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Cock-A-Mo |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
U.S.A. -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Cock-A-Mo |
| The Cock-A-Mo is a specific cross between the American Cocker Spaniel, a hunting dog turned family companion, and the American Eskimo Dog, an American descendant of several different European Spitz-type dogs. The resulting hybrid is an engaging, highly trainable animal with great intelligence and a love of learning. These crosses can come in many color combinations and have soft, double-layered coats that can be either corded or silky. Grooming these dogs requires daily attention and a little extra work, but they are relatively calm dogs and if their exercise needs are met, they may be a suitable candidate for apartment living. |
History of the Cock-A-Mo |
| Spaniels are classified as a type of hunting dog, but they have been helping hunters long before the invention of the rifle. Initially, these dogs were bred to hunt game from deep brush for bowhunters and, in some cases, to retrieve birds from where they had fallen. Early Spaniels were divided into two groups according to where they worked: Water Spaniels and Land Spaniels. At some point in the 17th century, a distinction was made between types of land Spaniel and they began to be classified as Springer or Cocker Spaniel, based entirely on the size of the dog. The smaller Spaniels were used to flush out both furred and feathered game such as woodcock, giving them the name Cocker Spaniel, and the larger ones were given the name Springer Spaniel for their ability to flush out game for hunting. |
A little of the American Cocker Spaniel |
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| The larger Spaniels were named Springer Spaniels because they were used to spouting game, the smaller dogs, however, were adept at hunting woodcock and other such birds for their owners, earning them the names Cocker Spaniel and Cocker. The Spaniel Club was founded in England in 1902. American Cocker Spaniels were bred to be pets and domestic animals and so developed differently from the Cocker Spaniel in England. their backs became longer, their heads more domed and their prey considerably smaller. It was enough of a change that in 1935 a group was formed for those who preferred the traditional look of the English Cocker Spaniel and were adamant about discouraging crosses between the original English Cocker Spaniel and the new Americanized version of the Cocker Spaniel and in 1946 the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a distinct breed, which is the breed used to develop the Cock-A-Chon. | ||
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| Standard of the American Cocker Spaniel | ||
A little of the American Eskimo Dog |
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| The American Eskimo Dog, also known as the Eskie, is a small to medium-sized Nordic-type dog bred in three sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard. The Eskie has a glossy white coat, distinctive black facial features on the nose, lips and eyes, and triangle-shaped ears that stand upright. The Eskie breed has a double coat consisting of a short undercoat and a long outer coat that stays away from the body and requires brushing twice a week to prevent matting. Like other Spitz breeds, the American Eskimo Dog loves to run and requires daily exercise, but is calm and well-behaved indoors. | ||
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| Presentation of the American Eskimo Dog |
Appearance of the Cock-A-Mo |
| This hybrid is a small-to-medium-sized dog that can look very different from one dog to the next, even within the same litter. The Cock-A-Mo will have a slightly rounded skull that can be broad like the Cocker Spaniel or more refined like the American Eskimo Dog, and medium to dark brown eyes that can range from oval to almond-shaped and generally present an intelligent, alert spirit. expression that is also gentle and attractive. The muzzle can be either the deep square muzzle of the Cocker Spaniel or the more tapered muzzle of the American Eskimo Dog, and while it's possible to have the erect triangular ears of the American Eskimo Dog or the lobular pendant ears of the Cocker Spaniel, the most common conformation seems to be slightly triangular ears that are set high on the head and fold forward or to the side, reaching chin level. This crossbreed is slightly longer than it is high at the shoulder, and its size varies considerably, generally depending on the size of the American Eskimo Dog used in breeding: toy, miniature or standard. |
Temperament of the Cock-A-Mo |
| The Cock-A-Mo is a pleasant, entertaining companion who enjoys learning new tricks and solving new puzzles. They tend to be rather extroverted and playful, while remaining loyal and alert, and are generally gentle and tolerant when dealing with children and generally friendly with strangers, although some may resemble the American Eskimo Dog and rather wary of strangers. Frequent early socialization is essential for this hybrid, as American Eskimo Dogs can sometimes pass on problems of jealousy and suspicion to the Cock-A-Mo, and good socialization will usually alleviate this. They are highly intelligent and eager to learn new tricks, which makes them exceptionally easy to train, although they can get bored with overly repetitive training methods and can show a more willing side on occasion. This intelligence can also lead to boredom if the dog is left alone for long periods or does not receive sufficient mental stimulation, and boredom will frequently lead to destructive behavior. |
Needs and activities of the Cock-A-Mo |
| The Cocker Spaniel is an energetic breed, but not an overly active one. The American Eskimo Dog is a very active dog. The Cock-A-Mo tends to require a higher-than-average amount of exercise due to its American Eskimo Dog heritage. This crossbreed can generally stay active in cold weather due to its thick insulating undercoat, and generally handles heat quite well as long as it stays hydrated. A minimum of 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity a day is necessary for these dogs to be happiest and healthiest, and they tend to be well suited to a number of activities, including lap training, agility classes, back and forth and brisk walks. Although they're happiest with a larger home and a yard to run around in, these dogs can be adapted to apartment living if they get enough exercise and daily activity. |
Maintenance of the Cock-A-Mo |
| These dogs do best if bathed sparingly, as bathing them too frequently can lead to dry, uncomfortable skin. However, they do require daily brushing to remove dead hairs and tangles, and to distribute these oils evenly over the coat. The fur of this hybrid tends to tangle, and these tangles can turn into mats quite easily if brushing and combing are neglected for a few days. The American Eskimo Dog sheds a lot when the seasons change, requiring several grooming sessions a day, and this trait can also be inherited by the Cock-A-Mo. Although it may seem easier in the short term, shaving northern breeds like the American Eskimo Dog can permanently damage the follicles of the outer coat, allowing only the downy undercoat to grow back in patches. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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