English Cocker Spaniel - description of the breed and character of the dog

Initially, representatives of the breed were used as effective assistants in the hunt, for this purpose in England they brought out the Cocker Spaniel. The dog gained popularity in a short time, it began to start as a faithful pet of the family and a good friend of man. To date, spaniels are actively involved in exhibitions, occupying a leading position. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, consider the main characteristics of the breed and everything connected with it.

Generally accepted standards

1. If you look at the dog from the side, its body will seem square. The muzzle is rectangular, the skull is rounded. The frontal and occipital parts are clearly visible, the head looks heavy. The nose is wide with a lobe, pigmented in black.
2. The eyes are preferably dark, of all shades of brown.They do not bulge, have the correct shape and roundness. The dog does not look wary, but kindly with a certain interest.
3. The ears are long, thin, hanging down along the head. It is not allowed to be standing. On the ears must necessarily present silky wool.
4. The teeth are sharp, the bite is strong and regular in the form of scissors. Defect of the breed is considered to be an addition, in which one jaw protrudes forward.
5. The dogs have a developed and rounded chest, but it is not too wide, rather an average circumference. The neck does not have a suspension, is average in length, looks stately, as befits an Englishman. Shoulders are not visible, set obliquely.
6. Despite the fact that the dog is small, it has a powerful physique. The ribs are rounded and bulging, shortened loins, but because of this it did not become weaker. The croup is rounded, beveled, muscled. The back is pumped, flat and strong.
7. The hind limbs can boast powerful bones, the knees are well developed, which is why the dog moves quickly and freely. The front legs are shorter, it provides the dog stability and increased efficiency. The pads are soft, like cats. Fingers gathered in a ball.
8. The tail is cropped, but recently very few people have resorted to this. It is set just below the level of the back. When an animal is interested or excited, the tail forms a straight line with the body, but never bulges higher.
9. The coat is long, soft and silky, like that of small children. There is no stiffness, and therefore dogs often have mats. Wool does not curl, only a small wave is allowed at the ends of the hairs. By color, dogs can be golden, black, spotty, and chaly. With a solid color, there should be no white spots on the side or back.
10. Gender superiority in terms of weight and height is poorly expressed. Females in height are 38-40 cm, males 1 cm above. As for body weight, it can vary in the range of 12.5-14.5 kg. Small weight makes the dog mobile and energetic, it moves freely.

Dog character

1. The dog is famous for its intellectual abilities, kindness, ability to make decisions. Cocker spaniels are cunning by nature, so they can find a way out of any situation and perfectly manipulate the owner.Partly for this reason, the dog requires an owner with a firm hand.
2. Representatives of the breed are extremely energetic, this is from their hunting past. Therefore, if a person is going to keep an animal in a residential environment, it is worthwhile to take the dog to free territory more often to run. However, a Cocker Spaniel can be tempted by an interesting smell and run a decent distance, it is worth bearing in mind.
3. Since representatives of the breed are hunters by nature, they can make decisions on their own. This means that the dog will not always obey the owner, believing that it performs an important mission.
4. But along with this, dogs do not differ by strict disobedience. They quickly give in to training, carry out commands, but do not lose themselves, wanting to get a treat. Individuals of this breed want to be a friend for the owner, and not a life servant.
5. Spaniels quickly adapt, early socialize, get along with other animals. They will not attack the cat and terrorize it if the animals live in the same house. Also, if your friends have dogs, you can get together to make the dogs frolic. Cocker will be the soul of the company, amuse everyone.
6. An interesting feature is the fact that by vocation spaniels are nanny dogs. They tolerate even the most vicious pranks emanating from children. They play with them, do no harm, count their strength and age of the baby. However, until the child is 6–7 years old, he should not be left alone with the pet.
7. There is no anger in the character of the dog. They are good-natured and sweet, do not bite. But if on the horizon there is a threat in the face of a stranger, the dog may well come to the defense of the owner. It is worth knowing that cockers are famous for their agility, which often harms them.
8. The dog needs the same energetic owner who will not lie on the couch all day. The dog learns quickly, loves to swim and run. They take him on a journey and vacation, the dog leans out of the window towards the wind.

