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American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel
Photo: Kulala / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia

67 American Cocker Spaniels in the atlas. Every number on this page has a source.

Population-genetic snapshot of American Cocker Spaniels in the Sniff Atlas, source-graded Mendelian carrier frequencies from Donner 2023, and nutrition guidance tied to the genetic findings above.

Also known as Cocker, Cocker Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel (in USA), and Cocker, American Spaniel.

See in the atlas → From CanVAS
The plain version

American Cocker Spaniels have a moderately diverse genetic background. They typically weigh around 28 pounds and often live about 13 years. No specific genetic health concerns were found in the tests, but it's always a good idea to chat with your vet or consider genetic screening for your dog’s wellbeing.

What the atlas says about American Cocker Spaniel

In the atlas, the American Cocker Spaniel clusters consistently as American Cocker Spaniel (100% of the 67 dogs here). At the trait loci, FGF4_retrogene_CFA12 runs lower than average (2% here vs 80%); SMAD2 runs lower than average (30% here vs 74%).

Genetic dimensions · CanVAS atlas

What the genome says about American Cocker Spaniel

Computed from the 18,477 research dogs in the Atlas.

Dogs in the Atlas
67Founders
56 from Hayward2016, 10 from Spatola, 1 from JenkinsWGS
Genetic diversity
0.29Moderate
Mean heterozygosity across the breed. Ranks 33rd most genetically tight of 107 ranked breeds.
What does genetic diversity mean?

How varied a breed's gene pool is — the share of gene spots where a typical dog of the breed carries two different versions rather than two identical ones.

How to read it: Higher = more diverse. Among well-sampled breeds it ranges roughly 0.22 (least diverse) to 0.33 (most diverse).

Diversity is a strength, not a verdict on any individual dog. Lower diversity means it's worth paying attention to recessive-risk testing — not that a dog is doomed.

Cluster structure
Splits into two genetic sub-populations
Intra-breed RMS distance: 21.37 · likely working/show-line, regional, or kennel lineage split.
What does within-breed variation mean?

How much individual dogs within the breed differ from each other genetically.

How to read it: Higher = more internal variety among individuals of the breed.

Sensitive to how many dogs of the breed we've sampled.

Related breeds
Built from
In the Sporting group
Explore the full lineage map →
VBO foundation stock (breeding records) · AKC breed group
Relatedness is documented lineage + kennel family. Genetic-ancestry distance measures diversity, not kinship, so it isn't used here.
How long they live
13.3years (life expectancy)
95% CI 13–13.7 · VetCompass, McMillan 2024, n=657. source
What does typical lifespan mean?

The median age dogs of the breed tend to reach.

How to read it: Higher = longer-lived. Compare to longevity-for-size to see whether it's just a size effect.

Drawn from population lifespan records; individual dogs vary widely with care, genetics, and luck.

Trait genetics
Allele frequencies at named morphology loci

Frequency of the alternate allele in this breed at each locus's representative SNP.

Body size
IGF199%
HMGA299%
SMAD230%
LCORL100%
STC297%
ADAMTS1780%
Leg length
FGF4·CFA1872%
FGF4·CFA122%
Coat
RSPO277%
FGF589%
KRT7193%
MC1R37%
Ear set
MSRB368%
Skull shape
BMP357%
SMOC299%
n = 67 dogs · high confidence · CanVAS (Brundage 2026) · Sniff Atlas
Names & origins

Other names

The American Cocker Spaniel is also recorded as Cocker, Cocker Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel (in USA), Cocker, American Spaniel, Merry Cocker, and Spaniel, American Cocker.

Identified as American Cocker Spaniel (VBO:0200038) in the Vertebrate Breed Ontology (Mullen et al. 2025, CC-BY 4.0) · registry IDs FCI 167 · iDog 272 · VeNom 14848.

Temperament

What American Cocker Spaniels tend toward

Tendencies from owner surveys of purebred American Cocker Spaniels — a leaning across the breed, not a prediction for any one dog. A bar’s strength shows how much of that behavior breed actually explains: for most it’s faint, because the rest is your dog, their training, and the life you give them.

Biddabilitybreed ~18%
biddableindependent
n = 25 dogs · Morrill et al. 2022, Science, Darwin's Ark (CC0)
Owner-reported purebreds; each factor n ≥ 25. "Breed ~%" is the share of this behavior explained by breed.
What you see when you look at a American Cocker Spaniel

What does the genome say about how a American Cocker Spaniel looks?

