The English Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed

The origin of the English cocker spaniel dog breed is very old, but it was only recognised as a separate breed in 1873. Originally, this dog was known as a cocking spaniel because of its ability to lift woodcocks into the air. In fact, the English cocker spaniel was originally a hunting dog and a very skilful one at that, but later on it also became an excellent companion dog due to its character.

The breed is mentioned as far back as the 4th century BC. On Macedonian coins of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, a hunting scene is engraved and next to the hunters are two different types of dogs, one taller and slimmer, most probably a greyhound, and one short and with a very long coat, which bears a striking resemblance to today's English cocker spaniel.

Other theories hold that these dogs were brought to Europe by the Phoenicians, while the most accredited version is that they came from continental Europe, probably brought by soldiers returning from the crusades and where autonomous types of spaniels were developed, including the Spanish ones that were among the most renowned.

However, the original dogs of this breed were bred by Mr Buddett who mated a black flamed male named Frank and a black and white female named Venus and on 14 June of the same year a litter was born including a black-coated male whose name was Obo.

Obo was bought by James Farrow, a spaniel breeder, who presented him at shows and awarded him the title of champion, thus becoming the progenitor of the English cocker spaniel.

As with many other breeds, today there is a difference between subjects intended for hunting and those intended for companionship or exhibition; the former are less robust and heavier. This breed, in addition to hunting, is very adept at truffle hunting.

Character of the English cocker spaniel dog breed

The English cocker spaniel is a very sensitive, affectionate, fearless, dynamic and also docile dog. It has a strong social instinct that makes it suitable for living in a family and with other animals, even cats. He is very cuddly, always tries to be the centre of attention and loves to play, so he is also a suitable dog for children, as long as they do not pull his ears or shout very loudly, which annoys him a lot.

He has a great need for physical exercise, to be stimulated with agility games, so he is suitable for sporty, non-sedentary people. He needs on average at least an hour of exercise, including running and jogging.

Even with strangers, it makes friends very quickly, so it is not considered a guard dog even if it barks if it hears something it does not know, indeed it barks very often, so this should be considered if you live in a flat.

It is considered to be a somewhat stubborn dog, but it is intelligent and can be trained quite easily if one follows consistent lines and does not break the rules, because with that expression that makes it always look sad, it is easily spoilt. By nature he is considered very brave and fearless, does not care for danger and exaggerates in exuberance and vivacity. It turns gloomy and suffers greatly if forced into a sedentary and solitary life.

Appearance of the English cocker spaniel dog breed

The English cocker spaniel is considered a medium-small breed. Its height at withers ranges from 39 to 41 centimetres for a weight of around 12 kilograms, females usually a little less.

Its body is compact, robust and very elegant in its lines with a well-developed muscular structure. The limbs are straight with a solid and well-proportioned bone structure and the paws are equipped with very thick pads. The tail, which is always in motion, is slightly lower than the dorsal line, its gait is loose, decisive, ample and with great strides and ground grasp.

The muzzle is square, the truffle is wide, the ears are set low at eye level and are covered with hair, they are long and drooping down to the truffle. The eyes are never clear, they are very sweet and give him a lively and cheerful expression, although when he wants something he can make a sad face.

The coat is smooth, silky and long, a little wavy in some areas. The front limbs, trunk and hindquarters above the hocks are very well fringed. It can be bicolour, tricolour or uniform the colours are various: red, fawn, black, blue, brown, liver, lemon, orange.

Health and care of the English cocker spaniel dog breed

Unfortunately, this breed is prone to some genetic disorders, among them hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy and progressive retinal atrophy. Congenital deafness is also a problem in this breed; it is estimated that around 6% of cockers are born deaf.

It is important that breeders do careful genetic testing and keep track of the health of the parents. However, it is a long-lived breed; in fact, the average life expectancy is about 14-15 years.

As for coat care, this must be frequent. It needs brushing to remove dandruff and other plant debris, and it needs shearing about every two months. The eyes and ears must also be carefully cleaned, as they get dirty easily due to their length.

It is a dog that if it does not follow a correct diet and does not exercise daily, it tends to put on weight easily.