BODY :
  Topline :

Sloping slightly toward muscular quarters.

  
 
Back :


Strong and sloping evenly and slightly downward from the shoulders to the set-on of the docked tail.

  
 
Chest :


Deep, its lowest point no higher than the elbows, its front sufficiently wide for adequate heart and lung space, yet not so wide as to interfere with the straight forward movement of the forelegs.  Ribs are deep and well sprung.

  
 


Tail:

The docked tail is set on and carried on a line with the topline of the back, or slightly higher; never straight up like a terrier and never so low as to indicate timidity.  When the dog is in motion the tail action is merry.
  



LIMBS :

  Forequarters :

Forelegs are parallel, straight, strongly boned, muscular and set close to the body well under the scapulae.

  
 
Shoulders :


Well laid back forming an angle with the upper arm of approximately 90° which permits the dog to move his forelegs in an easy manner with forward reach.  Shoulders are clean-cut and sloping without protrusion and so set that the upper points of the withers are at an angle which permits a wide spring of rib.

  
 
Elbows :


When viewed from the side with the forelegs vertical, the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder blade.

  
 
Pasterns :


Short and strong.  Dewclaws on forelegs may be removed.

  
 
Hindquarters :


When viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel when in motion and at rest.  They are strongly boned and muscled.

  
 
Hips :


Wide and quarters well rounded and muscular.

  
 
Upper thighs :


Powerful and clearly defined.

  
 
Stifle :


Moderate angulation of the stifle.  Strong and there is no slippage of it in motion or when standing.

  
 
Hocks :


Strong and well let down.  Dewclaws on hind legs may be removed.

  
 
Feet :

Compact, large, round and firm with horny pads; they turn neither in nor out.
  





GAIT / MOVEMENT
The American Cocker Spaniel, though the smallest of the sporting dogs, possesses a typical sporting dog gait.  Prerequisite to good movement is balance between the front and the rear assemblies.  He drives with strong, powerful rear quarters and is properly constructed in the shoulders and forelegs so that he can reach forward without constriction in a full stride to counterbalance the driving force from the rear.  Above all, his gait is coordinated, smooth and effortless.  The dog must cover ground with his action; excessive animation should not be mistaken for proper gait.

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]