<P> With a good level of socialisation at an early age, an American Cocker can get along with people, children, other dogs and other pets . This breed seems to have a perpetually wagging tail and prefers to be around people; it is not best suited to the backyard alone . Cockers can be easily stressed by loud noises and by rough treatment or handling . </P> <P> Members of the breed were originally used as hunting dogs, but increased in popularity as a show dog . It was bred more and more in conformation with the breed standard, resulting in certain attributes, such as a long coat, which no longer make it an ideal working dog . </P> <P> American Cocker Spaniels in UK and USA / Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 10 to 11 years, which is on the low end of the typical range for purebred dogs, and one to two years less than other breeds of their size . The larger English Cocker Spaniel typically lives about a year longer than the American Cocker Spaniel . In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (23%), old age (20%), cardiac (8%), and immune - mediated (8%). In a 2003 USA / Canada Health Survey with a smaller sample size, the leading causes of death were cancer, hepatic disease, and immune - mediated . </P> <P> American Cockers previously high popularity resulted in the breed frequently being bred by backyard breeders or in puppy mills . This indiscriminate breeding has increased the proliferation of breed related health issues in certain bloodlines . </P>

What is the average lifespan of a cocker spaniel