American Cocker Spaniel

Known as one of America's favourite pooches, the American Cocker Spaniel is a direct relative of the English Cocker Spaniel and arrived in the States during the late 1800s. Contrary to their somewhat larger English cousins, the American variety is slightly smaller, has a shorter muzzle and more rounded head, and a fuller coat that can be found in a wide range of colours. The two were considered the same breed until the American Kennel Club made the distinction in the late 1970s. While the American Cocker Spaniel retained the impeccable hunting skills of its English counterpart, they were bred to be more lean and agile in order to hunt smaller prey including birds.