The Cocker Spaniel (English Cocker)
The Cocker Spaniel we know today appears in two different varieties. The Working and the Show. Whilst there are subtle differences between the two types, they do share the same ancestry.
The Working Cocker, can appear in numerous colours, whereas the Show type needs to conform to colours approved by Kennel Club breed standard. The Working Cocker also has longer legs than the Show Cocker, which is more cobby in appearance and tends to have a shorter, wider muzzle. The Working Cocker most resembles the breeds ancestors. It is not always easy for those unfamiliar with the two varieties to distinguish between the two, even more so when they are puppies. The following link outlines the show type in accordance to the UK Kennel Club breed standard http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=2052
The Cocker Spaniel is widely believed to have been one of the oldest of the Spaniel breeds. Many canine historians note ancient references to Spaniel like dogs, a hunting dog of a similar build & appearance to the modern day Cocker, that originated in Spain. This country is largely accepted to have produced the breed, as, in the fourteenth century, the word 'Spaniel' quite literally meant 'a dog from Spain'. The use of the name 'Cocker' refered to the fact it was used to hunt woodcock. It is certainly known that the Spaniel had established itself in England before the end of the fourteenth century, as the breed is mentioned in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Classification of the Spaniel breeds however was not as it is today, and so Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels could be derived from the same litter. The dogs were only separated in terms of weight once mature, with the Cocker always being a lighter Spaniel than the Springer. Both dogs were used for hunting game in woodlands or marshes. The Toy Spaniel would be categorised separately for its small size and was kept as a companion dog which became popular amongst the aristocracy from the sixteenth century onwards. For these Spaniels, ability to assist a hunter was not a necessity, and they were instead prized for their friendly temperament and beautiful coat. These would later become known as Cavalier and King Charles Spaniels, in reference to the Stuart Monarch, King Charles II, who was extremely fond of his own beautiful little Spaniels . The Cocker and Springer types, however, remained to be kept as hunting dogs.
Despite a lack of clear classification, the dogs were much admired for their ability to drive birds into nets and their appealing disposition. In 1780, Thomas Bewick described Spaniels of Cocker type as 'lively, active and pleasant'.
Despite the popularity of the dog as a hunters assistant, the Cocker Spaniel did not become a distinct breed until 1892, when a breed standard was drew up in England by the Kennel Club. Meanwhile, a distinct type of Cocker Spaniel was being bred in America. However, breeding between the English and American lines continued until the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America discouraged this in 1935, and as by 1946, the American and English Cocker Spaniels were categorised as separate breeds. The American Cocker Spaniel has a rounded skull and more feathering than the English Cocker Spaniel, and was the inspiration for 'Lady' in Walt Disney's animated movie, Lady and the Tramp.
Modern Cocker Spaniels
The Cocker Spaniel has never lost its ability to do its original job and still excels as a gundog. In the show ring, it is highly popular, being the breed to have won the prestigious Best in Show at Crufts seven times, more so than any other breed. It is also a wonderful family companion with an energetic, clever and loveable personality. The Cocker Spaniel measures around 15 to 16 inches and weighs 28-32 lb. The breed requires plenty of exercise, and fair amount of grooming. It is very trainable and so a little extra effort in obedience or agility as a hobby, can soon become quite an addiction for owners of this bouncy breed.
Although generally a wonderful family companion, the energy level of this breed must be taken into consideration, and it is important that children respect it's sweet but sensitive nature. As with every breed that you want to bring into a home with children; always check the temperament history of the parents. (Mother of the pups should always be available to see...no matter what!) If you rescue then explain in detail your home situation, so that the staff can match the correct Spaniel to your lifestyle...the last thing you want to do is send a poor dog back for rehoming due to a comparability issue that was blatant in the first place.
Meet our Cocker Spaniel Model
- Our canine star of this article is the lovely Merlin. He is a Working type Cocker Spaniel who lives with the Backhouse Family. He is a typical energetic Cocker who loves going for long walks in the countryside, swimming, and getting very muddy when he gets the chance. All photos of this sweet pup are copyright Iacobus images.
Bibliography
Cunliffe, Juliette. The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Bath, Parragon, 1999
Graham, Lez. The Pet Gundog. Bloomington, Authorhouse Books, 2010
Sucher, Jamie. Cocker Spaniels. New York, Barron's Educational Series, 2009
Taggart, Caroline. Encyclopedia of the Dog. London, Chancellor Press, 2002
Zervas, Michael, R. A Basic Guide to the American Cocker Spaniel. Virginia, Dace Publishing, 1998
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=2052
http://www.crufts.org.uk/media/7831/fascinating-facts.pdf