The American Cocker Spaniel is arguably the best looking and most popular medium-sized dog breed in America, frequently topping the registrations on the American Kennel Club from the 1940s to the late 1980s. Although, no longer as popular today as before, we are sure this beautiful breed still holds a special place in everyone's hearts.
The American Cocker Spaniel came from the same family tree as the English Cocker Spaniel. But after years of different breeding practices (the American Cocker Spaniel was developed as a show dog and the English Cocker Spaniel was developed as a hunting breed), the differences between the two became more and more evident. They were regarded as the same breed until the 1940s when the English and American Cocker Spaniels were officially recognised as two different breeds with their own traits and standards. Although they still look very similar, the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller, lighter, has a more rounded head, a shorter muzzle, and a longer, denser coat.
The very first English Cocker Spaniel was said to have arrived in America in the 1600s on the famous ship - the Mayflower. Originally bred to hunt small birds, the American Cocker Spaniel still has a bit of the hunter in him but they are now mostly regarded as loving family pets or show dogs.
And here is a wonderful tribute to the American Cocker Spaniel on YouTube. These dogs really are the sweetest and most endearing medium dogs that we have seen.
Tags: American Cocker Spaniel, breed history.
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