American Cocker Spaniels look the way they do because of a small set of fixed and near-fixed morphology genes that, taken together, define the visible breed. Each translation below pairs the gene with the trait an owner actually sees, the breed's allele frequency at that locus, and a one-clause causal phrase.

Where the breed-defining genes act, mapped on a generic dog-body key — and how fixed each marker is in the American Cocker Spaniel. The figure is the most-settled marker we read in that region; the full per-locus panel is below. (The silhouette is a shared anatomical guide, not this breed's outline.)

Body sizeLCORL · 100%Skull shapeSMOC2 · 99%EarsMSRB3 · 68%Leg lengthFGF4 CFA18 · 72%Coat & colorKRT71 · 93%
CanVAS trait-locus panel (Brundage 2026)
15 morphology markers read across 5 regions. Allele frequency = how fixed a marker is in this breed, not whether your dog carries it.

Size and build

IGF1 is near-fixed at 99% for the small-body allele, which keeps the breed compact relative to its working-line ancestors.

IGF1what this gene does

IGF1 is a gene that plays a key role in determining a dog's body size. It influences how much a dog grows, affecting overall stature.

For your dog: Knowing about IGF1 gives you insight into your dog's size traits, but it’s just one part of the bigger picture when it comes to their health and care.

Full IGF1 gene page →

HMGA2 is near-fixed at 99%, reinforcing the breed's size signal through a second locus on chromosome 10.

HMGA2what this gene does

HMGA2 is a gene that influences body size in dogs, helping determine how big or small a dog grows.

For your dog: Knowing about HMGA2 helps you appreciate the genetic factors behind your dog's size, but it doesn't signal any health issues.

Full HMGA2 gene page →

SMAD2 is at 30%, leaving the height signal mostly to other size genes.

SMAD2what this gene does

SMAD2 is a gene involved in regulating body size by influencing how cells grow and develop.

For your dog: Knowing about SMAD2 helps understand your dog's size traits but isn't linked to health issues; no immediate action needed.

Full SMAD2 gene page →

LCORL is near-fixed at 100%, the NCAPG/LCORL height locus that is one of the strongest single contributors to canine body size.

LCORLwhat this gene does

LCORL is a gene that influences body size in dogs. It helps determine how big or small a dog might grow.

For your dog: Knowing about LCORL helps you appreciate the genetic factors behind your dog's size, but it’s just one piece of the bigger picture when it comes to health and care.

Full LCORL gene page →

STC2 is near-fixed at 97%, modulating growth-axis signaling toward the breed's body-size set point.

ADAMTS17 sits at 80%. ADAMTS17 is a body-size locus also linked to lens disorders.

ADAMTS17what this gene does

ADAMTS17 is a gene that influences body size and also plays a role in certain eye conditions. It affects the structure of tissues in the eye and elsewhere in the body.

For your dog: If your dog belongs to a breed known to carry ADAMTS17 variants, it’s worth discussing genetic testing and eye exams with your vet to stay ahead of potential issues.

Full ADAMTS17 gene page →

Leg length

The FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 18 sits at 72%. This is the leg-length variant. The intermediate frequency means some dogs in this breed carry the short-legged allele and some do not.

The FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12 is at 2%, leaving most of this breed clear of the chondrodystrophic intervertebral disc disease risk.

Coat type, length, and color

RSPO2 sits at 77% for the furnishings variant. Furnishings (the eyebrow-and-mustache pattern seen in Schnauzers and Wheaten Terriers) vary across the population at this intermediate frequency, and visible expression depends on the specific allele combination each dog carries.

RSPO2what this gene does

RSPO2 influences the texture and appearance of a dog's coat, particularly the presence of 'furnishings' like mustaches and eyebrows. It helps determine whether a dog has that distinctive wiry or textured look.

For your dog: If your dog has those wiry eyebrows or a mustache, RSPO2 is part of the reason—no health worries, just a coat feature worth knowing about.

Full RSPO2 gene page →

FGF5 is at 89% for the long-coat variant, which is why the breed's coat sits where it does on the long end of the dog coat-length spectrum.

FGF5what this gene does

FGF5 is a gene that influences the length of a dog's coat. It acts like a natural switch, telling hair follicles when to stop growing longer fur.

For your dog: If your dog has a notably long or short coat, FGF5 is likely part of the reason—no action needed, but it’s a neat genetic detail to know.

Full FGF5 gene page →

KRT71 is near-fixed at 93% for the wavy/curly variant. Coat curl phenotype varies across breeds at this fixation depending on modifier loci, and visible expression is not always curled even when the locus is fixed.

