Merry Cocker spaniel
Whether the classic show-type or working variety, the Cocker spaniel is a breed exuding a love of life, communicated by an ever-wagging tail
“Of all the dogs that are so sweet, The Spaniel is the most complete; Of all the Spaniels, dearest far The little loving Cockers are”
It is sunrise on a cool morning, ground mist redolent with the smoky-sweet smell of garden bonfires. The rich aroma of burning apple wood from autumn prunings lingers in the air from the evening before. Miniscule droplets of water cling to hair, eyelashes and jacket, and hands are made further moist by the sudden thrusting of a dog’s cold, wet nose, eager for a ball dropped on the ground to be thrown again. Then he disappears, plunging into dense hedgerow. Only a plumy tail waving above the undergrowth, accompanied by joyous snuffling, signals the presence of a quivering dog intent on finding the source of a compelling scent. Suddenly, he is rewarded by an iridescent explosion of red, green and chestnut. A cock pheasant whirs up, wings beating, and wheels away, its two-tone alarm call receding into the distance. After a brief, excited chase, ears flying out akin to fluffy wings, the satisfied pursuer sits panting. Tongue lolling, he wistfully watches his prey glide off to safety. Away from the fireside and comfort of domesticity, it takes only seconds into a countryside or parkland walk for a Cocker spaniel to hark back to its working roots. The compulsion to pursue is inherent, since the majority of spaniels were originally bred to flush out game. But for those who are looking for a loving and loyal family pet with a zest for life and a merry personality, then a Cocker also fits the bill.
Enduring appeal
There are two types of Cocker spaniel: the classic show type, with its long, lobular ears and compact body, and the rangier working Cocker, which has higher-set, shorter ears and a finer coat. “The Cocker spaniel’s origins can be traced back to 14th century Spain”, says Derek Shapland, chairman of the Cocker Spaniel Club (CSC) and author of Cocker Spaniel: Best of Breed. “Prior to the 1600s, all types of spaniels were categorised together as Field and Land spaniels. The larger ones were used to spring game, while the smaller ones were employed to flush out woodcock. This is how the names Springer spaniel and Cocker spaniel were derived.
e V Lucas, ‘The More I see of Men...’
“In 1892, the UK Kennel Club differentiated the two breeds separately, and the Cocker Spaniel Club was formed in 1902. Originally bred as a working dog, the Cocker has now developed into the show type and the working type. In the 1930s, the Cocker spaniel was the most popular dog breed in Britain, and this remained the case for almost 20 years.” During the 1940s, more than 25,000 Cockers were registered per year, according to the CSC. With greater accessibility and freedom of travel throughout Europe in the decades following the war, an increasing number of more ‘exotic’ breeds were seen on the show circuits and became readily available in the UK. The Cocker was displaced as a ‘must-have’ family pet by breeds such as the poodle, German shepherd and Chihuahua. In more recent years, spaniels have again risen in desirability. The Cocker currently ranks number three in the Kennel Club’s Top 10 most popular breeds, with 23,317 puppies registered in 2017. Renowned for their charm, good temperament, gentleness, easy-going attitude and loyalty to their owners, these factors are the primary reasons for the Cockers’ enduring appeal and sustained popularity. Cockers enjoy having a real purpose in life. They are never happier than when engaging with their owners, be it sitting companionably by a fireside, going for a walk whatever the weather, enjoying a seek-and-find game in the garden or proudly parading in a show ring. “The breed has much to offer,” says Derek. “Cockers can be a workmanlike shooting companion, a glamorous show dog or a wonderful family pet.”
Strong and athletic
The Cocker is a medium sized breed, with dogs standing 15½-16in (39-41cm) in height and bitches slightly smaller at 15-15½in (38-39cm). Weight is 28-32lb (13-14.5kg), with males at the higher end of the scale. In a typical show-type Cocker, the head features a square-shaped muzzle with a distinctive stop, or ‘step up’ to the skull, and a wide nose for scenting ability. Its bright, intelligent eyes can be dark brown, brown or dark hazel and its long ears are set low on the sides of the head. The jaw is strong as is the moderately long neck, set onto sloping shoulders. The Cocker’s coat is flat and silky, and the sturdy, well-feathered legs carry a compact, well-muscled body, with a level back and powerful hindquarters to provide plenty of drive. Feet are thickly padded and catlike, and the tail is feathered, slightly curved, and tapering from a thick base towards the tip.
A multitude of colours
Cockers have many variations in coat colour, patterns and markings, and are classified in two groups. There are the solid-, or self-coloured, where no white is allowed, except on the chest, in showing, and parti-coloured, which are white with one or more other colours. The latter group includes roans having a fine mixture of dominant coloured hairs and flecking white hairs, which vary in shade from light to dark. Solid colours include black, liver/chocolate, golden and red. Black & tan and liver/chocolate & tan are included in this group, as they are born of solid-coloured parents. Parti-coloureds come in a whole spectrum, including black, white & tan; black & white ticked; liver/chocolate & white; and orange roan. Those with ‘& tan’ are also known as ‘tri-coloured’. Regular grooming with a slicker brush and medium-toothed metal comb is essential to keep a Cocker’s coat looking its best and free from matting and tangles, particularly on the ears. The CSC recommends a thorough weekly grooming, but a quick daily brush and comb will keep on top of it in the meantime. Cockers generally need to be professionally trimmed every six to eight weeks to maintain the coat shape, depending on how fast and how much hair they grow.
Health and diet
The breed typically has litters of five to seven puppies, although this figure can be higher in the working type. Cockers are generally healthy, with an average longevity of 10-12 years, although some live well into their teens. Two or even three feeds daily are recommended, and crunchy, healthy treats, such as uncooked carrots and broccoli, help maintain teeth and gums. Cockers need daily exercise to help keep them physically and mentally healthy. “A good rule is to allow five minutes of exercise for every month of a puppy’s age until he is fully grown,” says Derek “Once fully mature at 18 months, an adult will take as much exercise as you can give him, but he’ll accept whatever is on offer. “Being compact, show-type Cockers are just as happy in a small townhouse or a mansion in the country. Working Cockers, however, require much more
“O this is fun! to see and smile, ‘And merrily the time beguile, ‘Till, fairly sated with the play, ‘We leave the rogue, and run away” Richard Cobbold, ‘Two Spaniels’
exercise and stimulation to keep them happy. A big garden isn’t necessary, but it must be secure so that the dog cannot escape.”
Quick to learn
Many people enjoy competing versatile Cockers in obedience, agility, fly ball and gundog activities. They are intelligent, biddable and respond well to praise, making them extremely receptive to training as they do their best to please their owners. As they are so gentle, sociable and quick to learn, Cockers are also employed as hearing dogs for deaf people, therapy dogs and alert dogs.
Darren Shelton, from Trawdon in Lancashire, considers himself to be ‘blessed’ to own Herbie, a 21-month-old golden show-type Cocker. “We got him aged 11 weeks, and he hasn’t left my side since. “The decision to get a Cocker spaniel was complex and required much research into the breed. We wanted a dog that could be trained to improve my quality of life by alerting me prior to the onset of paralytic seizures and then summon help. He needed to be intelligent, lively and loyal as well as sociable and friendly, and the correct size to fit in with my family and living space. “Herbie is our first Cocker spaniel and, without doubt, we would have one again. He’s been a fantastic family dog, loves people and other animals, and goes everywhere with us, from shopping to camping. He breathes life into our household and brings the sun out on the darkest of days.”
Contact The Cocker Spaniel Club , www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk The CSC has 25 regional clubs in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It also has a field trial section and one for rescue and rehoming.