Made famous by the Disney movie, Lady and the Tramp, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred as gun dogs, but they make excellent family dogs as well. Their sad looking eyes and long ears make them irresistible to many dog lovers. These dogs also love to swim, and if properly introduced to the water, they love a small lake or pond. They’re also eager retrievers. That fact makes them popular with duck hunters. As Cocker Spaniels only stand 18-20 inches at the hip and weigh a maximum of about 35 pounds, they’re not suited for all water conditions. Their hair also absorbs water, so they’re not preferred for cold weather retrieving. The breed is also used as a field dog for locating, flushing and retrieving game birds like pheasants or quail.
Why Might a Cocker Spaniel Bite?
Given the fact that Cocker Spaniels are retrievers, they’re mouthy dogs, and with that, they might snap at a person or even bite. They’re particularly protective of their family and territory, and they have predatory instincts, so they will bite if they feel that they need to. Like any dog breed, the Cocker Spaniel will bite if it’s sufficiently provoked, especially by a stranger. With their long back teeth, bite pressure for a Cocker Spaniel has been measured at around 235 pounds per square inch. With a bite like that, they can do some serious damage, especially if a child is the victim and has been bitten on the hands, arms, neck or face. If the attacking dog clamps on and shakes its head when biting, skin can be torn away with muscles and nerves being permanently torn and damaged.
Cocker Spaniel Rage Syndrome
This behavioral disorder is seen in only a small minority of Cocker Spaniels. It’s not limited to Cocker Spaniels either. A wide variety of breeds might behave similarly. It’s primarily triggered when the dog is sleeping and abruptly awakened by a person who is approaching. It will snap or bite defensively. The condition may be genetic. It’s mostly found in males. Aside from this disorder, there is a scarcity of serious Cocker Spaniel bites. Maybe the worst thing to worry about with this breed’s bite is the chance of infection if its teeth break the skin. In that event, an urgent care facility or emergency room visit is recommended.
Breed Specific Laws Against Cocker Spaniels in California
There are no known breed specific state laws regarding Cocker Spaniels in California. And there don’t appear to be any county or municipal ordinances in connection with the breed either. Homeowner and condo associations might have their own restrictions. So if you own a Cocker Spaniel, inquire first if you’re thinking about a move. This breed isn’t typically excluded from homeowner, condo or rental coverage. However, you’ll want to check your policy to confirm that. If there’s an issue, private pet coverage is available.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a family member suffered one or more bites from a Cocker Spaniel or any other breed of dog anywhere in California, don’t hesitate to contact our California dog bite lawyer at Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation. You’ll be listened to closely, and your questions will be answered. After that, your full range of legal options will be explained to you. Upon being retained, we’re going to dedicate our efforts at obtaining the highest settlement or award that you deserve. California is a strict liability dog bite state. Very few defenses are available to the owner of the dog that bit you or your family member. Contact Maison Law as soon as you can after you or a family member have be injured by a dog bite anywhere in California.
