The English Cocker Spaniel is a lively, friendly dog with long ears, a longer and more narrow face than its American cousin. The English Cocker is also generally larger. The coat is long and feathers around the legs and chest. The coat is shorter around the face. The English Cocker Spaniel resembles the English Springer Spaniel as well, though the Cocker is smaller and has longer ears. The chest is deep and the legs are straight. The coat comes in a wide variety of colors, though if of the solid-color variety, only a small patch of white is permissible on the chest. There are two varieties of English Cockers: the field, and the show.
The English Cocker Spaniel was developed to flush out birds, specifically woodcocks out of the brush towards the guns. This was one of many kinds of Spaniels documented for at least 500 years. Eventually, different varieties emerged and formed clubs to differentiate the breeds. The English Cocker Spaniel became its own breed in about 1885, being described as "cocker" if they were under 25 pounds.
The English Cocker Spaniel is very easy to get along with. They are patient, steadfast, hardworking dogs. They are great with children and eager to please. They are intelligent, gentle, and playful.
Breed Club Links: English Cocker Spaniel Club of America
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Photo courtesy of Julie Gibson.