History of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed
The first mention of the existence of the spaniel is found in a description written by Gaston Phebus in 1300. It was nearly five hundred years later that English spaniels were divided into seven separate breeds which include: the Clumber spaniel, the Cocker spaniel, the English Springer spaniel, the field spaniel, the Irish water spaniel, the Sussex spaniel, and the Welsh Springer spaniel. A large and specialized group of dogs, land spaniels consisted of two sizes. They were often found in the same litter, and it was in 1892 that the two sizes were considered to be two separate breeds. The smaller spaniel, weighing less than 25 pounds, was called the cocker spaniel because of its talent for hunting woodcock. But the two different size spaniels shared an affinity for hunting. It was in 1901 that the weight limit for the cocker spaniel was no longer recognized, and the breed quickly became popular in England. American breeders, however, tried to modify the breed in ways with which the English disagreed. Until 1936 the English cocker spaniel and the American cocker spaniel were shown together, and considered to be the same breed. But then the English Cocker Spaniels Club was formed in America, and the English cocker spaniel was recognized as a separate breed from the American variety. In the United States, the American cocker spaniel then became more popular than the English version, but the English cocker spaniel enjoys more popularity than its American counterpart throughout the rest of the world, and it is known plainly as the cocker spaniel.
Size and Appearance of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed feature
The English cocker spaniel is slightly taller than it is long with a compactly built body that conveys strength but not heaviness. The front legs are straight with evenly formed bones, while the hindquarters feature broad, well-rounded hips. The feet are round and catlike with arched toes and thick pads. The strong head is nicely contoured and features eyes that give a soft, melting expression that is alert and intelligent. The slightly oval eyes are medium in size and are generally dark brown or hazel in color. The ears lie close to the head and are set low. They are covered with long silky hair. The muzzle has strong jaws with a scissors bite that are adept at carrying game, and it has wide nostrils that help to identify scent. The muscular yet graceful neck blends smoothly into the sloping shoulders, and the back of this breed is somewhat short but strong. Normally the tail on the English cocker spaniel is docked, and it is carried horizontally. When the dog is in motion, the tail is constantly moving. The gait allows this dog to cover the ground with ease, and it is characterized by power as opposed to speed. The well-feathered coat has a silky feel, and it is of medium length on the body, yet short and fine on the head. The coat comes in a variety of colors, both solid and parti-colored, including black, liver, red, tan, and white. Parti-colored coats are usually ticked or roaned. The English cocker spaniel comes in two types: show and field. The field dog generally has a shorter coat than the show dog.
English Cocker Spaniel Temperament
Lovable and energetic, the English cocker spaniel makes a wonderful family companion. It is an affectionate breed that does very well with children, but it should not be teased. It is generally friendly with strangers and usually does well in a household with cats. The English cocker spaniel is a moderate barker, and it is usually outgoing. It needs to be trained with a gentle, loving touch because it can be sensitive. This breed is quite responsive to training and tends to obey commands well. It will alert the family to anything that might be amiss, making it a good watchdog, but it is too friendly to be a guard dog. Show lines are generally better as pets than field lines, which can be too active for the household. This sweet, intelligent animal makes a welcome addition to the family.
English Cocker Spaniel Recommended Maintenance
To keep the coat of the English cocker spaniel in good condition, it is important to brush and comb it on a regular basis, generally about three times a week. Some coats can be prone to matting, so be sure to comb out tangles and burrs when the dog has been playing outside. Clipping around the head and ears as well as the tail is suggested, and it is also important to trim the hair around the pads of the feet. Do not, however, trim the hair between the toes. Pay close attention to the ears by cleaning them on a weekly basis and checking for signs of infection. The English cocker spaniel is considered to be an average shedder. This breed has a lot of energy, so daily exercise is very important. Long walks on a leash or running and playing in the yard is recommended. The breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling as long as enough exercise is provided. An average-sized, fenced-in yard is ideal. This is a very social dog that loves to play outside, but equally enjoys being indoors with its family.
English Cocker Spaniel Health
Life span: 12 – 14 years
Major concerns: PRA
Minor concerns: cataracts, CHD, familial nephropathy
Occasionally seen: glaucoma, cardiomyopathy
Suggested tests: hearing (for parti-colors), eye, hip, (knee)
Note: deafness is a major concern in particolors; CHD is more common in solid colors; PRA is of PRCD type
