English
Cocker Spaniel
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 Description:
The English Cocker Spaniel is an energetic,
compact, well balanced dog and quite adorable.
The Cocker descended from the original spaniels
of Spain. Originally, the breed was known
as one group, however, in England they were
divided based upon size and hunting ability
and whether they were land or water spaniels.
The English Cocker Spaniel was put into the
the small land spaniel group and not until
1892 the Kennel Club in England recognized
Cockers and Springers as separate breeds.
In 1935, the English Cocker Spaniel Club of
America was formed and their primary focus
was not only to promote interest in the breed,
but also to discourage interbreeding with
American and English varieties. In 1946, the
AKC recognized the two breeds as separate.
The English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker
Spaniel have differences in several areas.
The English Cocker is slightly taller, more
solid and heavier while English Cockers have
a flatter head and longer muzzle, and less
prominent eyes.
Height:
The height for an English Cocker Spaniel is
approximately 15-17 in (38-43cm)
Weight: The weight for an
English Cocker Spaniel is approximately 26-34
lbs (12-16kg)
Coat Type: The
English Cocker Spaniel's coat is silky and
flat with feathering. The hair on the head
is short and fine and medium in length. The
body coat is flat or slightly wavy. The coat
can vary significantly within the breed. When
trimming, the English Cocker Spaniel's coat,
it should be done so that retains natural
look. Regular combing and brushing are necessary.
Some coats can become over abundant making
it prone to matting and giving it an overall
unkempt appearance.
Color: English Cocker Spaniel's
coat comes in various colors which include
liver, black, shades of red - or can have
multiple colors like a white base with different
colors of markings.
Temperament: English Cocker
Spaniels are energetic, free-spirited, affectionate
and loyal. This breed makes a great companion
and will bond closely with one person in the
family. English Cocker Spaniels are intelligent,
gentle, playful and good with children. They
also adapt very well. English Cocker Spaniels
can be stubborn, but can be easily trained
as long as the owner is consistent with rules
and structure. This breed does not like to
be alone. The English Cocker Spaniel needs
daily exercises such as brisk walks or fetching
will help keep this breed in great physical
and mental shape.
Health Problems: Common health
issues which can affect the English Cocker
Spaniels include bite problems, skin allergies,
deafness, cataracts, aggression towards other
dogs, and benign tumors. A 2004 UK Kennel
Club survey reveals the most common causes
of death were cancer, old age, cardiac and
a combination of health issues. The USA /
Canada Health surveys indicate the leading
causes of death were from old age and cancer.
The average life span of a English Cocker
Spaniel is 11 - 12 years. This breed typically
lives about a year longer than the American
Cocker Spaniel.
Special Interest:
• Spaniels have been
depicted in art and literature for the last
500 years.
• At one time, it was
not uncommon to for Cockers and Springers
to come from the same litter.
•
American Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker
Spaniels were not recognized as separate breeds
by the AKC until 1946. .
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
ANKC: Group 3 - Gundog
CKC: Gundog
FCI: Group 8 Section 2 - Flushing Dogs
KC: Gundog Group
UKC: Gundog Group |
