| INFORMATION ON THE ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL The first imformation we have of the existence of the Spaniel goes back to the 1300's from a description by Gaston Phebus. It was 500 years later though that the various breeds of English Spaniels were divided into 7 breeds.The Clumber, the Sussex, the Welsh Springer, the English Springer, the Field Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. All these Spaniels derive from a spaniel-type dog imported into England centuries ago.The Cocker and the Springer developed together only size deferentiating them, until 1892 when the Kennel Club of England recognised them as separate breeds. The Cocker Spaniels are excellent retrievers and were originally bred for hunting Woodcock hence the name cocker. The talents of this breed are tracking, hunting, retrieving,agility, and competitive obedience. |
| The english cocker spaniel is an alert, compactly built, medium sized dog with long ears. Solid but not bulky. Strong and well balanced, but not coarse.The dark oval eyes should have a melting yet intelligent expression. The hair is medium length. The legs and underside of the body are well feathered.. The nose is black or brown depending on coat colour (breeders prefer black)The top line is level, the chest very deep and well developed. but not wide enough to interfer with efficient movement. The tail is docked. The feet are round , tight and cat like. COLOURS There is a wide variety of colours in the cocker spaniel, the parti colours,have blue roan, orange roan, black and white, gold and white, blue roan and tan, choc roan, liver roan, black white and tan. The solids have Gold , Black , and Black and Tan.White on a solid dog is only acceptable on the chest. TEMPERAMENT The English Cocker Spaniel is a hardy, energetic, merry and affectionate dog.This lovely dog is excellent with children , but like any other dog does not like to be teased. It is sociable with strangers, a moderate barker, and is usually obedient.A top companion dog generally outgoing , but some individuals can be a bit reserved.Cockers should be trained gently, but firmly as they are sensitive, but independent and intelligent. HEALTH Cockers are not prone to too many health problems , but can be susceptible to ear problems if they are not cleaned out regularly.With long ears, in the summer their ears can hold a lot of heat and if the hair is not clipped out, then this is how Canker can occur, so cleaned out regularly with Dermaclens or something similar will keep the ears smelling sweet with no problems . Cockers love exercise, they love going for walks and they soon learn the word walk or even if you pick up the lead they are at the door before you. Going for rides in the car is another pleasure for the Cocker spaniel, who will be at the car before you are.They will have as much exercise as you are willing to give them. The life expectancy for a cocker is about 12-15 years and with great care can live even longer. GROOMING Cockers love to be brushed and it is not a hard job to keep your cocker neat and tidy by regular brushing 2-3 times per week, checking their ears, keeping the hair clipped out, and their feet trimmed.If they are bred with flat silky coats it is very easy to look after. They are a average shedder of coat, so there won't be too much hair around .If your dog has been swimming in salt water it is advisable to wash the salt out of their coat as it can make it tacky and dry it out The English Cocker Spaniel comes from the Gundog group and is recognized by the following clubs. CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC,KCGB,CKC,ANKC, NKC,NZKC,CCR. |