American Cocker Spaniel is a good hunting, bird dog.

The Cocker Spaniel, often referred to as the Cocker, derives its name from its proficiency in flushing woodcocks, a game bird. It is the smallest sporting dog. Its background is the same as the English Cocker Spaniel which was brought to America, from Brittain, in the late 1800s. An 1880 import, "Obo" by name, was a great success in the show ring and is given credit by many, as being the foundation sire of the American Cocker Spaniel. Some argue that English Cockers were crossed with smaller toy spaniels of the same genealogical stock. The American Spaniel Club was soon founded in 1883. For many years the American Cocker and English Cocker were considered two varieties of the same breed, being freely interbred. The differences were becoming more obvious until finally both were classified as separate breeds in 1946. Interbreeding was then prohibited. As the black Cocker Spaniel seem unbeatable in the ring, Cocker Spaniel breeders successfully applied for permission to have the breed represented in the Sporting Group by three different colors: Black, Parti colored and the ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black including those with tan points)

The American Cocker Spaniel has a sturdy compact body and a cleanly chiseled refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of the ideal size. It is capable of considerable speed and endurance. Most important, the American Cocker Spaniel must be free and merry, sound, well balanced throughout, and show a love of working. It must be even-tempered with no suggestion of timidity. The American Cocker Spaniel adapts to any abode and lifestyle, city or country. A Cocker Spaniel puppy raised with children will thrive, tending to bond with the whole family. A Cocker Spaniel puppy benefits from some early formal training.