Еще недавно самой любимой собакой-компаньоном был American Cocker Spaniel. Reviews of the owners especially noted his friendliness, activity and curiosity - with such a pet you do not get bored and will not stay without regular physical exertion. In the last couple of years, the excitement over the breed has somewhat subsided, but to this day such dogs can often be found on the street, and breeders do not complain about the unclaimedness of the newborn puppies.
Becoming a Breed
The American Spaniel, no doubt, has a commonthe roots of the breed with an English spaniel, although specialists could not accurately trace the details of its origin. There are vague data that the progenitors of modern breed representatives brought the first settlers to the newly discovered continent. For quite a long time, they crossed with local dogs, and in the 18th century the breed was deliberately started to improve - first of all, again by English cockers. However, the goal of breeding was basically the intention to get a hunting dog of small size. The goal was achieved: today the American spaniel (photo is confirmed) is one of the smallest existing hunters. But the starting point for the appearance of such dogs appeared a hundred years later. Only in the 19th century was the American cocker spaniel officially recognized. The nursery of James Ferrow was breeding only this breed. And the best specimens grown in him became the ancestors of the state spaniels. The breed was fully formed by 1915, although the British long did not want to recognize it. Britain agreed with its existence already in the second half of the 20th century. In Russia, the American spaniel first appeared in the seventies, then it was considered a very rare and even exotic animal, which was why it was very expensive.
Note that the English resistance initiallywas doomed to failure. The breed differs from the British analogue not only by much smaller sizes, but also by the shape of the head (in particular, by the famous snub-nosedness), and the physique and freedom of color. And as for the ancestors - so in all dogs they are common.
Breed Standards
What does the American Cocker Spaniel look like?The description can be quite short, but at the same time capacious, and it will not be difficult for him to recognize the dog even to someone who has never seen such a dog. For starters, it is small - an adult male above 39 centimeters does not grow. And if all this happens, then his mother has been out with a representative of another breed. The maximum weight is thirteen kilograms. Exceeding this indicator with a regular growth is a serious reason to take care of the health of the pet. The constitution of the American Cocker is strong and proportionate, the head is beautiful in shape, with large eyes, hanging low-set ears and characteristic snub-nosedness. The coat is long, shiny and thick. Its color can be anything - and monophonic, and bi-color (usually black and white and very appreciated black and tan), and piebald, and tri-color. Thanks to such a wide range, anyone can find a pet with a color that corresponds to his aesthetic preferences.
Characteristics of character
Many people American cocker spaniel (photoit can be seen in our article) is perceived as a companion dog. He really is great in this role, most importantly, do not "lead" on the plush appearance and treat him like a toy. Do not forget that before you is a hunter, albeit not used now in this capacity. The character was serious! And unclaimed abilities can spoil it. Therefore, it is worth introducing some rules in dealing with the dog:
- На прогулках не просто бродить с питомцем, а to organize active games and fulfill at least the simplest commands. In a word, make him work: he will feel necessary, and obey will become better.
- Formulate certain bans and demand themobservance: for example, do not drag from the table and do not beg for it or go to bed with the owners. If you ever give a slack, a charming American spaniel literally sits on your neck, finding yourself the chief in the pack.
- Pay attention to the psychological statedogs. If it is inflated, then it should be reassured and relaxed from communication. But at the same time one should not allow growling at oneself, and even more so - manifest physical aggression. Your pet should not feel dominant.
In everything else, if you do not give in toprovocation and not go on about the touching appearance, the breed of American cocker spaniel is absolutely problem-free. Its representatives easily get along with any pets, take kindly to children, even to the smallest ones, take into account the peculiarities of the rhythm of life and the temperament of the owners.
