English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is the original cocker — a compact British gun dog named for the woodcock it was bred to flush.

History

It emerged from the general population of British land spaniels, which were divided by size and job rather than by pedigree until the nineteenth century; the smaller ones that worked woodcock became the cocker. American breeders took it in a different direction from the 1880s, and the two were recognised as separate breeds in the 1930s — which is why the English and American Cockers now look markedly unalike.

Temperament

The breed is known for being cheerful, affectionate and biddable, sociable with people and other dogs, and inclined to attach itself closely to one person.

Care and training

It needs substantial daily exercise and work for its nose. The feathered coat needs regular brushing and trimming, and the long drop ears want checking and drying after wet work.

Health

Known tendencies include ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia and, in some solid-coloured lines, a temperament condition breeders screen against. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.