The American Cocker Spaniel is closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel, they have separated into different breeds due to the different breed standards in the US and UK. In the US they are known as the Cocker Spaniel, but in the rest of the world they are known as the American Cocker Spaniel.
The American Cocker is the smallest breed which the American Kennel Club recognises as a sporting dog. The term Cocker comes from them being originally bred to hunt and flush woodcock in England.
The American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel have grown apart in both appearance and their personality and now bear just a passing resemblance to each other. That being said both breeds are very popular and make great pets, although the American Cocker does not have such a high energy approach to the great outdoors, and do not require as much exercise as their English cousins.
The breed has quite a long lustrous coat which comes in a variety of colours, these are generally Black, Tan, Brown, Red, Tri-colour, Silver and White & Buff. They have a dome shaped skull with long low set ears and a droopy mouth. Their eyes tend to be large, round and dark and set more forward than the English Cocker, with more pronounced eyebrows.
The American Cocker can get along well with children, other dogs and pets if socialised well at an early age. They love to be around people and are not well suited to being left alone for long periods.