How is the American Cocker Spaniel different from English?

Due to their affectionate nature, cocker spaniels are traditionally considered a good choice as a companion dog for families with children. Currently, the two breeds of these dogs are the most widespread - American and English. Therefore, before buying a puppy, you should compare these two types of cockers and find out how their nature, appearance and rules for caring for them differ.

The first mention of the spaniel breed dates back to 13th century England, where dogs were used to hunt birds. This word comes from the medieval French espaigneul (Spanish), which means that the ancestors of these dogs came to Foggy Albion from Spain earlier.

Initially, all spaniels were divided into water spaniels, whose task was to deliver the carcass of the dead bird from the water, and ground ones, which were used to track and corral the bird. In those years, the breed was much wilder than today. The first changes in the technique of training and breeding spaniels occurred in the XVII century, when hunters massively switched from bow and arrows to firearms, which required more control over the behavior of animals. As a result, representatives of the breed have become much more obedient and affectionate.

At the beginning of the 19th century, further separation of the breed by type of mining began. Dogs that were used to hunt woodcock, which in English is called woodcock ("forest cockerel"), were called cockers. In 1840, requirements were established according to which cockers were to weigh from 6 to 9 kg.At the same time, different puppies from the same litter could fall into the category of cockers, tois or springers at that time, which means that cockers were not an independent breed in those years.

Only in 1885 the Club of Spaniel Breeders was created, which was engaged in the development of breed standards. Around 1890, there was a final separation of springers and cockers, since then the British cocker spaniels have been bred according to the standards accepted by the Club.

The first spaniels in the territory of the modern USA appeared in 1620, because many Mayflover passengers took their pets aboard. The American club of breeders of this breed was created in 1881 (4 years before the British) and immediately set itself the ambitious task of creating its own variety of cockers, which would be different from everyone else (including the British). It was possible to achieve this goal in 1905, when the American breed standard was introduced.

For a long time, 2 species developed separately, without contacting each other. Only in the 20s of the 20th century did the first "Americans" begin to get into England. Despite the obvious differences, it was only in 1970 that British breeders officially recognized the American Cocker Spaniel as an independent breed (before that, it was considered one of the varieties of the British). Currently, both breeds have approximately the same popularity.

By the way, the most famous animated cocker, namely the Lady from Disney's “Lady and the Tramp”, still refers to the American variety.

The most noticeable differences between the American and English breeds are manifested precisely in appearance. The difference is already evident in such a noticeable parameter as the growth of the dog at the withers. For the British, this figure reaches 42 centimeters, while Americans rarely grow above 37 cm. Accordingly, the mass of animals is different - if dogs from the USA usually weigh up to 12 kg, then their cousins ​​from Foggy Albion reach a figure of 15 kg.

Losing in size, the "Americans" are superior to their counterparts from another continent. on such an important indicator for mostly decorative dogs as the length of the coat.

The shape of the head differs in the two breeds - if the dogs of the American species are more characteristic of a round head of a small size relative to the body with a slightly upturned nose and a shortened "square" muzzle, then the British usually have a large head and a relatively elongated muzzle. Despite the fact that the body of all cockers usually has a shape close to square, the breed from the United States most often has a higher sternum position, while the back of the British is usually almost flat from the withers to the croup.

But in terms of color, it’s right to understand whether an “American” or “Englishman” is in front of you, unfortunately, it will not work, since the standards of both varieties allow many variations of the color of the dog’s coat. The most common colors of both breeds:

• black
• redheads;
• golden;
• Chocolate
• fawn;
• mixed (most often black and white, red and white, brown and white).

The length of the ears does not differ in both breeds of cockers. - except that in dogs of the American variety they can be covered with a slightly thicker six.

Despite the fact that the external differences between the two varieties of cockers are minimal, their characters are very different. Both breeds are generally friendly, affectionate and obedient, excellently trained.

As a result of such a different approach to breeding, "British" are more energetic and mobile than "Americans" and with a noticeably greater distrust of the appearance of strangers in the house. But the breed from the USA is calmer, and outbreaks of activity may be followed by a period of thoughtfulness. On the one hand, such a dog will bother you less often, on the other hand, dogs from Foggy Albion are always open for communication with family members, while "Americans" may not agree to participate in conceived games.

As for the compatibility of cockers with other pets, then both species get along well with cats. However, if the breed from the United States tolerates the presence of any other pets in the house, then owners of the "British" should not start a house of parrots and other decorative birds - the breed has preserved hunting instincts, so the life of a bird can one day be tragically interrupted.

Another difference between spaniels from the USA is a very good appetite on the verge of gluttony, therefore, the balance of their diet should be monitored more carefully than when breeding the "English".

When growing any kind of cocker spaniels, the main thing is to give the pets enough attention, since they do not tolerate separation from the owner and are very active. If you do not get involved in training and raising a pet in time, it can grow up too wayward and uncontrollable.

They need to be combed several times a day, especially after walks in nature, while a shorthair "Briton" will be enough to comb one day.

But daily eye and ear cleaning is a must for both varieties of spaniels. Bathing pets is not more than once a week. "Americans" must comb their hair before and after bathing, while for the British breed such a procedure is optional.

Another difference is that if breeders of active and nature-loving English cockers need to devote time to frequent walks in the fresh air, then “Americans” will be quite comfortable walking 1-2 times a day.

Both types of cocker spaniels are distinguished by good health and proper care. live from 12 to 15 years.

One of the most common diseases characteristic of both breeds is the so-called rabies of red spaniels, which is expressed as outbreaks of unmotivated aggression. It is worth knowing that this is not a character trait, but a hereditary disease. Due to the decorative shape of the head and muzzle, American cockers are more prone to eye and respiratory system diseases than English.

In the next video, you can learn more about the features of the breed American Cocker Spaniel.