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Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniel Books

Group: Gundog - Breed Standard

History

Spaniel type dogs have been found in art and literature for almost 500 years. (Kolehouse). Initially, spaniels in England were divided among land spaniels and water spaniels. The differentiation among the spaniels that led to the breeds that we see today did not begin until the mid 1800s. During this time, the land spaniels became a bit more specialized and divisions among the types were made based upon weight. According to the 1840 Encyclopedia of Rural Sports, cockers were between 12 and 20 lb. (Kolehouse). At this time it was not uncommon for cockers and springers to come from the same litter. Even a puppy from a "Toy" sized lineage could grow to be a springer (Kolehouse).

There is no indication from these early sources that spaniels were used to retrieve game. Rather they were use to drive the game toward the guns. (Kolehouse)

During the 1850s and 60s other dogs types of cockers were recorded. There were Welsh Cockers and Devonshire Cockers. Additionally, small dogs from Sussex Spaniel litters were called cockers. (Kolehouse) In 1874 the first stud books were published by the newly formed kennel club. Any spaniel under 25lb was placed in the cocker breeding pool, however the Welsh Cocker was reclassified as a springer in 1903 due to its larger size and shorter ear (Kolehouse). "...in those days only those dogs up to a hard days work and sensible specimens were allowed to live, as absolute sporting purposes were about their only enjoyment and dog shows were hardly heard of..." (Kolehouse)

Field-type English Cocker with pheasant.The hobby of dog showing began in earnest among spaniels after the Spaniel Club was formed in 1885. When showing, the new Springer and Cocker, both were in the same class until The Spaniel Club created breed standards for each of the types. The Kennel Club separated the two types eight years later. Since then, the Springer and Cocker enthusiasts have bred in the separate traits that they desired. Today, the breed differ in more ways than weight alone.

Description

Height approximately: dogs: 39-41 cms (15½-16 ins); bitches: 38-39 cms (15-15½ ins). Weight approximately: 13-14.5 kgs (28-32 lbs).

The Cocker is a sturdy, compact, well-balanced dog. It has a characteristic expression showing intelligence and alertness. Its eyes should be dark and its lobular ears should reach the tip of the nose when pulled forward. The breed's slightly loose skin and feathered coat allow it to fight through any brush unharmed. The Cocker's tail is customarily docked at about 4 or 5 inches.

Character/Temperament

Cockers are renowned for their friendly, faithful, playful, and affectionate natures. They are easily trained and make a good medium-sized family pet. Very few Cockers have temperament problems; in a 2002 survey consisting of 487 cockers, only 1% of the dogs were aggressive to people and 2% were aggressive to other dogs.

Breed Health

The Cocker is generally a healthy breed. Its main health problems are progressive retinal atrophy, kidney disease, and hip dysplasia. They are also often prone to ear infections because of their pendulous ears. It is also very important to mention that the English Breed Cocker Spaniel suffers from epileptic attacks. This attacks can authenticate themselves in various intensities ranging from mild strikes where the dog simply doesn't respond for a minute to more serious once where they spin in circles and salivate abnormally. In the case of a more serious epileptic attack it is advised to medicate the dog. They live for 13 to 14 years on average.

Training

See our books on training

For further information, please contact one of the breed clubs of breeders listed below.

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Submitted 09 Nov, 2006, edited 06 Apr, 2008. 26 hits out.
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