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Gun Dog Breeders: What Characteristics Do Breeders Look For in an English Cocker Spaniel

By    |   Wednesday, 06 April 2016 05:00 PM EDT

Each gun dog produced by a reputable breeder must meet a certain set of standards to be a show dog, work dog, or even a family companion. English cocker spaniels, long-considered loveable and sweet dogs, are no exception.

The Cocker Spaniel Club said English cocker spaniels should exude an overall appearance described as “merry, sturdy, sporting; well balanced; compact; measuring approximately same from withers to ground as from withers to root of tail.”

The term “merry” is used quite often when describing this breed, with the dogs holding the nickname of the "merry cocker."

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Characteristically, PetWave.com said, English cocker spaniel breeders look for a temperament that is easygoing, happy, good with children, and well-mannered among strangers. Generally speaking these dogs love to be around people (their family or otherwise), acting thoroughly engaged in social situations.

The Cocker Spaniel Club noted that the English cocker’s coat should be flat and silky in feel, not curly, wiry or wavy. Dogs with a solid-colored coat can be black, red, golden, chocolate, black and tan, or chocolate and tan, with no white fur aside from a very small amount on the dog’s chest. Others with bi- or tricolors can be black and white, even orange and white, yellow and white, or chocolate with white and tan. Some have roan shading in the hues of blue, orange, yellow, or chocolate.

English cockers have a square muzzle with a wide nose for exceptional scenting power. Their eyes, often thought to be the sweetest thing about them, are on the larger side and either dark brown or brown in color. They give off a sense of gentleness that makes people fall in love with them.

If you’re looking at an English cocker’s size, male dogs are between 15 1/2 to 16 inches tall, while females measure slightly smaller at 15 to 15 1/2-inches tall. Their weight is usually between 28 to 32 pounds.

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PetWave said English cockers should train fairly easily and are very responsive to rewards involving treats. Owners must be aware that this breed is extremely sensitive, so acting harshly toward them will not go over well. The English cocker will likely start reacting with avoidance behaviors and even retribution.

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FastFeatures
Each gun dog produced by a reputable breeder must meet a certain set of standards to be a show dog, work dog, or even a family companion. English cocker spaniels, long-considered loveable and sweet dogs, are no exception.
gun dog, English cocker spaniel, characteristics
385
2016-00-06
Wednesday, 06 April 2016 05:00 PM
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