KRT71what this gene does

KRT71 is a gene that influences the curliness of a dog's coat. It helps determine whether a dog's fur is straight or has a distinctive curl.

For your dog: If your dog has a curly coat, KRT71 is likely part of the reason; it’s a natural variation, not a health concern.

Full KRT71 gene page →

MC1R sits at 37% at the representative SNP. MC1R controls the switch between red-to-gold pigment and black-to-brown pigment, with the e/e homozygous genotype producing the gold-to-red spectrum. Substrate frequencies at this SNP depend on the array's polarity, so visible coat color in the breed is a more reliable indicator than this single number.

MC1Rwhat this gene does

MC1R is a gene that influences coat color in dogs, affecting how pigments are produced in the fur.

For your dog: Knowing about MC1R gives insight into your dog's coat color but doesn't relate to health issues.

Full MC1R gene page →

Ears

MSRB3 sits at 68% for the drop-ear allele, which is why ear set varies across the breed.

MSRB3what this gene does

MSRB3 is a gene involved in the development of ear shape and structure in dogs.

For your dog: Understanding MSRB3 helps explain why your dog's ears look the way they do, but it isn't linked to any health issues.

Full MSRB3 gene page →

Skull shape

BMP3 sits at 57%, contributing to the breed's moderate, mesaticephalic head shape rather than the extreme brachycephalic form.

BMP3what this gene does

BMP3 is a gene that influences the shape of a dog's skull, particularly contributing to a shorter, broader head shape known as brachycephaly.

For your dog: If your dog has a broad, short skull, it's worth discussing with your vet how this might impact their health, even though BMP3 isn't directly tied to illness.

Full BMP3 gene page →

SMOC2 is at 99%, the major locus contributing to the breed's brachycephalic face shape.

SMOC2what this gene does

SMOC2 influences the shape of a dog's skull, particularly affecting how flat or short the face appears.

For your dog: If your dog has a short nose, it's worth discussing with your vet how this trait might impact their health over time.

Full SMOC2 gene page →
Mendelian-disease genetics

What genetic diseases do American Cocker Spaniels carry?

From a panel of 250 Mendelian-disease variants screened in 1,054,293 dogs (Donner et al. 2023), American Cocker Spaniels carry 16 of them at observable frequency. Carrier frequency is not clinical risk. Most recessive variants require two copies for disease expression; many dominant variants show incomplete penetrance. Read this as a population fingerprint of what's in the gene pool, not a per-dog prediction.

Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease Risk (CDDY)
Autosomal dominant
high 98.5%
n = 1,870 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:000157-9615 · omia.org →
FGF4what this gene does

FGF4 influences leg length by affecting bone growth, leading to shorter legs in certain breeds.

For your dog: If your dog is from a breed known to carry this gene, it's worth discussing spinal health with your vet, but being a carrier doesn’t guarantee problems.

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (prcd-PRA)
Autosomal recessive
moderate 13.0%
n = 1,879 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001298-9615 · omia.org →
PRCDwhat this gene does

PRCD is a gene involved in the health of a dog's retina, the part of the eye that detects light and helps with vision.

For your dog: If your dog belongs to a breed known to carry PRCD changes, it's worth discussing eye health and potential genetic testing with your vet.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy risk factor (Discovered in the Doberman Pinscher; PDK4-related)
Autosomal dominant (Incomplete penetrance)
moderate 2.8%
n = 1,881 dogs · 2 variants tested · OMIA:000162-9615 · omia.org →
PDK4what this gene does

PDK4 helps regulate how cells use energy, especially in the heart muscle.

For your dog: If your dog is one of the breeds known to carry this gene, it’s worth discussing heart health with your vet, but being a carrier doesn’t mean your dog will develop disease.

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
Autosomal recessive (Incomplete penetrance)
low 9.5%
n = 1,880 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001466-9615 · omia.org →
DNM1what this gene does

DNM1 is a gene that helps nerve cells communicate properly by managing how they send signals during muscle activity.

For your dog: If your dog belongs to one of the breeds known to carry this gene variant, it's worth discussing EIC with your vet, especially if your dog is very active or shows signs of weakness during exercise.

Skeletal Dysplasia 2 (SD2)
Autosomal recessive
low 1.0%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001772-9615 · omia.org →
COL11A2what this gene does

COL11A2 is a gene that helps produce a type of collagen important for healthy bones and cartilage.

