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Lha Cocker |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Tibet <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Lha Cocker |
| The Lha Cocker is an adorable mix of the American Cocker Spaniel and the Lhassa Apso, both of which are small breed dogs. These dogs measure around 30.5 centimeters and weigh around 9 kilos on average. They tend to resemble the American Cocker Spaniel, with long, fine hair and a thick undercoat, a square head, floppy ears and a happy appearance. The Lha Cocker is a friendly dog that gets on well with other pets, but may not be the best choice for families with young children. They are easy to train, as they are highly intelligent dogs who like to please and learn quickly. |
History of the Lha Cocker |
| The Lha Cocker hasn't been around long enough to have a history, so it's best to look at the history of the parent breeds. |
A little of the Lhassa Apso |
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| Buddhist monks living in the Tibetan mountains developed the Lhassa Apso as sentinels for temples and monasteries. Some believe the dogs are descended from Tibetan Terriers, while others think the breed may have been influenced by dogs from the North. After studying the breed's DNA, it seems that one of the Lhassa Apso's ancestors could be a type of mountain wolf. The breed was developed to withstand cold temperatures, and their judgment helped them determine whether someone approaching was friend or foe. Dogs of the breed were never sold, although the Dalai Lamas occasionally gave a pair to imperial families and visiting dignitaries. In 1933, the breed arrived in the United States when the 13th Dalai Lama presented a group of small dogs to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting. The beginning of the breed in the USA came from these dogs, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935. | ||
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| Standard of the Lhassa Apso | ||
A little of the American Cocker Spaniel |
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| The American Cocker Spaniel originated in the United States in the 1800s, descended from the English Cocker Spaniel to be a hunter and retriever. Spaniels were separated by size and whether they were used for water or land. The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the group and was bred primarily to find and retrieve birds such as woodcock. The breed was brought to the USA in the early 19th century by hunters who liked the way they hunted birds. The Americans preferred them smaller, however, so they reduced them to a smaller size for show and companionship. The American Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 and is the 29th most popular dog breed in the United States. | ||
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| Standard of the American Cocker Spaniel |
Appearance of the Lha Cocker |
| The Lha Cocker has large brown eyes, a black or brown nose, long hanging ears, a square muzzle and a short to medium feathered tail that curls over the body. Their coat can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, red, cream, fawn, sandy, brindle and any combination of these. Their coat is long and straight with a thick undercoat and a fine, silky outer coat. However, some dogs end up with a wavy coat depending on parentage. They have heavy, solid bodies with short, stocky legs, weighing an average of 9 kilos and standing around 30.5 centimeters high. |
Temperament of the Lha Cocker |
| It's best if your Lha Cocker grows up with other pets to become well-socialized, as they like to be the center of attention. They're not great with small school-age children, as they can become surly when aggravated. However, they can be taught to get on well with younger children, if done at a young age. They bark a lot when they feel the need to, and can also be moody at times. However, they are fun-loving, playful companions who will do well with a small family. Training them is easy as long as you use positive reinforcement and not physical punishment, which can make your dog aggressive. |
Needs and activities of the Lha Cocker |
| Lha Cocker Spaniels don't need too much exercise, but they do need at least 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous physical activity a day. They love to be the center of attention, so play with them for a short time indoors, then take them for a walk two days a week. |
Maintenance of the Lha Cocker |
| Your Lha Cocker should be carefully brushed every day, or at least five or six times a week. The best type of brush for your dog is a pin brush and metal comb. You may also need a detangler, as the combination of a thin outer coat and a thick undercoat tends to tangle easily. You may also need to use a special medicated shampoo for your dog's sensitive skin. Some owners prefer to have their Lha Cocker professionally groomed a few times a year to help manage their coat. You should also clean his ears once a week and trim his nails if necessary. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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