History

The English Cocker is no doubt one of the oldest types of land spaniel. Their origins can be traced back to 14th century Spain. Prior to the 1600's all types of spaniels were categorised together; the larger ones being used to spring game and the smaller ones to flush out woodcock. Hence the names Springer and Cocker were derived. In 1892, the Kennel Club of Great Britain differentiated the two breeds separately. In the 1930's, the Cocker was the most popular breed of dog in Britain and there he stayed for almost 20 years! On the other side of the Atlantic, Americans were using the same breeding stock to develop a slightly different Cocker. In 1940, the Kennel Club then split these Spaniels into American and English.

Intelligence

Highly intelligent dogs who are very easily trained, Cockers like to please and are eager to learn.

Show Characteristics

The skull should be well-developed and cleanly chiselled with a distinct stop.The jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be full and either dark brown or brown although dark hazel is allowed in the liver-coloured varieties, with an intelligent, gentle, bright and merry expression. The ears should be lobular set on low level with the eyes, well-covered with straight, silky hair. The muscular neck should be moderate in length and set into sloping shoulders. The body should be strong and compact with a level topline which should gently slope towards the tail. The forelegs should be straight and well-boned, and the hind legs well-rounded and very muscular and again well-boned with a good bend of stifle. The feet should be firm, thickly padded and cat-like. The tail should be set on slightly lower than the line of the back and carried level. It is customarily docked.

General Character And Temperament

These are busy, friendly little dogs who thrive on human companionship, wanting nothing more than to please their owners. They are ideal pets where there are children about and get on well with other household animals. Cockers can be very manipulative - who can resist their soft, pleading eyes? The sad eyes, however, are a misconception, Cockers are a very happy breed, constantly wagging their tails and bringing 'presents' to one and all.

Grooming

Their coats must be brushed regularly. The excess hair around the ear passages and beneath the ears must be removed to ensure the ears are adequately ventilated and that no infections set in. The hair around their feet and that between their pads also needs regular attention. They should be stripped out 3 or 4 times a year by a professional groomer. It is possible, however, to learn how to do this yourself.

Colour

Cockers come in a multitude of different colours including: solid colours of black, red, orange and brown, combinations of black with white, liver with white, red and white, blue roan, orange roans, black roans, particolours and tricolours.

Shedding

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