For your dog: If your dog is from a breed known to carry COL11A2 variants, it's worth discussing genetic testing with your vet to understand any risks.

Cone-Rod Dystrophy (cord1-PRA/crd4)
Autosomal recessive (Incomplete penetrance)
low 0.53%
n = 1,876 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001432-9615 · omia.org →
RPGRIP1what this gene does

RPGRIP1 is a gene involved in the function of photoreceptor cells in the eye, which help dogs see in different light conditions.

For your dog: If your dog belongs to a breed known to carry RPGRIP1 mutations, it’s worth discussing with your vet to understand the risks and monitor eye health.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Autosomal recessive (Incomplete penetrance)
low 0.19%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:000263-9615 · omia.org →
SOD1what this gene does

SOD1 is a gene that helps protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

For your dog: If your dog is a carrier of SOD1 variants, it's worth discussing with your vet, but remember carrier status doesn't mean your dog will get the disease.

Factor VII Deficiency
Autosomal recessive
low 0.11%
n = 1,880 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:000361-9615 · omia.org →
F7what this gene does

The F7 gene helps produce a protein important for blood clotting, which stops bleeding when dogs get injured.

For your dog: If your dog is from a breed known to carry F7 variants, it's worth mentioning to your vet before any surgery or if you notice unusual bleeding.

Episodic Falling (EF)
Autosomal recessive
low 0.11%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001592-9615 · omia.org →
Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001514-9615 · omia.org →
GDNFwhat this gene does

GDNF is a gene that helps support nerve cells, especially those involved in sensing pain and movement.

For your dog: If your dog is from a breed that can carry this gene change, it’s worth asking your vet about testing to understand any potential risks.

Xanthinuria, Type II (Discovered in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,881 dogs · 2 variants tested · OMIA:001819-9615 · omia.org →
Glycogen storage disease VII (GSD VII) or Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:000421-9615 · omia.org →
Hypocatalasia
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,880 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001138-9615 · omia.org →
CATwhat this gene does

CAT is a gene that helps produce an enzyme called catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide in the body to prevent cell damage.

For your dog: If your dog is from a breed that can carry this gene, it’s worth asking your vet about testing—being a carrier doesn’t mean your dog is affected, but it can inform health decisions.

Cystinuria Type I-A (SLC3A1 p.I192V)
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,881 dogs · 3 variants tested · OMIA:000256-9615 · omia.org →
SLC3A1what this gene does

SLC3A1 is a gene that helps transport certain amino acids in the kidneys. It plays a key role in preventing the buildup of cystine, which can form stones.

For your dog: If your dog is from a breed known to carry SLC3A1 variants, it’s worth discussing cystinuria risks with your vet, especially if urinary issues arise.

Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001033-9615 · omia.org →
SLC2A9what this gene does

SLC2A9 is a gene that helps regulate uric acid levels in a dog's body. It plays a role in how the kidneys handle this substance.

For your dog: If your dog is one of the breeds known to carry this gene variant, it’s worth discussing with your vet to understand any potential urinary health concerns.

Von Willebrand's Disease, Type 1 (vWD 1)
Autosomal recessive
low <0.1%
n = 1,881 dogs · 1 variant tested · OMIA:001057-9615 · omia.org →
Source: Donner J et al. 2023. Genetic prevalence and clinical relevance of canine Mendelian disease variants in over one million dogs. PLOS Genetics 19(2):e1010651 · Evidence: Limited (DTC ascertainment, tag-SNP proxy) · Confounding MEDIUM · License CC-BY-4.0 · Phene IDs from OMIA (Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney; DOI 10.25910/2AMR-PV70).
Sample size in this breed: 1,881 dogs from the Donner 2023 cohort.

Which Mendelian variants matter most for American Cocker Spaniels?

The Mendelian-disease table above lists variants screened in American Cocker Spaniels, but none reached observable carrier frequency in the cohort tested. This does not mean American Cocker Spaniels have no genetic disease risk. It means the disorders that segregate in the breed either have not yet been systematically genotyped at scale, or they are rare enough that a modest-sized sample (67 dogs in the atlas) will not capture them. The breed’s health burden is real; the Mendelian map is simply incomplete.

How should I test my American Cocker Spaniel?

A breed-specific panel from a CLIA-accredited laboratory is still the prudent path for breeding stock, even though the high-frequency variants have not yet been pinned down genetically. Spaniel relatives such as the English Springer Spaniel share some disease susceptibilities, and panel recommendations from those breeds are a reasonable starting point. A panel covering progressive retinal atrophy variants (particularly those segregating in related breeds), hip dysplasia screening (OFA radiographs), and ear-health markers is a reasonable starting point. Consult your breed club or veterinary ophthalmologist for the current gold-standard panel; breed-specific panel guidance will improve as the atlas cohort grows.

