English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel enjoys as much exercise as you can give it. They need to be taken on a daily walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead. Dogs who are allowed to walk in front of the human instinctually believe they are alpha over humans, as in a dog's mind, the pack leader goes first.

The English Cocker Spaniel must be able to find, flush and retrieve upland game birds for a full day of hunting. It must be small enough to penetrate dense cover, but of sufficient size to retrieve larger game. The broad muzzle helps when retrieving. The dog is slightly taller than long, compactly built and short coupled. This breed loves to hunt and shows it by the wagging of its tail when on the job. The English cocker has a driving, powerful gait that covers ground effortlessly. The coat is of medium length, silky in texture and either flat or slightly wavy. The feathering should not be so profuse that it becomes a hindrance in the field, but it should be long enough to protect the underside of the dog. The expression is soft and melting, yet dignified.

The English Cocker Spaniel is merry, affectionate and even-tempered. They are easily-trained, are willing workers and excellent companions. They exhibit enthusiasm in the field, accompanied by an incessant action of the tail. Dogs exhibiting sluggish or hyper-active temperaments are to be faulted. They exhibit balance, both in motion and while standing. The head is especially characteristic of the breed, having a brainy appearance indicating high intelligence. The muzzle is also distinctive. The whole is always to be of primary consideration rather than any of the parts. Exaggeration of any of the parts is to be faulted.

The English Cocker Spaniel breed emerged in England from a more general spaniel-type dog breed. When the breeds were divided, seven different ones emerged. These breeds include the English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Sussex, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel. The Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel were lumped into the same division for a time with only size differentiating the two. This was true until 1892 when the Kennel Club of England recognized them as separate breeds. The English Cocker Spaniel is a gun dog that was utilized for flushing out the prey, driving it towards the hunters and their guns. The name “Cocker” comes from the Woodcock, a game bird that the English Cocker Spaniel would frequently flush out. Other talents exhibited by the English Cocker Spaniel are retrieving, agility, tracking, watchdog, and competitive obedience.