it is smart as a hunting dog. iq tests given in the 1950s and 1960s showed the american cocker did best of all dogs tested on hunting skills. but, they did not do as well on other skills. these showed they were slower in uncovering a dish of food or pulling on a string. the american cocker spaniel is in 20th place in stanley coren's "the intelligence of dogs". this means this dog is excellent in "working or obedience intelligence" and in being trained.