American Cocker Spaniel

Written By

Sophie Kininmonth

published on

January 17, 2026

Updated on

February 8, 2026

People usually start looking up American Cocker Spaniels when they’re weighing up a new dog: Will this breed fit in a smaller home? How much grooming is “a lot”? Are those long ears going to mean vet visits for ear trouble?

They’re compact, bright little gundogs with a soft expression and a serious coat. Done well, life with a Cocker is steady and companionable. Done casually, the same dog can end up matted, itchy, overweight, or fighting recurring ear infections. The details matter.

At a glance

Breed type: Sporting (spaniel)
Country of origin: United States
Size: Small-to-medium; males typically about 37–39 cm, females about 34–37 cm at the withers (breed standard ideal ranges vary slightly by country)^{1, 2}
Exercise needs: Moderate, with regular mental work
Grooming needs: High if the coat is kept long; ongoing ear and coat maintenance are non-negotiable
Typical lifespan: Commonly around 10–14 years (individuals vary with genetics, weight, and care)

History and origin

The American Cocker Spaniel developed in the United States from spaniels brought over from the UK, with breeders gradually favouring a smaller, more compact dog with a shorter muzzle and a distinct head shape. Over time, the American and English types diverged enough that kennel clubs began recognising them separately.^{4, 5}

In the United States, “Cocker Spaniel” was among the earliest breeds recorded by the American Kennel Club in 1878. The American Spaniel Club—closely tied to the breed’s early history—was established in 1881.^{3, 6}

Physical characteristics

Look closely at an American Cocker Spaniel and you’ll see a dog built for moving through cover: compact frame, deep chest, and a coat designed to protect. The defining features are the long, low-set ears; large, dark eyes; and the profuse feathering on chest, belly, legs, and ears.^{1, 2}

Height is tightly described in breed standards. In Australia, the Dogs NSW standard (aligned with ANKC/FCI style wording) sets ideal height at about 38.1 cm for males and 35.6 cm for females, with specific penalties and disqualifications outside the stated limits.¹

Temperament: what they’re like to live with

Well-bred and well-raised American Cockers tend to be affectionate, alert, and responsive to their people. They usually want to be nearby rather than out in the yard alone. They can be lively without being large, which is why they suit many suburban and apartment households—provided they get daily outlets for movement and sniffing.⁷

They can be vocal, particularly if they’re under-exercised or have learnt that barking reliably produces attention. Early training and calm routines generally make more difference than “being strict”.

Grooming and everyday care

The coat is the make-or-break part of this breed. If you keep it long, assume regular brushing and combing to the skin, plus professional grooming on a schedule. Mats aren’t just cosmetic; they trap moisture and debris against the skin and can contribute to irritation and infection.

Practical care that tends to matter most:

Brushing and combing: several times a week (daily during coat changes or if kept long).
Feet, armpits, and behind the ears: check these high-friction zones for tangles.
Ear checks: lift the ear leather and look/smell for early signs of trouble (odour, redness, greasy discharge). If your vet recommends cleaning, do it exactly as directed—over-cleaning can also irritate.
Dental care: aim for regular tooth brushing as part of routine husbandry.

When cleaning ears at home, avoid cotton buds/Q-tips, which can push debris deeper into the canal and cause injury.¹⁰

Exercise and training needs

American Cocker Spaniels do best with daily walks plus small, frequent “thinking” tasks: scent games, short training sessions, and food puzzles. Many enjoy retrieving and basic agility, but they don’t need marathon distances to be settled—consistency matters more than intensity.⁷

Training is usually straightforward when it’s reward-based and steady. Keep sessions short. Build habits early around calm greetings, gentle lead walking, and being comfortable with grooming (touching paws, brushing ears, standing still on a mat).

Health concerns to be aware of

No breed is trouble-free. With American Cockers, prospective owners commonly prepare for three broad themes: ear disease, eye disease, and weight management.

Ear infections (otitis externa) and what they look like

Ear canal inflammation (otitis externa) is one of the most common reasons dogs are taken to the vet. Signs often include head shaking, scratching, pain, odour, redness, and discharge. Because causes can include allergies, parasites, and secondary infections, the recurring cases need proper diagnosis rather than guesswork drops.⁸

Longstanding or recurrent outer-ear disease can be linked with deeper infection (middle ear/inner ear), which is one reason vets take “chronic ears” seriously.⁹

Weight gain

Cockers can put on weight quietly, especially when exercise drops and treats creep up. In Australia, the RSPCA recommends practical prevention: portion awareness, daily exercise, and checking body condition with your vet rather than relying on the scales alone.^{11, 12}