Dog's Name & Age
Dante (10 weeks)
In a Word, My American Cocker Spaniel Is…
Funny, Cuddly, Loving, Loyal, Mischievous, Playful
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Easy to train, Loving and sensitive, Wants to be near me always
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
gets into things he shouldn't, chewing, separation anxiety, house training
When, Where and How I Got My American Cocker Spaniel
I bought Dante at 7 weeks from a local breeder Feb 2010. They had two boys left, one was black and tan and one was a beautiful Gold with a blue sheen to his coat, that one became our Dante. As he grows he just gets more and more beautiful.
I'd Describe My Dog As…
Dante is very playful, he could just play and run all day long. When he does settle down, though, he wants to be right up against you either in your lap or curled around your feet. He wants constant attention and follows me from room to room. He even curls up outside the bathroom and waits for me to come out. He loves to show his affection by licking hands and feet, which really tickles.
His obedience and trick training is super easy, I taught him to obey the sit command in a single day. Housebreaking is a little more difficult, but he's coming along nicely.
We got Dante because we'd just lost my mother in Jan and felt a dog would help to heal that wound her loss left on our hearts. We were right. Dante has been godsend. His playfulness lifts our spirits and when we're upset he senses it and cuddles and licks us. He's like my son and we call my father his "papaw".
My vet says he's super healthy and thus far the only problem we've had is a case of tapeworm.
If his health continues to be this amazing we are considering breeding him when he reaches the appropriate age.
Advice
- Lots of grooming
- Clean ears regularly to prevent ear infections.
- Not good with small children as they don't have the patience for them.
- Socialize them early with people and animals or they will be shy.
- Not for someone who is away all day, they want to be near you at all times. Being alone a lot will cause them great anxiety.
- Find reputable breeder to avoid lots of health and behavior problems.
- Needs regular exercise. A couple of walks each day or romps in the yard will suffice.
- Easy to train
- Housebreaking difficult.
- Will follow you everywhere due to it's need to be near you at all times.
