Personality Traits

American Cocker Spaniels are sweet natured, gentle, and merry dogs that adore their families.

Cocker Spaniels become your third shadow following your every move and with you from room to room. They love their people and want to go with them everywhere. They are intelligent dogs with a keen sense of smell and love of food!

As puppies they are playful goofballs and cuddle bugs. They are extremely dependent on their guardians and best suited for those who are willing to pamper them.

American Cocker Spaniels are great at matching the mood and energy of their people/ person. Want to be a couch potato? They can be too. Want to go on hikes, long walks, explore the  busy city, or travel? They will be more than happy to follow you anywhere. 

With appropriate socialization they can be confident in a variety of settings.

Our kennel name reflects the history of where the American Cocker Spaniel came from, Plymouth England. Aboard the Mayflower in 1620 the first spaniel sailed from England to land in New England. 

Later on in 1878 the first Cocker Spaniel, Captain was registered with the American Kennel Club. Captain was liver and white in colour which was around the same time Cockers received their name. Before the late 18th century they were known as settlers. 

Along the way, a divergence in type had emerged between strains of slightly smaller, shorter-muzzled Cockers being developed in the U.S. and the original, longer-headed dogs that had come over from England. 

The two were ultimately split into different breeds in 1947, with the American version continuing to be known simply as “Cocker Spaniel” in the U.S., and the other type classified as English Cocker Spaniels. (What we know as “Cocker Spaniel” in North America is known as “American Cocker Spaniel” in the rest of the world—likewise, what we call the “English Cocker Spaniel” stateside is known as simply “Cocker Spaniel” everywhere else.) 

Cocker Spaniel coats can be kept on the shorter or longer side. Daily brushing and regular grooming appointments will help to keep your cocker looking their best. 

No dog is hyperallergic (ask any board certified dermatologist) but cocker fur is light and low to medium shedding, making for easy clean-up.

Cockers like all dogs require daily, or at least weekly teeth brushing to help prevent the build up of tartar and chances of dental disease. 

"It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, making it the most common disease affecting pet dogs." - VCA Animal Hospitals 

Professional teeth cleaning and examinations should only be preformed by licensed veterinarians. Plan on this type of vet visit with your cocker every 2-3 years.

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With any breed of dog there are commonly known issues that appear more often within the breed. Thorough health testing of both parents as well as history of their lineage helps to plan for the breeding of only the healthiest dogs. Health testing is much more than a standard veterinarian exam. 

Common issues within the American Cocker Spaniel breed include minor ones like Ear Infections and Dermatitis. 

More major issues are things like Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Eye Disease such as Glaucoma.

All of my dogs are screened before they are breed for the above issues and knock on wood none have problems with ear and skin infections. 

American Cocker Spaniels are also prone to pancreatitis and as such table scraps, fatty foods and diary should not be feed as part of their diets or treats. 

Proactivity with your dogs health is always the better route versus being reactive. I am happy to discuss tips for keeping your pups coat, eyes, ears, teeth and stomach healthy. 

"A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles." - William Hazlitt

Cockers do best with gentle training, this means using positive reinforcement methods only and working with R+ trainers for those newer to dog/puppy guardianship we have a list of wonderful trainers within British Columbia we have worked with and trust to best support you on your journey! Don't worry though as most cockers are highly food motivated and eager to please their people.

Shelby Martin - KPA CTP

Dog Centered 

Holly Saitz KPA-DTP 

Holly & Friends 

Renee Erdman - CTC, DipCBST, ACDB
Bravo Dog

I love the chance to talk about the breed, our dogs and pups with those who are also passionate about American Cocker Spaniels. 

Visitors are welcome by appointment to meet our dogs even when we do not currently have a litter in our home. Whenever possible we like to meet with future pet guardians in person to answer questions and get to know one another better.

Puppies can be visited by their new families and potential homes once pups are at least 4 weeks old. Please email us to arrange a visit to accommodate requests and ensure proper disease controls to keep pups and mom healthy.  

Email

chilliwackcockerspaniels@gmail.com

Phone

604-991-6533

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