With silky ears that look like they belong in a shampoo advert, big soulful eyes, and a bounce that screams “look at me”, the American Cocker Spaniel is equal parts glamour and goofball. Don’t be fooled by the fluff — this is a spaniel through and through: energetic, affectionate, and occasionally muddy.
Not sure if a glamorous fluff ball is your vibe? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz to see whether an American Cocker fits your life.
Great Names for an American Cocker
These dogs are born to shine, so the name has to match.
Showroom glamour: Gigi, Chanel, Dior, Velvet, Bijou, Bianca
Soft & sweet: Clover, Poppy, Willow, Daisy, Honey, Fern
Bold & bright: Flash, Blaze, Jet, Dash, Zorro, Ace
Charming classic: Archie, Max, Charlie, Molly, Bella, Ruby
Need more inspiration? Dive into our Dog Name Generator on CrazyDogs.club and let it surprise you.
Exercise
You might think all that fluff means a lap dog, but Cockers are still spaniels. That means plenty of energy wrapped in a silky coat. Skip the walk and you’ll get the “sad eyes” guilt trip — plus some creative mischief indoors.
What they need:
- Around an hour of activity every day
- Off-lead time in a safe field or garden
- Games like fetch, hide & seek, or scent trails
- Puzzle toys for mental work
Spaniel Energy Warning
Even though the American Cocker looks showy and glamorous, it’s still a spaniel with energy that needs daily outlets.
“She has got a ‘look at me I’m so beautiful’ attitude … she loves the mud too … when we walk she’ll spot a muddy puddle and run in.”
Temperament
Think of the American Cocker as the socialite of the spaniel world: glamorous on the outside, but inside, they’re cheeky charmers who just want to be included in everything.
Expect them to be:
- Affectionate and people-oriented
- Sensitive — they don’t take well to harsh words
- Cheeky enough to try to boss bigger dogs around
- Friendly with visitors, sometimes too much so
“She is a cheeky little madam and bosses my other dogs round, especially my lab!!”
Training
Training an American Cocker is like teaching a class clown — they’ll learn quickly if it’s fun, but bore them and you’ll lose them to daydreams.
Training tips:
- Start early with puppy classes and socialisation
- Use positive reinforcement (praise, treats, toys)
- Keep sessions short and engaging
- Focus on recall, impulse control, and loose-lead walking
“My black/white parti boy is 11½ and has the best temperament. He has never met a stranger and is happy, happy, happy.”
Need a hand? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can guide you through the puppy chaos with step-by-step support.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
An American Cocker Spaniel will happily announce the postie but then try to be their new best mate. They’re alert, yes, but not serious guard dogs.
- Likely to bark at strangers, then wag at them
- More social butterfly than security guard
- Socialisation helps them stay confident, not yappy
Other Animals
With their cheerful nature, American Cockers usually get on with other dogs and family pets. But as with any breed, introductions matter.
- Best results with slow, steady introductions
- Usually fine with other dogs in the household
- Smaller pets may trigger curiosity, so supervise
Grooming
This is where the glamour takes work. The American Cocker’s coat looks stunning, but only if you’re willing to put in the hours (or the grooming bills).
Routine care:
- Daily brushing or combing to prevent mats
- Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Regular ear cleaning — long ears trap moisture and invite infections
- Eye checks and face wipes to keep them comfortable
Grooming Commitment Warning
Skip a week and you’ll pay for it — mats, tangles, and ear problems can creep in fast.
Health
American Cockers are generally healthy, but their beauty comes with a few risks. Always choose a breeder who health tests for common issues.
Watch out for:
- Ear infections (thanks to those heavy, floppy ears)
- Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart issues
- Skin allergies
“I have 2 American Cockers … my parti boy has the best temperament.”
For breeder checks and health screening, download our Best in Breeder Guide.
Cost of Ownership
Fluff and glamour don’t come cheap. Here’s what you can expect to spend in the UK:
- Puppy price: £1,200–£2,000 from a reputable breeder
- Insurance: £40–£70 per month (more if health issues develop)
- Food: £35–£60 per month (medium appetite)
- Grooming: £30–£80 per month (DIY brushing plus professional trims)
- Vet care: £150–£300 per year for check-ups; extra for ears/eyes
Famous Owners & Moments
- The American Cocker was one of the most popular breeds in the USA for decades, known as the show dog of choice.
- Disney’s Lady and the Tramp made the breed iconic — Lady herself is an American Cocker.
- The breed’s foundation sire Obo II is legendary in Cocker history.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “They’re just lap dogs.” | They’re spaniels — they need activity and play. |
| “They’re difficult with strangers.” | Most are social butterflies who greet everyone. |
| “Their coat looks after itself.” | Daily care and regular trims are non-negotiable. |
FAQs
Are American Cockers good with children?
Yes — they’re affectionate and gentle, but supervise play with younger kids.
Do they shed much?
Yes, plus hair from grooming — expect daily sweeping.
Are they easy to train?
Yes, when it’s fun and positive. They hate harshness.
How much exercise do they need?
Around an hour a day, plus play and mental stimulation.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
If you’re drawn to elegance, velvet ears, and a dog who’ll happily share your sofa and your mud puddles, the American Cocker Spaniel could be perfect. Just remember: grooming, training, and attention are part of the deal.
Get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner and capture their silky charm in a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small to medium
- Weight: 11–14 kg
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Glamour, affectionate nature
- Challenging Trait: Grooming, ear/eye health issues