Casual care of the wool
The main efforts required by the AmericanCocker Spaniel, - Care for his magnificent skin. The animal is especially beautiful due to its wool cover, but, like long hair for women, it requires regular attention. You need to comb your hair every day, and the American spaniel puppies should be taught this procedure from the moment they appear in your home. The process of an experienced "hairdresser" takes about five minutes. If you have not had an American Cocker before, and even if you have an untrained puppy, it may take a lot longer. However, forgetting about combing or postponing it is not worth it. Firstly, it is much harder to fight with the coots. Secondly, if your pet learns that the procedure is inevitable, then he will treat her patiently. When your dog grows up, you can comb it much less often - once a week, puppy fluff will come down, and wool without extreme in the form of rain and itself will look normal.
Compulsory baths
But you can not do only combing the dog.The American Spaniel also needs regular bathing. Most often, washing is done every two weeks. Every month, the pet is bathed only if the weather is dry for a long time, and it does not take long walks. Before washing, the dog must be combed out to remove the formed tangles. The water gets a little warm. If for the first time she turns out to be too hot for a puppy, then she will have to work for a long time to lure him into the bath. Shampoo is bought either special, dog, or human, intended for the injured or dry hair. After washing, a balm is applied, on tangled places - a little more, washed off, wool is wrung out with a towel (it is not necessary to wipe it carefully) and dried with a hairdryer while being combed.
A haircut
To your American Spaniel (photo can belook in the article) didn’t gradually turn into a shaggy, albeit cute pooch, about once a season it will have to be cut. At first, all the owners turn to the zoosalon for this purpose. Many of the time, after looking and remembering the sequence of work, provide a pet hairdressing services on their own. However, with the first haircut, it is not worth it too much: if for the first time your American Spaniel hears the sound of a typewriter at nine months, most likely, it will be frightened and will behave aggressively on haircuts. If you bought a puppy already trimmed, and for a long time the hairdresser turns out to be unclaimed, sometimes turn on some device similar to the typewriter next to him - a mixer, an electric razor, etc. pay attention to it and will calmly relate to the procedure.
Paw care
The paw pads of all dogs is a vulnerable spot,especially in the city, where on roads and lawns there is nothing, it is not an exception and the dogs we are considering. The American Cocker Spaniel also has a thick coat on its paws. As a result of this, it is not only difficult at times to notice the resulting wound (finally, the dog himself hints at his behavior), something can get confused in the fur, and hurt his paw later. Therefore, after each walk, the paws are not only washed, but also carefully examined. And on the washing day, the hair between the fingers is trimmed.
Some owners cut their claws claws.However, it is believed that if a need arises in this, the dog moves little. In the city, with a sufficient length of walking, the claws, without any strange fate, grind on the asphalt.
Ear care
All lop breeds require special attention totheir “mugs”. First of all, they are not sufficiently ventilated, and therefore excessive moisture and temperature in the sink. Such conditions are ideal for the accumulation of dirt and, accordingly, the development of various diseases. So the Cocker needs to clean his ears even more often than his own. They endure this procedure very philosophically, after the first time feeling a significant relief.
The second danger is ticks. From mid-May to the end of September, the ears are carefully inspected for the detection of these parasites, pulled out, if they are, and burned.
If the American Cocker Spaniel (photosthese handsome men are listed in the article) behaves restlessly, whining, constantly shaking his head, rubbing his ears with paws, and upon examination they reveal uncharacteristic dark color with an unpleasant heavy smell, the dog urgently needs to be led to the vet. At a minimum, your pet has otitis, and it should be treated under medical supervision.
Teeth care
With proper and balanced dietAmerican Cocker usually does not have dental problems. To prevent dental difficulties, you need to teach the dog to milk and cottage cheese - they supply teeth and bones with calcium. Try to instill in your habit of eating fresh tomatoes. It turns out not always - dogs, like people, have their own taste preferences. However, if you are lucky, you will never find tartar in your pet. It should also give him nibble raw bones. Only not tubular! Beef mosly will do. Many "Americans" eagerly gnaw apples, and this intention should be encouraged by all means.
Naturally, you can not give your pet anysweets and baking. In addition to the fact that the dogs are disturbed by their metabolism, their stomach deteriorates, and the animals are rapidly gaining weight, their teeth have no resistance to sugar. During the year, with such a regular feeding, the dog's teeth turn yellow and begin to break down.
