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Dogs are beautiful creatures to bring at home; they can be excellent companions for your children when you are busy with house chores and excellent hunters. There are many dog breeds, but if you're looking for an upbeat dog in the field but mellow at home, English Cocker Spaniel could be the right one for you. If hearing this breed for the first time, here's everything you need to know about these solidly-built sporting dogs.
Breed description and coat colors
English Cocker Spaniels are well balanced, medium-sized dogs standing between 14 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 26-32 pounds. The head of this breed is long and narrow with dark, melting eyes that express a dignified and alert expression. They have long and low-set ears that hang beautifully to the sides. They have a lifespan of 12-14 years, and therefore, you can form a long-lasting bonding with them.
They have a silky, medium-length coat with feathering on torso, legs, and ears. The hairs are long enough to protect their underside when in the field and not so long to become a hindrance to their performance. The coat comes in a variety of colors and combinations, such as solid colors of brown, orange, red and black, and combinations of the liver with white, black with white, red and white, orange roans, black roans, blue roan, parti-colors, and tricolors.
Personality
The English Cocker Spaniel breed is a devoted companion and is equally capable of a happy family life or hard work. Even though all spaniels were bred from the same line to have strong hunting instincts, English Cocker Spaniel is exceptional with his well-proportioned appearance as well as friendly disposition. He is loyal, playful, sensitive, biddable, and cheerful and likes being close to his family members and hence a perfect companion for an adventurous adult or considerate child. When well socialized, he has a high-spirited tail-wagging nature and will always be gentle and sweet with everyone and other pets.
History
The English Cocker Spaniel comes from a larger group of hunting dogs that were bred in Britain to become loyal and reliable field companions. The origin of spaniels dates back in the 16th century, a time when they were prized for their determination and instincts to help with hunting waterfowl and game birds. Any litter could produce both Springer spaniels and cocker spaniels, which were differentiated based on their size.
It was not until 1890 when the spaniel family was split into two, and both springer spaniel and cocker spaniel were recognized. Since then, they were developed and bred individually. Within the cocker spaniel breed, another smaller, furrier, and slightly blockier version came into popularity and was named the American cocker spaniel.
In 1935, the split was done and the AKC officially recognized the English Cocker Spaniel as an independent breed. Spaniels are devoted pets and people from all age groups appreciate their sweet nature. What's more, the nobility of this breed has also been treasured by British royal families as Prince William and Kate Middleton owned one which they named Lupo.
Hunting aspect
The English Cocker Spaniels are strong, compact, and intelligent little working dogs with a huge hunting drive and excellent retrieving instincts. They are powerful bird dogs capable of leaping walls and fences and carrying a game weighing three times their own body weight. They are eager to please their master, and thanks to their sensitive nature, they understand their role with ease. Their enthusiasm in the field is reflected by their beautiful tail-wagging nature which indicates that they enjoy hunting.
English Cocker Spaniel has infinite energy and desire to hunt all day. He searches and flushes birds from heavy covers and retrieves them. In other words, English Cocker Spaniel is a great companion in the field. He investigates potential covers for upland game birds and notifies the master and stays within the gun range to prevent flushing the birds outside the shooting distance. When the hunter is aiming the shot, these pointers sit to mark where the game will fall. Due to their obedience nature, they hunt down the shot games in both land and water, hold them tightly and give them to the hunter.
Bottom line
English Cocker Spaniels are merry dogs with an inquisitive nature. In the field, they're very energetic and can push through any dense bush to flush and retrieve gamebirds. When not in the field, they like being part of every family activity or curling up in a big armchair. Therefore, if you are looking for a dog with a tireless mentality to please in the field and a charming household companion, English Cocker Spaniel is the right breed for you.
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