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American Cocker Spaniel
Sporting breed from United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting Group, a medium-sized sporting dog with a beautifully chiseled head, long flowing silky coat, long ears, and gentle expression. It is known for being gentle, smart, happy, outgoing, and affectionate. Its coat is medium and silky, and it is a small-sized breed. Energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), trainability is high (4 out of 5), grooming needs are high (4 out of 5), and shedding is moderate (3 out of 5). It scores very high for child suitability (5 out of 5) and dog compatibility (5 out of 5), and moderate for apartment suitability (3 out of 5). Adult weight is estimated at 11–14 kg for both sexes, adult height is estimated at 37–39 cm for both sexes, and lifespan is estimated at 10–14 years. All measurements are modelled estimates and should be considered approximate.
Quick facts
American Cocker Spaniel at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupSporting
OriginUnited States
Lifespan10–14 years
Male weight11–14 kilogram
Female weight11–14 kilogram
Male height37–39 centimetre
Female height37–39 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The American Cocker Spaniel was developed in the United States from English Cocker Spaniels brought over in the late 1800s. American breeders selected for smaller size, more refined head, and heavier coat for woodcock hunting. This selection led to recognition as a separate breed by the AKC in 1946, according to one source. However, recognition status varies by registry, and the exact timeline and details of its development may differ across sources. The breed's origins are solely in the United States, and it belongs to the Sporting Group. Its history is closely tied to its use as a hunting dog, but specific working purposes beyond the general description are not provided in the supplied facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
11–14 kilogramAdult weight37–39 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesMedium, SilkyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodimported
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentlesmarthappyoutgoingaffectionate
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No American Cocker Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 5
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
American Cocker Spaniel puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight11–14 kilogramAdult female weight11–14 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an American Cocker Spaniel?
The American Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 11–14 kg for both males and females, and estimated adult height is 37–39 cm for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 10–14 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of an American Cocker Spaniel?
The breed is described as gentle, smart, happy, outgoing, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does an American Cocker Spaniel need?
The breed has a moderate energy level (scored 3 out of 5). This suggests it needs regular daily exercise, but the exact amount is not specified. Activities like walks and playtime are likely sufficient.
What are the grooming requirements for an American Cocker Spaniel?
Grooming needs are high (scored 4 out of 5). The coat is medium and silky, requiring regular brushing and maintenance to prevent matting. Shedding is moderate (scored 3 out of 5).
Is the American Cocker Spaniel good for families with children and other dogs?
The breed scores very high for child suitability (5 out of 5) and dog compatibility (5 out of 5), indicating it generally does well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperaments can vary, so supervision and proper introductions are recommended.
Is the American Cocker Spaniel suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is moderate (scored 3 out of 5). While the breed is small and can adapt to apartment life, its energy level and need for exercise should be considered. Regular outdoor activity is important.
Where did the American Cocker Spaniel originate?
The breed originated in the United States, developed from English Cocker Spaniels brought over in the late 1800s. American breeders selected for smaller size, refined head, and heavier coat for woodcock hunting. Recognition as a separate breed by the AKC occurred in 1946, but recognition status varies by registry.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
OPEN DATASETWikidata ↗Creative Commons CC0 1.0
OPEN DATASETPawsome Authority Dog Breeds Dataset ↗Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.