American cocker spaniel is a beautiful pet dog with very long hanging ears, a rounded head, and a profuse, silky, feathered, medium-length coat. The head is chiseled with an abrupt stop. The muzzle is wide, deep and broad with a square jaw. The upper lip hangs down, covering the lower jaw completely. The nose is always black on black dogs, but may be brown on other dogs. The eye rims are slightly oval. The topline should slope gently downwards from front to back. The front legs are straight, with good bone. Dewclaws on front and rear legs should be removed. The coat comes in buff, black, and other solid colors, black-and-tan (like a Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher), parti-color (white with black, white with buff or red, white with black and tan points) Some requirements for correct markings are specified in the standard. The tail is docked to 2/5 its original length and is carried on a line with its back; it is constantly in motion.  Field lines generally have shorter coats which are better suited to work in brush. Both types make good pets.
Bold and keen to work, the American Cocker Spaniel is equally suited to life as a gundog or as a household pet. Cheerful, sweet, and sensitive, the Cocker Spaniel is an inseparable friend of children, and respectful of its master's authority without much challenge. Gentle and trusting, with average intelligence. They are lively, playful and devoted, but should be socialized well when they are young to avoid a tendency for timidity. Cockers love everyone and need people to be happy. Beware of poorly bred puppy-mill Cockers as they may have bizarre temperamental changes and behavioral problems. This would include shy-sharpness, which is a combination of fear and dominance that can cause viciousness. They are also submissive urinating; aggressive guarding of objects, people and places, hyper-sexuality and roaming.