Elderly animals and exhibits teethare cleaning. It is advisable to use tooth powder for this purpose. Find it in regular stores is now unrealistic, in pet supplies it is also most often absent. You can use human toothpaste, just choose it without the smell and taste.
Food
How to feed your Cocker - you decide.The main thing is to have everything you need in your diet. However, regardless of whether you are cooking, or giving the dog ready food, remember that all Cockers - both English and American - are not able to stop eating. They eat while they see something in a bowl. Therefore, they should be given food strictly metered, otherwise in half a year you will have a thick sausage with legs on your leash. If you encourage your pet between feedings, consider this in the total amount of food. And watch the dog for a walk carefully: this hunter and a glutton can pick up everything that smells delicious from the ground. In addition to the extra calories, it is also the risk of poisoning the dog.
Purchasing a puppy
The best place where American can be boughtCocker Spaniel, - nursery or club. When purchasing from hands there is always the risk of buying a puppy with mongrel ancestors. And this is fraught with not only deviations from the breed standard, but also the presence of a more aggressive nature. In addition, it is not a fact that the “market” pet will be healthy and vaccinated by age, and also not rewarded with hereditary diseases. If you are interested in clean breed, check your puppy's pedigree. Please note: this document has certain security characters, and is not printed on cardboard with a color printer. Be sure to have a vetpasport with an indication of all vaccinations.
When choosing a puppy, look at its behavior.He should be moderately active, but not aggressive, play with his sisters and brothers, move quickly and be interested in the world around him. If, when a person approaches, the puppy is clogged up in a corner, growls or whines, and even more so lets a puddle, then choose another for yourself: this is a problem with the nervous system. Do not take the smallest in the litter. He may be the sweetest, but most likely the weakest.
Start nurture
In order for a small Cocker to adapt more easily to a new place, to experience less stress and not to suffer a nervous injury, certain conditions must be met at the time of the resettlement.
- It is better to pick up the puppy from the mother early in the morning - this way it will more easily endure the separation.
- You cannot feed him before the trip, agree on this with the breeder in advance.
- On the road, do not allow strangers to touch the dog - it is already scared and confused.
- Habitat should be prepared the day before:a place to sleep with bedding was allocated, bowls of water and food were put in, a cat's pot was prepared (at first, until the puppy learns to tolerate, it must be taught to relieve itself in one place, and the tray is ideal in this regard).
- On arrival, the baby-cocker will probably trysomewhere to hide. Do not forcibly remove him from the shelter - let him sit out. It is necessary to stop the admiration of the home about the new family member and remove them from the room until the puppy gets comfortable and leaves itself.
Consider that raising a little "American"should start from day one. It should be called only by a nickname, without any “small doll” and “kutya”. The collar is worn, just as the puppy began to inspect the apartment. Gently, but persistently, you need to teach him to eat in one place and not to carry food in rooms.
Who should not start the "American"
If you like American looksCocker Spaniel, reviews about the breed you have arranged, enough money to buy a pedigree dog, think about the purpose for which you acquire a puppy. To abandon the breed in question should be in two cases:
- If you intend to donate a dog to a childpreschool age. Your offspring is not yet ready to perceive the animal as a partner. A cute appearance will make it a toy in the eyes of the baby. Of course, a cocker will not harm a child. But your son (daughter) will spoil him to such an extent that it will be difficult to coexist in the apartment with him. Here's a teenager such a dog - the perfect friend.
- If your elderly relative feelslonely and you want to brighten his life. In such a situation, choose a better animal. Firstly, the American Spaniel is very active, and it will be difficult for an elderly person to walk with him. Secondly, taking care of him is rather laborious, takes a lot of time (it’s still okay - the old people have enough of it) and strength. Thirdly, the maintenance of such a dog is quite expensive: the services of a dog hairdresser are not cheap, and feeding one dog kasha will not work.
For all the rest, especially non-loving people, the American Spaniel is quite suitable as a family dog. Feedback from those with whom he has been living for more than one year is positive.