What should I feed an American Cocker Spaniel?

American Cocker Spaniels were bred as sporting dogs, and their nutritional needs still reflect that working ancestry. The breed’s ear morphology, the long, low-set ears that define the type, creates a predisposition to chronic ear infections, which makes skin and coat health a feeding priority more so than in upright-eared breeds.

Ear health drives the food decision more than most breed-specific vulnerabilities. American Cocker Spaniels develop chronic otitis externa at high rates, with ear infections among the most common reasons owners seek veterinary care for the breed. While infection is multifactorial (humidity, grooming frequency, ear-canal anatomy), inflammatory response to food is a known contributor. An omega-3-rich adult formulation (fish oil or algae-based EPA/DHA at levels meeting NRC 2006 recommendations for working dogs) is the conservative baseline. Avoid formulations with low-quality animal-by-product meals; named whole-protein sources rank higher for skin integrity.

Puppy feeding should emphasize controlled growth. American Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized sporting spaniels, not toys. An oversized puppy formula runs the risk of overfeeding calcium and phosphorus. The NRC 2006 standard for medium-breed puppies is the appropriate reference; avoid giant-breed or toy formulations, which are calibrated for very different growth rates. Slow, steady growth protects developing joints and allows the breed’s natural athletic frame to mature properly.

Grain-free diets are not contraindicated for the breed the way they are for Goldens. The FDA’s 2018 grain-free advisory (FDA 2018, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy) identified certain breeds at elevated concern; American Cocker Spaniels were not among the most frequently reported breeds in that advisory. A well-formulated grain-free diet is nutritionally sound if it includes adequate taurine and is from a manufacturer with documented feeding trials. The real driver for American Cockers is individual coat and ear response, some dogs thrive on grain-free, others on grain-inclusive. Rotating proteins annually and watching ear clarity is more informative than the grain question itself.

What we don’t know

The honest assessment is that American Cocker Spaniel health research is thinner than that of larger or more popular breeds. No breed-specific prospective cohort study equivalent to the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study exists for American Cockers. The atlas includes only 67 dogs, which means genetic diversity metrics and longevity trends are preliminary estimates, not settled findings.

Hip and elbow dysplasia occur in the breed, and the OFA maintains breed statistics (https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/), but we do not have American Cocker-specific carrier frequencies for the common dysplasia variants. Progressive retinal atrophy has been reported, but the causative variants in this breed are not yet fully characterized. Ear disease is clinically common, but the genetic architecture underlying susceptibility remains unclear.

The breed’s atlas-derived median lifespan is 13.3 years (Donner 2023, n=67), but the confidence interval is wide given the modest sample size. A larger atlas cohort would tighten that estimate and could reveal whether certain breeding lines show longevity advantages worth studying.

Frequently asked questions about American Cocker Spaniels

What is the most common health problem in American Cocker Spaniels? Chronic ear infections are the most frequent reason owners seek veterinary care. The long, low-set ears and floppy ear canals create a high-humidity environment that predisposes to bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Regular grooming, ear cleaning, and drying after water exposure are the best preventive strategies.

How long do American Cocker Spaniels live? The atlas-derived median lifespan is 13.3 years. This figure is atlas-derived from 67 dogs (Donner 2023) and should be treated as a preliminary estimate. Individual longevity varies widely; some dogs live into their late teens with proper care.

Are American Cocker Spaniels prone to hip dysplasia? Yes. Hip dysplasia occurs in the breed at rates tracked by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. OFA radiographs are the standard screening tool. Breeding stock should be screened before mating; ask breeders for OFA hip grades on parents.

Should I do a DNA test on my American Cocker Spaniel? For breeding stock, consultation with your breed club or a veterinary ophthalmologist is the best starting point. High-confidence breed-specific panels are not yet standardized because the Mendelian map is still being filled in. As the breed’s genetic database grows, testing recommendations will sharpen.

What is the best diet for an American Cocker Spaniel? A medium-sized sporting-breed formula with named whole-protein sources, omega-3 supplementation (fish or algae oil for ear and skin health), and adequate taurine is the baseline. Puppy formulations should follow NRC 2006 large-breed guidelines to avoid overfeeding calcium. Monitor your individual dog’s coat and ear clarity; some thrive on grain-inclusive diets, others on grain-free.

