The American Cocker Spaniel is classified by the Fédération Cynologiques Internationale among game-lifting dogs. It is the smallest dog of this group. The height at the withers is 38 cm in males and 35,5 cm in females. Its body is robust and compact and the head refined and finely chiseled. The coat is short and thin on the head and of medium length on the rest of the body. Her dress can be black or any other solid color. It can also be multi-colored, but always with a part of white. (1)

The American Cocker Spaniel belongs to the great family of spaniels, the first traces of which date back to the fourteenth century. These dogs are then reported as originating in Spain and used for hunting waterfowl and in particular the woodcock from which the cocker spaniel takes its current name (woodcock means woodcock in English). But it was not until the second half of the 1946th century that the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a breed in its own right by the English Kennel Club. And it was much later, in 1, that the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were classified as two separate breeds by the American Kennel Club. (2-XNUMX)

The American Cocker Spaniel belongs to the great family of spaniels, the first traces of which date back to the fourteenth century. These dogs are then reported as originating in Spain and used for hunting waterfowl and in particular the woodcock from which the cocker spaniel takes its current name (woodcock means woodcock in English). But it was not until the second half of the 1946th century that the Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a breed in its own right by the English Kennel Club. And it was much later, in 1, that the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were classified as two separate breeds by the American Kennel Club. (2-XNUMX)

According to the Kennel Club’s 2014 UK Purebred Dog Health Survey, the American Cocker Spaniel can live up to 16 years of age and the leading causes of death were cancer (non-specific), kidney failure, liver problems and old age. (3)

This same survey reports that the majority of the animals studied did not present any disease. The American Cocker Spaniel is therefore generally a healthy dog, but it, like other purebred dogs, can be susceptible to developing hereditary diseases. Among these may be noted essential epilepsy, type VII glycogenosis, factor X deficiency and renal cortical hypoplasia. (4-5)

Essential epilepsy

Essential epilepsy is the most common inherited nervous system damage in dogs. It is characterized by sudden, brief and possibly repetitive convulsions. It is also called primary epilepsy because, unlike secondary epilepsy, it does not result from trauma and the animal does not have any damage to the brain or nervous system.

The causes of this disease are still poorly identified and the diagnosis is still based mainly on an approach aimed at excluding any other damage to the nervous system and the brain. It therefore involves on heavy tests, such as CT scan, MRI, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood tests.

It is an incurable disease and it is therefore recommended not to use affected dogs for breeding. (4-5)

Glycogenosis type VII

Glycogenosis type VII is a genetic disease which, as its name suggests, affects the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars). It also exists in humans and is also known as Tarui disease, named after the doctor who first observed it in 1965.

The disease is characterized by the dysfunction of an enzyme essential for converting sugar into energy (phosphofructokinase). In dogs, it manifests itself mainly by attacks of anemia, called hemolytic crises, during which the mucous membranes appear pale and the animal is weakened and breathless. Unlike humans, dogs rarely show muscle damage. Diagnosis is based on observation of these symptoms and a genetic test. The prognosis is quite variable. The dog can indeed die suddenly during a hemolytic crisis. However, it is possible for the dog to lead a normal life if his owner protects him from situations that may trigger seizures. (4-5)

Factor X deficiency

Also called Stuart’s factor deficiency, factor X deficiency is an inherited disease characterized by a defect in factor X, a molecule essential for blood clotting. It is manifested by significant bleeding from birth and in puppies.

Diagnosis is mainly made by laboratory blood coagulation tests and a test for factor X activity.

The prognosis is very variable. In the most severe forms, puppies die at birth. The more moderate forms can present slight bleeding or be asymptomatic. Some dogs with milder forms can survive to adulthood. There is no replacement therapy for factor X with the exception of plasma transfers. (4-5)

Renal cortical hypoplasia

Renal cortical hypoplasia is an inherited damage to the kidney that causes an area of ​​the kidney called the cortex to shrink. Affected dogs therefore suffer from kidney failure.

The diagnosis is made by ultrasound and contrast radiography to demonstrate involvement of the renal cortex. Urinalysis also shows proteinuria

There is currently no treatment for this disease. (4-5)

As with other breeds of dogs with long floppy ears, it is recommended that you pay special attention to cleaning them in order to avoid infections.

The hair of the American Cocker Spaniel also requires regular brushing.