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Breed Profile: American Cocker Spaniel

By Alisha Corsi

With their ever-wagging tails and bubbly personalities, it’s no wonder that the American Cocker Spaniel has held the title of America’s most popular breed for a total of 18 years! Their love for people and animals has endeared them to several presidents, including Richard Nixon (who could forget his famous “Checkers Speech”), Rutherford B. Hayes, and Bill Clinton.  Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels are now generally bred as family pets, and make great companion animals.


Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting Group of dogs, measuring around 13-15 inches at the shoulders (with females being at the shorter end of the scale). Cockers weigh in between 15-30 pounds, making them a medium-sized dog. Their distinctly shaped heads make them immediately recognizable.

Coat & Color: Cocker Spaniels have medium length silky fur on the body and ears, with feathering down the legs and bellies. Color can be any solid or multi-color variety.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament

Often referred to as the “Merry Cocker,” these are cheerful, gentle dogs that are equally well suited for life as a household pet or gundog. Known for their happy dispositions, Cockers are social butterflies who love everyone, and are extremely devoted to their pet parents. They are best suited for living indoors, where they can spend most of their time with the people they love.

Something to Bark About:The term “Cocker Spaniel” actually refers to two different breeds of dogs, the American Cocker and the English Cocker. Both are simply referred to as Cocker Spaniels in their home countries. While similar in stature, American Cockers generally have shorter backs and muzzles than their English cousins. Since their official recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1878, the American Cocker Spaniel has won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on four separate occasions.

Wags:

  • Cockers are great with adults, children, and other animals.
  • They are generally easy to train.
  • Fiercely loyal, Cockers remain faithful to their human families for life.

Yelps:

  • Cockers who are left to their own devices for too long can become bored and destructive, so if you’re out of the house most of the day, this may not be the dog for you.
  • Because of their popularity, Cockers have frequently been bred in puppy mills, leading to increased numbers of breed-related health problems in certain bloodlines.  These include ear infections, eye problems, and heart conditions.
  • Because of their unique coats they require regular grooming.

Do you think the American Cocker Spaniel would be the perfect addition to your family? Check your local animal shelter or contact Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue.

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Maltese Profile

by Lauren R. Tharp

The Maltese has one of the most recognizable looks in Toy breeds.  So many people, from Halle Berry to Milhouse from The Simpsons, have recognized the “pet potential” in this gentle, playful, breed; is it any wonder that they’re the 19th most popular breed in America?

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Toy.  The Maltese measures 8-10 inches at the shoulder and weighs 3-8 pounds.

Coat & Color:  The Maltese sports long, silky, white hair.  The occasional cream or yellow-ish Maltese may turn up from time to time, but it’s extremely rare.

Other:  While most toy/companion dogs have been “bred down” from larger breeds, the Maltese is the same size now as it was when it first showed up on the scene, over 28 centuries ago!

Life Expectancy:  12-15 years.

Temperament
Like many small dogs, the Maltese boasts a “big dog” personality.  They’ve often been described as “fearless.”  A few other adjectives to describe the breed?  Trusting, playful, loyal, and loving.  The Maltese is a good fit for first-time owners and apartment dwellers.

Wags

  • The Maltese is a great dog when it comes to traveling.
  • Surprisingly, even with their long hair, the Maltese’s grooming needs are fairly moderate.  Bonus!—They tend not to shed.
  • This breed loves to learn tricks!

Challenges

  • While they do make good “watch dogs,” their barking isn’t always selective.  AKA: They sometimes bark “too much.”
  • While their grooming needs are “moderate,” they do tend to need professional grooming.  And pro grooming expenses can add up quickly!
  • Not suitable with small children.

Think the Maltese breed is for you? Check out adoptable Maltese dogs by visiting the Florida Maltese Rescue site.

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Breed Profile: Boxer

by Lauren R. Tharp

Originally used for dog fighting, the Boxer would stand on its hind legs, striking out at its opponent with its front paws like, well, a boxer!  Officially recognized as a breed in 1904, the Boxer is currently the 7th most popular breed in the United States.  Many celebrities have taken a liking to Boxers over the years, including Humphrey Bogart and Justin Timberlake.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  On the larger end of “medium.”  Boxers typically measure 20-25 inches at the shoulder (with the females being on the smaller end of the scale) and weigh around 50-70 pounds.  They’re very muscular.

Coat & Color:  Smooth, coarse, short hair in either fawn/red or brindle coloring.  They can also come with a black mask and/or white markings.

Other:  “White” Boxers are fairly common.  However, they are actually considered to be a “fawn” or “brindle” dog with overly excessive white markings rather than a truly “white” dog.

Life Expectancy:  8-12 years.

Temperament

The top five character traits of a Boxer?  Alert, loyal, curious, brave, and very playful.  Boxers are equally at home in the role of a watchdog or bouncing around out back with the kids.  However, this breed can also be trouble if the owner isn’t confident enough to handle it.  This is a dog who likes to know who’s boss—and may challenge you for the title!  But, with the right amount of training and love, you could end up with a wonderful pet you won’t soon forget.

Wags

  • Little grooming needed.
  • Patient with children, even younger ones.  (Though be sure to supervise any early interaction until your Boxer is properly trained).  Boxers are known for loving kids and going out of their way to keep them happy and safe.
  • Highly excellent watch dogs.

Challenges

  • Not the best dog for first-time owners.  Boxers require a confident owner who’s willing to put in the time and effort into rigorous obedience training.
  • Early socialization is a must.  Got someone (human/pet/other) you want your Boxer to like?  Better introduce them to each other now!
  • Rowdy, slobbering, and prone to snoring.

If you are looking for a Boxer in your area, please check your local shelters or visit Florida Boxer Rescue.