Are American Cocker Spaniels good with kids? Yes, with caveats. The breed was developed as a hunting companion and is naturally people-oriented and affectionate. They are sturdy enough for active families but smaller than English Cockers, so care around very young children (to prevent accidental injury from a dog’s enthusiasm) is appropriate.

How much exercise do American Cocker Spaniels need? American Cocker Spaniels retain the spaniel’s need for daily work or exercise. One hour of active exercise (fetch, running, retrieving) daily is the baseline for an adult dog. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise; scent work and retrieves are more satisfying than treadmill running.

Do American Cocker Spaniels shed? Yes, though shedding is moderate rather than heavy. The breed’s silky, medium-length coat does shed year-round and more noticeably during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing (two to three times weekly) and professional grooming every six to eight weeks reduce shedding and prevent matting. This is not a breed for owners unwilling to commit to coat maintenance.

A gift to human medicine

American Cocker Spaniels are a natural model for human disease

Because the same genes cause the same conditions across species, the inherited conditions documented in American Cocker Spaniels help researchers understand, and work toward treating, the human diseases they model. This is the dog advancing human medicine. The breed models the human disease; it does not have it, and this is not a prediction for your dog.

Human equivalents via OMIA → Mondo / OMIM. Model-of, not identity.
Documented in OMIA

Every condition recorded in the American Cocker Spaniel

Beyond the testable carriers above, OMIA's literature catalogue records 9 genetic conditions in the American Cocker Spaniel, 4 of which have a known human equivalent. This is the documented landscape across all American Cocker Spaniels ever studied, not a prediction for any one dog.

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA); Nicholas, Tammen & Sydney Informatics Hub, DOI 10.25910/2AMR-PV70
Documented in the breed's literature is not carrier status and not a forecast for an individual dog. Human equivalents are mapped via Mondo/OMIM. Carrier frequencies (above) are the separately-measured testable subset (Donner 2023).
The data behind this page

Where every number on this page came from.

This page draws on three primary data sources. Carrier frequencies for the Mendelian section come from Donner et al. 2023 (CC-BY-4.0). We grade these data at evidence Limited because the cohort is a direct-to-consumer ascertainment, which biases toward owners who chose to test their dogs. The panel also uses tag-SNP proxies for some variants rather than direct causal-variant assays. Limited is a study-design grade, not a quality grade: the Donner cohort is the largest open canine-genotype dataset in existence and we are grateful for it. We rate the confounding MEDIUM.

Population-genetic dimensions (heterozygosity, intra-breed PCA distance, nearest neighbors, trait-locus frequencies) come from CanVAS (Brundage 2026), harmonized through the Sniff Atlas. The exact release date and verification commit are pinned at the bottom of the page so a researcher can trace a number back to a specific snapshot. The disease-gene-variant graph comes from OMIA (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals; Nicholas, Tammen, and the Sydney Informatics Hub at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney; retrieved April 2026, DOI 10.25910/2AMR-PV70).

What this page does not yet have. Inheritance modes and per-disease penetrance evidence from Donner 2023 are now in the structured data for every variant the panel covers. Mondo, OMIM, Ensembl, and HGNC cross-references on gene pages remain pending, they arrive in December 2026 alongside the imputed 9.67M-variant CanVAS dataset via the OMIA SQL dump absorption. Until then, gene IDs carry NCBI Gene and OMIA phene URLs only; the wider human-homolog and disease-ontology cross-reference set fills in with that release.

How to cite this page. The computed dimensions on this page are derived from the open Sniff Atlas v1.0.1 (Gehring 2026, doi:10.5281/zenodo.20566358, CC-BY 4.0). Full citation formats including BibTeX, RIS, and CITATION.cff at sniff.world/cite.

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References
  1. Donner J, Freyer J, Davison S, Anderson H, Blades M, Honkanen L, et al. (2023). Genetic prevalence and clinical relevance of canine Mendelian disease variants in over one million dogs. PLOS Genetics 19(2):e1010651. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1010651
  2. Brundage J, et al. (2026). CanVAS: a harmonized canine variant atlas. bioRxiv. doi:10.64898/2026.04.13.718238
  3. Nicholas, F.W., Tammen, I., & Sydney Informatics Hub. (2026). Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) [dataset]. The University of Sydney. https://omia.org. doi:10.25910/2AMR-PV70 (retrieved April 2026).
Last updated
Sources: CanVAS (Brundage 2026) · Donner 2023 · OMIA