Cocker Spaniel Breed Description

Introduction

These affectionate and most popular of all American-born dogs descend from the working English Cocker Spaniels. Although they retain their hunting instincts and attempts have been made to keep the Americans as working dogs, their popularity lies in the gentle companionship that they offer. These dogs are great family pets, easy to train and good with other dogs. Cockers come in a variety of colors and need frequent grooming with attention paid to the ears and eyes. They weigh 24 to 28 lbs. and stand 14-15" at the shoulder.

History

Olde English documents tell us there were Spanyells in Chaucer's day, but whether or not the smallest of them, the Cocker Spaniel, was alive in that era we don't yet know. What scientists are sure of is that the category eventually divided into land and water dogs, as the traits needed for success were different in each environment.

That said, today's Cocker Spaniel would fit admirably into either group. Aside from their tremendous popularity as family pets over the last century, they are valued by hunters. As good gun dogs, they cover land with speed and accuracy and can be trained to flush and retrieve game. By the same token, they will take to the water, swimming and retrieving there as well.

The AKC reports that Cocker Spaniels have been shown in the US since the 1880s; few other breeds have been as broadly accepted and well loved in the years since.

General Description

The Cocker Spaniel's expression is both intelligent and soft, alert and appealing. It is precisely those traits that embody the nature of this dog, smallest of all in the sporting group. Round eyes look directly forward; darker colors are preferred. The long, leathery ears are feathered with longer strands of fur and are somewhat low set on the sides of the dogs' head. The eyebrows are well defined, as is the stop. The broad, deep muzzle features even jaws and is proportionately balanced by the nose. Nose color to be in accord with dog color, ranging from black to liver.

As in all sporting dogs, the Cocker Spaniel's neck is long enough to enable his nose to reach the ground easily. Deep chested, the width is substantial but foreleg movement is unimpeded. The strong back slopes downward from the shoulder to the docked tail. Wide hips are muscular hind quarters show the dogs' strength.

The distinctive hair of the Cocker Spaniel is silky, with a slight wave. Feathering at the ears, chest, belly and legs makes those areas longer, the hair on the head is short and fine.

Colors and the rules pertaining to same in the standard are extensive. For complete information check with the AKC or the UKC. In short, these dogs can be black, cream, brown or red solids and there are tan pointed and parti-color varieties as well.

Temperament

Loving, devoted, easy to train and eager to please, Cocker Spaniels are the dog of choice for many families. They get along with most other animals, although they may need early socialization to share a home with small rodents or birds (normally prey for spaniels).

Health and Care

Brushing, brushing and more brushing will prevent a host of problems on the feather parts of your Cocker Spaniel, particularly those pendulous ears. Keeping the fur free of debris, briars, burrs and the like means there will be no uncomfortable matting problems.

Colors

Black and tan, black, any solid color other than black (ASCOB), parti-colored (white and any other solid color), tan points with the tan less than 10% of the total body.

Living Area

The Cocker Spaniel is a very adaptable dog that can do well in a smaller space such as an apartment but can also do well in the country. A fenced yard is important for this breed, as they do tend to roam.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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