Houston - Cocker Spaniel Rescue (CSR) is dedicated to rehabilitating and placing them in caring homes. Provides information on adoption, foster care, and local events.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas, DFW Partners - Richardson area foster care group rescues homeless Cocker Spaniels. Site includes pictures of adoptable dogs with adoption information.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England - Organization of volunteers is dedicated to the rescue and placement of homeless and stray Cockers. Find news and learn about available dogs.
Florida East Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue - Titusville, FL organization supplies a list of Cocker related links and offers fully vetted dogs for adoption. Interested parties may apply online.
National Cocker Spaniel Rescue Network - Site map allows visitors to find contact information for affiliated Cocker Spaniel rescuers in their state.
Northern Virginia Cocker Spaniel Rescue OBG, Inc. - This non-profit organization provides shelter for Cocker Spaniels. Site provides information on adoption, donations, and volunteer activities.
Cocker Spaniels - Information - General Information Links
AKC Breed Standard - American Cocker Spaniel - The official breed standard from the American Kennel Club.
American Cocker Spaniel - Breed profile includes history, main characteristics, upkeep, and health concerns.
American Cocker Spaniel Dogs - A basic introduction to the breed and links to other Cocker resources.
American Cockers in Russia - Breed standard, kennels, information on shows, stud dogs, puppies, and champions, Includes forum.
Cocker Spaniel Books - Books related to the Cocker Spaniels. Breed guide and information on care, and training.
English Cocker - Breed profile with history and description.
English Cocker Spaniel Information - Character, required grooming, exercise, social behavior, and present day activities.
English Cocker Spaniels Online - Choosing the breed, articles, and breeders directory.
Herbi & Annie - Dedicated to English Cockers. Contains a lot of pictures.
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Photo source:
Unsere Spaniels
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Horizon American Cockers - Although not breeders at this time they promote the breed through showing and training in conformation, obedience and agility.
Lamplighter Kennels - Kennel located in Ottawa, Canada breeds English Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels.
The Cocker Spaniel Web Ring - Links to American Cocker Spaniel web sites all over the world.
Turmalin Cocker Spaniels - A Scottish Cocker Spaniel site full of information and pictures of the breed.
Weluv American Cockers - A small hobby breeder in North West Kentucky. All pet puppies are sold with limited registration and must be spayed or neutered. Show puppies sometimes available.
Wensum English Cocker Spaniels - Kennel history, notes on breeding, and pictures. UK.
Westhaven Cockers - Breeding show and pet American Cockers for more than a decade in Germantown, Maryland.
Whaupley Gundogs - Breed and train English Cocker Spaniels in the UK. Stud dogs, puppies, and information on training facilities.
American Cocker Spaniel - Breed information plus breeders with pictures and contact information.
Cocker Spaniels - Information - Other Cocker Spaniels sites
Cocker Spaniels Breeders - Cocker Spaniels belong to a large group of Hound dogs developed in Europe in the 14th century. Chaucer, the author of famous "Canterbury Tales" mentioned little alert dogs in his works. They were used for hunting small water and land game and were valued highly for their wonderful sense of scent and devotion to their master.
Spaniels that were mostly of lighter colors took their name from regions they first appeared in. Spain or, probably, the border between Spain and France is considered the true motherland of Spaniels. In their early years, they were also called "Spaniells" or "Spanyellys."
Cocker Spaniels Pictures - Cocker Spaniels are native to England. Primarily, they were a variety of land Spaniels used to hunt small game. Hunters valued the dog greatly for its unique skill to hunt and retrieve the woodcock. The breed was small and agile enough to get through dense bushes which was a hard task for larger dogs. The name of the breed originated from that very bird.
A field trial held in 1839 is thought to have been a stage of paramount importance in the development of the breed. An English Cocker Spaniel named Stylish Pride turned out to be the winner. That dog attracted the attention of dog lovers to smaller Spaniels.
Cocker Spaniels Puppies - Cocker Spaniels make up the Sporting group of dogs according to the AKC. In fact, they belong to the Hound dog group and are still being used in such activities as hunting, tracking, and field trials. To be able to perform their functions, Cocker Spaniels were bred with emphasis on physical mobility, a great extent of agility, strength, and good mental powers.
Cocker Spaniels are good in flushing and retrieving small game. Their small size, 24-28 pounds to 28-34 pounds in American and English Cockers respectively, allows them to reach places with dense bushes that are usually inaccessible to larger breeds.
Cocker Spaniels Rescues - Cocker Spaniels are sporting dogs that have a long history and are well distributed in the world. There are two breeds named Cockers - the American and the English Cocker Spaniel. Judging by their name one can assume that they are close relatives and have a lot of similar features both in appearance and personality.
English Cocker Spaniels are a little larger. They can weigh from 28 to 34 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males. The English Cocker stands about 16-17 inches at the shoulder. It has a flat skull and a broad muzzle. The upper lip does not cover the lower part of the jaw.
American Cocker Spaniels Dogs - American Cocker Spaniels are the smallest of all sporting dogs. They were developed in the USA from imported English Cocker Spaniels. Originally, these two species were the same breed, and it was only in the late 1800s that some discrepancies started showing.
The Cocker Spaniel had lots of names over the course of its existence until the current one was finally established. The dog’s basic designation of hunting woodcock, a game bird, defined the choice of the name. English Cocker Spaniels were officially recognized as a breed in 1892, and the first field trial, involving the American Cocker Spaniel, took place in 1925, shortly after the formation of the Cocker Spaniel Field Trial Club.
