Group 8 · Retrievers & spaniels
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel descends from the English Cocker, but was bred smaller and with a rounder head in the United States. It is cheerful, affectionate and likes to be with its people.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Amerikaanse Cocker Spaniel by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 5 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (5)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Episodic falling syndrome (EF)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BCAN: c.-13991_466+85delinsGGCCTT
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Factor VII deficiency (F7def)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- F7: c.407G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Amerikaanse Cocker Spaniel, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Hip dysplasia (HD), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Episodic falling syndrome (EF), Factor VII deficiency (F7def) and Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. An American Cocker needs daily walks and play. Its long, silky coat needs a lot of care: brushing several times a week and regular trimming.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
It is sensitive and friendly, and learns best with gentle, consistent training. Allow for time or costs for coat care.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
