Black Cocker Spaniel

According to the AKC breed standard, a black Cocker Spaniel should be solid jet black with only small amount of white on the chest and throat. Shading of liver or brown is not desired in black dogs. Other solid coat colors in this breed range from light cream to dark red. The coat color of the Cocker Spaniel should be uniform, but light feathering is accepted. Brown and tan points are permissible.

Besides a solid black Cocker Spaniel, parti-color varieties are also accepted. Cocker Spaniels can be black and white, red and white, brown and white, and any combination with tan spots and points. In a black Cocker Spaniel, tan points should be located over each eye, on the cheeks and on the sides of the muzzle, on the under parts of the ears, on all four feet or legs, under the tail, and optionally on the chest. Markings should be clearly seen.

When you plan on buying a black Cocker Spaniel for showing, learn the breed standard, especially what it states concerning coat coloration and markings. If you don’t want to show or breed your dog, you can buy a pet quality puppy with minor faults in coat coloration or other characteristics.

The Cocker Spaniel was developed as a gun dog, but today it’s used mostly as a family companion. Dogs of this breed are very sweet, sensitive, merry, and respectful of the master’s authority. Cocker Spaniels may be difficult to housebreak and socialize. Some dogs of this breed are noisy and disobedient, because they were not given proper training at the early age. Poorly bred Cocker Spaniels obtained from puppy mills or backyard breeders may have behavior problems, such as excessive shyness, dominance, viciousness, over protectiveness, and roaming. All dogs bred in reputable kennels are given necessary socialization and basic obedience training prior to going to the new owner. Novice owners without much experience in dog training should choose a quiet and obedient dog that is easy to deal with. Choosing a pet by a coat color is a wrong approach to pet ownership. Those who want to buy a black Cocker Spaniel only cannot be called responsible owners.