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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
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English Cocker Spaniel