English Cocker Spaniel Breed Description

Introduction

These dogs are hardy, energetic, loveable and playful. English Cockers are excellent with children. They should be trained very gently but firmly as they have sensitive temperaments. Their coat is medium length and comes in solid black, liver, red or parti color combinations. Combing and brushing is important. Coat types vary substantially. Some coats are particularly profuse and cottony and prone to matting on these dogs. Care of ears and eyes is very important. These dogs weigh 26 to 34 lbs. and stand 14-17" at the shoulders.

History

According to the AKC, the English Cocker Spaniel is a descendant of the original Spanish spaniels, one of the oldest types of land spaniels. This particular variety excelled at flushing woodcock – and got called "cocker" as a result of that talent.

Description

The soft flowing lines of the English Cocker Spaniel are its trademark, along with the soft expression in the dogs' round dark eyes. Viewed from the side or front, the skull is slightly flat. The definite stop is nonetheless moderate. Muzzle and skull are of equal length. Strong capable jaws demonstrate the dog's ability to carry game. As with all scent hounds, the nostrils are wide. Noses are black, except in livers and partied dogs where it is brown. Even in the reds, where brown may occur, black is preferred. Scissors bite, with square neat lips. Ears are long, close to the head and feathered.

The graceful neck flows into sloping shoulders and into the backline along a smooth curve, culminating where the backline slightly slopes into the rounded croup. They are deep chested, with moderately tuck-up briskets. Ribs are well sprung, tapering to back ribs with good extension. Docking has been the tradition for their tails; today this is illegal in many countries and losing popularity in others. They are broad hipped, with muscular upper thighs. Straight forelegs end in firm round feet with thick pads.

The head of the English Cocker has short, fine fur. Elsewhere, the coat is slightly wavy or flat; both have a silky texture. They are feathered (ears, legs, chest) but lightly enough that it does not interfere with their fieldwork. The breed appears in various colors and combinations.

Solids: black, liver, multiple shades of red
Parti-Colors either clearly marked, ticked or roaned, which white appearing in combination with black, liver or shades of red.

In the show ring, some white on the throat is permissible, but white feet are undesirable.

Tan markings may appear with black and livers and in the parti-color combinations of those colors.

(Black and tans and liver and tans are considered solid colors in this breed.)

Temperament

This is one of Britain's favorite breeds because of their pleasant, engaging nature. They are willing companions and dedicated workers, with bright happy natures. They need regular exercise, whether they come from show or field lines.

Sturdy dogs, they are prized by hunters for their ability to work in difficult terrains, whether wet or dry.

Health and Care

As for any long-earred field dog, check your English Cocker Spaniel's ears regularly to ensure prompt removal of insects and debris. Remove excess wax. Keep hair trimmed on feet and around the pads, and brush or comb regularly to remove tangles, burrs and debris brought in from outdoors. Individual dogs will have silkier or coarser coats; the difference in texture will dictate how much the coat tangles or mats.

Colors

There are various colors of Cocker Spaniel. Many hunters have favored white cocker spaniels because they are easier to see in the field. However, white spaniels are not used in the show ring. There are also parti-colors, which are either ticked or roaned. These are white with black, liver, or red.

Living Area

The Cocker Spaniel makes a good indoor dog, but they do need a place to exercise. They will make great walking or running companions or will be happy with a romp in the yard. They may be prone to hunting birds and small animals in your yard. If you're an apartment dweller be certain to get a show line of dog, as you'll not be able to provide sufficient exercise for a field dog.

Recognized By

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

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