Hunting qualities

1. You can not close your eyes to the fact that a spaniel from England is a hunter by nature. These qualities need to try to disclose fully or at least not ignore. The dog is suitable for people who are engaged in hunting. The dog will become an indispensable assistant, raise the bird under the shot, help with waterfowl.
2. Dogs are taken for fishing, they love to jump from a boat and swim.Even if the water is not too warm, the dog will not freeze due to the presence of thick wool with oily grease (protects against water). Cockers are also often taken when they go for a boar or a hare.
3. However, the main purpose and favorite activity of the specimens of the represented species is forest game. This may include hunting for pheasant, quail, woodcock. Also, the dog moves easily through the marshland.
4. The dog raises the game in the air, and the owner with a gun sends a signal with a loud exclamation. This breed is called the best bird hunters, but this is not all abilities. Dogs quickly take the trail and lead the hunter on it. They can detect the smell even after 12-14 hours, so good scent. For this reason, Cockers are suitable for chasing a wounded beast, roe deer or elk.
5. Despite the fact that the hunter’s instincts are in dogs, you cannot just take the dog into the forest and order them to look for prey. First you need to train her base commands. The animal is then trained to smell at a distance. To this end, they give a cheese to smell, put it on a 1 meter high shelf and say “Search!”. Similar to this exercise, the pet is trained to search for hidden items or treats.
6. Spaniels are trained for one season, this will be enough.Then the dogs are taught not to be afraid of shots, and also to raise game. A dog is given a sniff of prey on every hunt. Over time, she will get used to and will perform basic actions herself (find, lift, bring, etc.).
7. In addition to the identified hunting qualities in dogs, other working abilities are developed. They are taken for field tests, as a result of which they are tested. Experts identify the following abilities: mastery of search and liner, chuiku, obedience, resistance to stress.
8. If you need a dog to assist in the hunt, an experienced dog handler or hunter with many years of experience will help you choose and train her. When choosing attention is paid not only the generally accepted standards of the breed, but also the personal characteristics of the pet, basic training.

Maintenance and care

1. The considered breed of dogs can be quite contained in the apartment. Pet sizes are relatively small. It is worth noting that the spaniels require some care, like any other dog. As for water procedures, they do not need to be carried out too often. It is enough to clean the paws every time after the walk.
2. Do not forget that spaniels belong to hunting breeds. Because of this characteristic, the pet can rush through the puddles or get dirty in the mud. In this case, not to do without bathing the animal. Be sure to use for such purposes shampoo directional. Detergents designed for humans will not work.
3. To the animal always looked great, you should regularly comb it and pull out the tuft on the head. You may encounter certain difficulties during the molting period. As a rule, it occurs 2 times a year. Be sure to promptly remove all excess wool that will be on the pet.
4. If this is not done, the Cocker will quickly become covered with mats and the process of growth of the new wool will be spoiled. Separately, it is worth noting that spaniels need special care for their ears. They often get dirty on walks and during meals. For this breed you should purchase special dishes on a high stand. Thus, the ears will not rub on the floor and get dirty food.
5. In addition, cockers need to regularly cut the hair on the legs. Do not forget and promptly shorten the claws.Also on the face should pull out long hair. If you are going to prepare a pet for the exhibition, care should be paid to the appearance.
6. English Cocker Spaniels show excellent service, working in customs and police. The dog has an excellent scent and can easily detect illegal substances or drugs. Also, the dog's instincts are ignored and other persistent odors will not remain, such as, for example, gasoline, etc.

Puppy selection rules

1. If you decide to purchase a purebred spaniel, then it is worth contacting professional nurseries and trusted breeders. A dog must have a good pedigree. It is not necessary to acquire a puppy from the parents of champions, but the roots should not cause you to doubt. Pay attention to all documents.
2. It often happens that a pet without a pedigree is apparently no different from a purebred dog. The problem lies elsewhere. Such an animal may have completely uncharacteristic habits and character. As a result, when a pet grows up, it can greatly disappoint you. A dog can be stupid and naughty.
3. After you come to the breeder, pay attention not only to the behavior of the dog, but also the owner. A professional will not be in a hurry to sell you a puppy at any cost. Real breeders take care of their animals, and will not give them to anyone.
4. Some unscrupulous owners, when keeping puppies, do not provide them with proper care and a balanced diet. The consequences of such errors are very hard to correct. The first months of life for any animal are very important.
5. With each litter there will always be kids for the soul and promising puppies. Some may have serious deviations from the standards. Perspective individuals will have a higher price. Unfortunately, at a young age it is very difficult to identify deviations. Therefore, you can not know for sure who will grow out of a puppy.
6. If you are not sure about the breeder, it is recommended to bring along a professional dog handler. So you get exactly the puppy you dream of. You will not have to regret the choice in which case. A puppy may have certain abnormalities even in spite of a good pedigree.
7. With regard to the choice of gender, then it's up to you.It is worth noting that the males are more beautiful and stately in contrast to females. Consider the cables have a more independent character. Therefore, during the upbringing may be certain difficulties. Also, the males love to walk in search of "love." Do not miss this fact.

Cocker Spaniels are excellent pets with a funny character, which you can easily keep at home. With proper upbringing, the animal will not cause much trouble. It is important to provide the dog with a balanced diet and proper care.

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