Are you interested in finding a caring companion for yourself or a member of your family? Would you want the moment you walk through the door to be met with a sense of wonder and anticipation? Do you have children who would enjoy having a new playmate and the opportunity to take on some additional responsibilities?
They are required to be “merry” according to the criteria established by the American Kennel Club, and they unquestionably meet those requirements. The Cocker Spaniel is the tiniest of the sporting breeds and was originally developed for the purpose of pointing and flushing game birds. They have a highly developed sense of smell, which enables them to track down game birds or locate the ball that you just misplaced in the weeds. The Cocker Spaniel is a highly intelligent breed that excels in multiple dog sports, including conformation, agility, and rally competitions, as well as field trials and hunting. Because of their long coats, they need to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis.
They have dispositions that are very pleasant and they are eager to fulfill your every need. The best part is that they are extremely affectionate and can easily fit on your lap.
Cocker Spaniels have a long tradition of being a popular breed in the United States of America; however, from the 1940s through the 1970s, there was an excessive amount of breeding of these dogs due to careless breeders who focused more on quantity than quality. This led to the development of some poor temperaments as well as increased issues with the eyes and hips. Since then, reputable breeders have been able to improve the overall quality of the breed and bring back the affectionate and gentle temperaments for which Cocker Spaniels were originally bred. The same type of indiscriminate breeding happened with Dalmatians after the movie 101 Dalmatians came out, and it happened again with the popularity of Chihuahuas after Taco Bell used one in its advertising. Both of these events led to an increase in the number of dogs that were bred without regard to their physical characteristics.
I strongly recommend that you do extensive research on the breed of dog you want to bring into your home before making a final decision, particularly if it is a breed that has gained popularity as a result of a certain film or television show. Find out about their characteristics and the genetic predispositions they have before making a decision about which breed will be the best fit for your household. If you want more information, you can get it by clicking on the AKC button, which will take you to the website of the American Kennel Club.
GROOMING
There is nothing more stunning than a Cocker Spaniel with its display coat in its full glory. The lengthy coats of Cocker Spaniels need frequent grooming in the form of washing, combing, and trimming. Although it is a gratifying experience and may end up saving you money in the long run, the majority of dog owners still take their dogs to a professional groomer to have them cleaned up and styled.
The majority of Cocker owners feel that it is simpler to maintain their dog’s coat if it is cut in a shorter style known as a “pet clip” when the dog is not competing in a show. The coat of a Cocker has to be brushed on a regular basis in between trips to the groomer to prevent mats from forming and to remove any dirt or debris that the dog may have picked up outdoors. They should see a groomer about every six to eight weeks, although the frequency of these visits is dependent on the length of their coat. Grooming and bathing your Cocker will not only make them look better, but it will also keep them healthy.
EAR CARE
The ears of a Cocker Spaniel need to be kept clean to prevent infections from developing, which is important for the dog’s overall health. If you use the following recipe for Blue Power Treatment, you will be able to maintain the health and cleanliness of your dog’s ears.
Since I was taught this way of cleaning, my dogs’ ears almost never display any signs of irritation or infection. I apply it before giving them a bath, and thereafter I clean the outside of their ears in the same manner as the rest of the dog. You shouldn’t have any trouble tracking down any of the components at your neighborhood drugstore, Wal-Mart, or Target. Simply ask the pharmacist about them since they are often stored behind the counter even though they do not need a prescription to be purchased.
Blue Power Ear Treatment
Your dog will thank you for warming up the solution before applying it to his ears since the ears are quite sensitive and might be hurt by the “shock” caused by a cold solution. Instead of using a microwave, I’ve discovered that the most effective way to warm up a solution is to set it in a cup or glass of extremely warm water (as a “bath”) for approximately half an hour or so. This works just as well as the traditional method.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol or Witch Hazel)
- 4 tbls Boric Acid Powder
- 16 drops Gentian Violet 1% Solution
Shake the Alcohol Bottle well after adding all of the contents. (It is imperative that you shake the bottle before each use.)
Treatment:
The treatment consists of pouring solution into the ear, massaging it gently for thirty seconds, and then wiping it clean with a tissue. Repeat the process of filling, but this time only wipe instead of massaging.
The excess will fall off the dog as it shakes itself. When I am filling the ear, I use an eye dropper. The following instructions should be followed if your dog already has an illness, but I use this to help avoid infections in the first place.
Instructions:
- consume this product twice a day for the first two weeks.
- 1 occurrence each and every day for the following 14 days.
- 1 once every month afterward until further notice.
There is no need to be concerned about it leaving a stain since it can be removed with soap and water. This is something that I have used on my dogs for a number of years, and I can say without a doubt that it is effective.