Is The American Cocker Spaniel Temperament Right For Your Family?
Spaniels were hunting dogs that were originally brought from Spain to England. The english cocker spaniel was originally bred as a gun dog in the United Kingdom to hunt small game, especially birds. Their cocker name is said to have been derived from hunting woodcocks. Their natural talents including tracking and retrieving. The english cocker was brought to the United States, from which the American cocker spaniel was carefully bred. And by the 1940s, the American breed was distinguished from the english breed. The American cocker spaniel temperament is slightly different from its english counterpart. Although very similar in appearance, the American cocker is a medium-sized dog that is smaller the english version, and is the smallest of the spaniels.
The english cocker spaniel suffers from rage syndrome, when a dog savagely attacks without warning. During the attack, the dog has a glazed look and seems to not be aware of its surroundings. However, no studies have linked rage syndrome to the American cocker. In fact, the American cocker spaniel temperament is outgoing and friendly. These intelligent dogs, although hard to train, are cooperative. But they will learn if they are treated gently, carefully and consistently. The American cocker is sensitive to your emotions; if you are angry or frustrated, you may easily lose their trust. They can also be difficult to housebreak.
Cockers love their humans and want to be part their pack. Everyone in the pack cooperates under one leader, and everyone follows the rules for the good of the pack. However, small dog syndrome may develop with the American cocker. This is a behavior caused by humans wherein the dog believes it is the leader. If this is allowed to develop, your American cocker spaniel temperament will deteriorate into behavior issues. Unwanted behaviors will also develop if they are not provided with the mental stimulation and physical exercise that they need every day. Since they are from sporting group and were originally used to hunt, they have great endurance. Use this trait to your advantage and consider training them in agility.
Your cocker may also develop shy sharpness, which is a combination of both dominance and fear. This can result in an American cocker spaniel temperament that could become vicious. Submissive urinating, aggressive possessiveness of objects and/or people, compulsive barking, hyperactivity, roaming and other unwanted behaviors may develop. Since the American cocker spaniel wants to please their master, all the master has to do is be a confident and patient leader, which will result in a well-adjusted dog.
