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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!
Characteristics
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.
The Cocker Spaniel was originally bred for working and
showing. Today, the cocker spaniel has split into 2 types, those for
show and those for working. Both are recognised by the Kennel Club purely
as the "Cocker Spaniel". This is not to say they do not possess
the ability to do both jobs. They do however have distinct physical
differences (see photos below) and characters. Both types make ideal pets,
to see which type would suit you best please read our Cocker FAQ's
Colours
In the Breed Standard "colours" are described as various,
today Cockers come
in a multitude of different colours including: solid
colours of black, red, golden,
liver (sometimes described as chocolate), black/tan and liver/tan. Particolours come in combinations
of black & white, liver & white, orange & white,
blue roan, orange roan, liver roan, blue
roan/tan liver roan/tan and tri-colours black white & tan or liver
white & tan.
The Particolours - from left to right Liver Roan, Black & White, Orange
& White, Blue Roan & Tan, Orange Roan, Blue Roan
The Solids- from left to right : Black&Tan,
Golden, Black
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The Particolours
- from left to right
Liver Roan, Black &
White, Orange
& White, Blue Roan & Tan, Orange Roan, Blue Roan
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With many thanks to all exhibitors of the November 2007 Open
Show for allowing us to photograph their dogs.
Photos courtesy of Roz Wardrop
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The Solids - from left to right
Black & Tan, Red/Gold, Black
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