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Breed profile

American Cocker Spaniel

Gentle, people-pleasing spaniel with a big coat. Smaller and rounder-headed than the English Cocker, and less driven.

Buff American Cocker Spaniel with a long curly coat lying on grass in a park
A buff American Cocker: domed head, soft eyes, lots of coat.Photo: Mike Baird / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
9–14 kg20–31 lb
Height
34–39 cm13–15 in
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Group
Gundog / Sporting
Origin
United States
Popularity
#33 US#114 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsFlat-friendlyGood with other dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Gentle, Happy, Sensitive, Affectionate.

Health problems to know about

  • Glaucoma
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd)
  • Ear infections (otitis externa)
  • Allergic skin disease
  • Hip dysplasia

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks and play. Full coats need brushing most days and a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks; a short pet trim helps. Clean the ears regularly.

A good fit for

Families, flat dwellers and owners who enjoy grooming or will budget for a groomer.

Probably not ideal for

People who won't groom, harsh trainers (they are soft-natured), and those wanting a hunting dog.

Sources

  1. Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Spaniel (American Cocker) | Breeds A to Z | The Royal Kennel Club
  3. American Cocker Spaniel | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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