HISTORY OF THE COCKER SPANIEL

The first information we have of the existence of the spaniel comes from a description by Gaston Phebus in 1300. However, it was five hundred years later that the various English Spaniels were divided into seven breeds; the Clumber, the Sussex, the Welsh Springer, the English Springer, the Field, the Irish Water Spaniel, and the Cocker. All these Spaniels derive from a spaniel-type dog imported into England centuries ago. The Cocker and Springer Spaniels developed together, with only size differentiating them until 1892 when the Kennel Club of England recognized them as separate breeds. Later, in the 1940's, the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs recognized the English Cocker Spaniel as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel. The name Cocker comes from the woodcock, a bird this spaniel was originally bred to hunt. Cockers are also good at hunting other birds. They are excellent retrievers with delicate mouths. The English Cocker hunts well in difficult terrain. These days, the English Cocker is more often a companion dog due to his good-natured disposition. The talents of this breed are tracking, hunting, retrieving, watchdogging, agility, and competitive obedience.

DESCRIPTION

The English Cocker Spaniel is an alert, compactly built, medium-sized dog with long ears, reaching at least to the nose when pulled forward. Solid, but not bulky. Strong and well-balanced, but not coarse. The upper plane of the skull is almost parallel to the upper plane of the muzzle, and the muzzle is about the same length as the skull. The dark oval eyes should have a melting yet intelligent expression. The hair is medium length. The legs and underside of the body are well feathered. The nose is black or brown depending on the coat colour (black is preferred by breeders). It has a sturdy jaw with a scissors bite. The topline is almost level, with only a slight slope down from the withers to root of the tail. The chest is very deep and well developed, but not wide enough to interfere with efficient movement. The tail is generally docked. The feet are round and cat-like with tight, arched toes. The coat comes in solid black, liver or red or parti-coloured combinations of white with black, liver or red markings or ticking. Tan markings may appear on black liver or parti-coloured dogs. There are two types of English Cocker: field and show. The field types have shorter coats. Many colours are admissible, but on solid colour dogs white is acceptable only on the chest.

TEMPERAMENT

The English Cocker Spaniel is a hardy, energetic, merry and lovable, sweet and affectionate dog. This lively dog is excellent with kids: gentle and playful, but does not tolerate teasing well. It is sociable with strangers, a moderate barker, and obeys respectfully the orders it is given. A superior companion dog. Generally an outgoing breed, but some individuals can be reserved. Temperament varies widely, research individual lines. Some bitches are fairly dominant and should not be placed with a non-dominant owner. Males tend to be more cooperative. Field lines may be too active to make good pets. Cockers should be trained very gently, but firmly, as they are sensitive but also independent and intelligent. They can do well with cats in the household.

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

Height: Dogs 15-17 inches (38-43cm.) Bitches 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)

Weight: Dogs 28-34 pounds (13-16kg) Bitches 26-32 pounds (12-15kg)

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

Prone to ear infections. During the summer, the ears should be checked often. Hanging close to the ground as they do, they can become host to ticks or burr, often the cause of deafness.

EXERCISE

The Cocker Spaniel enjoys as much exercise as you can give it. But please do not over exercise young puppies

GROOMING

Regular combing and brushing of the coat is important. Some coats are particularly profuse, cottony and prone to matting. Others are more silky and flat-laying. Coat type varies substantially within the breed. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. Check the ears for grass seeds and signs of infection. Clean out excess wax regularly. Brush the hair on the feet down over the toes and trim it level with the base of the feet. Trim the hair around the pads, but not between the toes. Brush out burrs and tangles after the dog has been playing in the grassy fields or woods. Most pet owners will have their dog clipped as this makes life a whole lot easier for both the dog and the owner!!