English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the most distinctive looking members of the sporting group. With its long, flowing coat and soft, loving eyes, this dog is a true hunter at heart. Interestingly enough, the English Cocker Spaniel is said to retain much more of its hunting nature than the American version.
This dog also requires a bit more exercise than its American counterpart. If one was to describe the English Cocker Spaniel in just a few words, those words would be sensitive, happy, devoted, demonstrative, inquisitive, and protective.
A Brief History Of The English Cocker Spaniel
Considered to be one of the most specialized groups of dogs, the spaniel family is the largest numbers of dogs in a single group that we know of today. The English Cocker Spaniel is a land spaniel. During the 1800s, the larger spaniels were used for springing game and the smaller versions were used to hunt woodcock.
Both the smaller version and the larger-sized spaniels were basically two variations of the same dog breed. It wasn't until 1893 that the two sizes were officially considered to be separate breeds. The smaller version of the English Cocker Spaniel, which should weigh under twenty-five pounds, was designated the name Cocker Spaniel. And because both breeds share much of the same genetic makeup, they share much of the same hunting abilities and talents.
Then in 1901 the weight limit of the breed was terminated and the English Cocker Spaniel became hugely popular with the people of England. At the same time, American spaniel breeders had the desire to change the breed in ways that the traditional fans of the English Cocker Spaniel did not approve of. In 1936, the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America came into existence.
Upkeep Requirements For The English Cocker Spaniel
Like all sporting dogs, the English Cocker Spaniel must have plenty of vigorous daily exercise. This could be from a romp in the field or a long, fast-paced walk on the leash several times daily. Playtime is ideal during the day in a large fenced-in yard.
English Cocker Spaniel dogs have the ability to live outside if need be, but only if the temperatures do not reach extreme cold or souring heat. Their medium-length coat will need weekly brushing, about every three to four days, and monthly clipping around the head, eyes and feet must be maintained.
Health Concerns
The two major health concerns that are associated with the English Cocker Spaniel are patellar luxation and PRA. Minor health problems include kidney disease (known as familial nephropathy), cataracts, hypothyroidism, and CHD. Rarely seen in this breed is cardiomyopathy. The average lifespan for a healthy English Cocker Spaniel is twelve to fourteen years. Veterinarians suggest that this breed be tested for potential problems with eye, hip, thyroid, knee, and hearing.
English Springer Spaniels
History
The history of the spaniel is pertinent to the history of the English Springer Spaniel. Some think that the word spaniel comes from the Spanish word espagno and others insist it is derived from the French word espanir that means flatten out.
The Heritage of Dogs by David Hancock asserts that the Romans brought the spaniel to England and that they got them using far east trade routes. He thinks the ancestors of the “sporting spaniel” arose in China. Once brought to Southern Europe, people bred them into “sporting spaniels.”
By 1387 spaniels that quarted and flushed out game were owned by royalty and Count Gaston de Foix gave an account of these dogs. In 1621, Gervase Markham, took note of the land and water spaniels. In 1637, a spaniel with a black and white body and large flapping ears is noted by Aldrovandrus.
By 1899, William Arkwright of Sutton, Scarsdale, hosted the first event of the Sporting Spaniel Society on his premises. This breed came to the U.S. in 1907.
General Looks
The English Springer Spaniel is of medium size, with tail docked, and he is compact. The coat is moderately lengthy. The fur flairs on the tail and legs.
Is This Your Breed?
It is happy and lovesome. This dog likes to be near its owner. It needs exercise each day and frequent brushing and regular trimming. This care prevents matting.
Coat
It has a double coat. The outer coat can be flat or curly. The undercoat is thick, short, and cottony.
Color
The colors are liver or black and white, tricolor, and blue or roan.
Locomotion
The movement, stride or gait is very important. Good balance is a must.
Personality
This bred is smart, friendly, and obedient. It is alert and makes a good dog for the family.
English Cocker Spaniel video:
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