About this breed
The breed traces back to the same roots as the Cocker Spaniel in the blood of the famous black dog Obo, when his son Obo II was born in Canada in the late 19th century and became a prolific sire. Although the breed started in the USA as a continuation of English type, by the 1920’s there was a marked divergence with some American breeders selecting more domed heads, shorter muzzles and a more profuse coat. In 1936, the American Kennel Club provided classes for English type Cockers as a separate variety and in 1945 the AKC gave separate breed status to the two breeds – the Cocker Spaniel – as it is known in USA and the English Cocker Spaniel, the original basis of the breed before separation.
Temperament
The Spaniel (American Cocker) is one of two Cocker Spaniel breeds recognised by the Kennel Club, alongside the English Cocker Spaniel, and is best known today for its striking coat, expressive eyes and affectionate, biddable nature.
This is a cheerful, people orientated breed that thrives on companionship. Developed largely as a show and companion dog rather than for fieldwork, the Spaniel (American Cocker) is typically gentle, eager to please, and well suited to family life, getting along well with children and other pets when properly socialised from an early age.
Their friendly, biddable temperament makes them relatively straightforward to train, particularly with consistent, reward based methods started early, though like many spaniels they can be sensitive to harsh handling.
Grooming is a significant part of daily life with this breed. Their long, silky coat comes in a wide range of colours, from solid black or white cocker spaniel coats through to buff, chocolate and various particolour combinations, and requires daily brushing to prevent matting, along with regular professional grooming to keep it in good condition.
With exercise needs of more than two hours a day, the Spaniel (American Cocker) is a genuinely active companion that benefits from a mix of walks and mental stimulation, so this isn't a breed suited to owners looking for a low maintenance pet.
Images for this breed
The Gundog breed group
Dogs that were originally trained to find live game and/or to retrieve game that had been shot and wounded. This group is divided into four categories - Retrievers, Spaniels, Hunt/Point/Retrieve, Pointers and Setters - although many of the breeds are capable of doing the same work as the other sub-groups. They make good companions, their temperament making them ideal all-round family dogs.
Colour Watch
Category 0: Breeds with no NBS colour registration options.
Read more about Colour Watch.
Breed Standard colours
Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.
Breed standard colours in this breed include:
- Black
- Black & Tan
- Black & White
- Black & White Particolour
- Black White & Tan
- Brown & White
- Buff
- Chocolate
- Chocolate & Tan
- Chocolate & White Particolour
- Chocolate Tricolour
- Particolour
- Red
- Red & White
- Red & White Particolour
- Sable
- Sable & White
- Silver Buff
- Tricolour
Other colour/s
'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.
Non-breed-standard colours
Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.
Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
Health
Whether you're considering buying a Spaniel (American Cocker) puppy or breeding from your dog, it's important to understand the health issues that may affect the breed and how they can be managed or avoided.
Pre-breeding health screening
Good Practice schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that breeders, at a minimum, conduct these tests before breeding, as evidence indicates these conditions are a significant concern in the breed.
- Prioritising genetic diversity
- Eye testing (and gonioscopy for PLA) using the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
Best Practice schemes and tests
These tests address conditions that are still significant for the breed, though they may not be as critical as those listed under Good Practice. They might be less common or newly identified, and research is ongoing to determine their full impact.
To support the breed’s health, responsible breeders should ensure they complete all tests in both categories. Following our Best Practice guidelines means completing both the Good Practice and Best Practice tests for your breed.
- DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) - Find a list of tested dogs here
- Hip testing (for hip dysplasia) using the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
This breed can be affected by conformational concerns, more information can be found here.
Click here to find out more about The Kennel Club's health standard
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed or Activity Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
The breeding for health framework
Throughout 2025 we ran a major review of our pedigree dog health work, from which we have developed a new model called the breeding for health framework.
This framework covers all aspects of health and welfare that should influence breeding decisions for any breed or type of dog, building on from our previous Breed Health and Conservation Plans, and is broken down into three main areas of health:
- inbreeding/ genetic diversity
- conformation
- breed-related disease/ wellbeing
By applying the breeding for health framework, we can group all the breeds that share a certain issue together, so that we can provide targeted support and breed communities can share relevant experiences and expertise. All previous actions and priorities from the Breed Health and Conservation Plans are being transitioned into the new framework.
You can read more about the breeding for health framework here, and watch this space as we update and progress this framework to apply to your breed
More about health
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email
Breed watch
Category 2
Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.
Breeding restrictions
There are a number of The Royal Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.
More about breeding
There are not currently any additional breed specific restrictions in place for this breed.
Looking for a puppy?
Looking for a Spaniel (American Cocker)? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes. Cocker Spaniel dogs, including the Spaniel (American Cocker), are typically affectionate, gentle and good with children, making them popular family companions when properly socialised.
Is the Spaniel (American Cocker) a working cocker spaniel?
No. Unlike the English Cocker Spaniel, which has established working lines still used for fieldwork, the Spaniel (American Cocker) has been developed almost entirely as a show and companion breed. Anyone specifically looking for a working cocker spaniel bred for fieldwork is better suited to a working strain of the English Cocker Spaniel instead.
What colours do Cocker Spaniels come in?
The Spaniel (American Cocker) comes in a wide range of breed standard cocker spaniel colours, including black, a black and white cocker spaniel dog combination, chocolate, buff, red, sable, particolour and tricolour. A chocolate cocker spaniel dog is one of the more sought after colourings, though colour should always be a secondary consideration to health and temperament. A full list of recognised colours for this breed is available in the Colour Watch section of this page.
Are black or brown Cocker Spaniel puppies available?
Yes. Black cocker spaniel puppies and brown cocker spaniel puppies (known as chocolate under the breed standard) are both recognised colours for the Spaniel (American Cocker), along with a range of other colours and particolour combinations. Visit our Find a Puppy service to search for available puppies by colour and location.
How much do Cocker Spaniels weigh?
Cocker spaniel weight for the Spaniel (American Cocker) typically falls between 9kg and 13kg, with males generally at the higher end of the range and females slightly lighter. The cocker spaniel average weight is lower than that of the English Cocker Spaniel, reflecting the American variety's more compact build.
Do Cocker Spaniels compete in dog shows?
Yes. Cocker spaniels show regularly at events across the UK, and the Spaniel (American Cocker) is a popular show type cocker spaniel thanks to its glamorous coat and elegant outline. Anyone considering cocker spaniel show puppies should look for a breeder who prioritises health screening alongside conformation.
More information
Need to find out more about a breed?
Use our Find a Club service to locate a breed club who can offer support and advice for the breed you're interested in.
Use our Find a Puppy service
The Royal Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service connects you with breeders who have puppies available. Search our register, and let's help you find your new best friend.
Get the best lifetime pet insurance
At Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance, we want you to focus on getting the best possible treatment for your dog without worrying about the cost.