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Featured Breed - Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the sporting spaniel types, developed in England and named after the very game they were developed to hunt- a plump-bodied game bird known as the "woodcock."

The breed is reputed to have first traveled to America during the 1620's, on a voyage made by the Mayflower. By the 1880's, the breed had made its way onto the American exhibition circuit.

As popularity continued to expand on the new American forefront, and. Meanwhile, back in England, a different type of Cocker Spaniel emerged. By the 1930’s, a division had begun to take place, separating the English Cocker Spaniel standard from the one being developed on the American forefront.

Vice Presidential Candidate Richard Nixon’s struck an emotional cord with the American public with his confession-style “Checkers Speech,” broadcasted live to "the largest television audience ever for any campaign speech." Mention of accepting this Cocker Spaniel puppy as an endorsement present has been accredited for keeping his campaign afloat and subsequently securing him the election.

Today's Cocker Spaniel has managed to keep itself free from politics, though many still enjoy their fair amount of time in the limelight. Their quick-to-learn, jovial nature has led them to excel in basic obedience, agility competitions, and even therapy work.

Other famous Cockers include Lady from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, the appearing in the original Coppertone Sunscreen ad, and Domino Harvey, an award-winning gun dog selected as 2008’s most attractive dog of the year.