Variety:
English Cocker Spaniel
Country of origin:
Great Britain
Destination:
Domestic, hunting dog
Colours:
Various
Character
Charming, cheerful, self-confident, friendly, sociable. The breed is sometimes aggressive.
Height:
38-40,6 cm
Weight:
13-15 kg
Longevity:
12-14 years
Other names:
English Cocker Spaniel
Hypoallergenic:
No
Litter size:
3-8 puppies
The English Cocker Spaniel is a very popular dog today. This breed impresses with its agility, friendliness and, of course, intelligence. Although the English Cocker Spaniel is often kept in an apartment, it should not be forgotten that it is a hunting dog that needs to be sufficiently physically active. This breed is best suited to people who are no strangers to active lifestyles and prefer a sufficiently active pet. The English Cocker Spaniel is an ideal family dog who simply adores children and gets on well with dogs. If the English Cocker Spaniel is not the only pet in the house, it is important to get it used to other animals from an early age, as smaller pets may try to hunt the breed.
History of the breed
It is speculated that Spaniels may have originated in Spain. The French phrase „Chiens de l’ Espagnol“ in Lithuanian would mean „Spanish dog“. The first records of spaniels can be found in written sources dating back to the early 14th century (the English cocker spaniel is one of the oldest types of spaniel). At the beginning of the 17th century, spaniels were divided into aquatic and terrestrial. Until then, spaniels were classified according to size – the large ones were used to attack prey and the small ones – to scare away quails. According to this purpose, in 1892 in Great Britain, the „springer“ and „cocker“ types of spaniel were distinguished. In 1930, the English Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog breed in Great Britain and remained so for 20 years. At a similar time in America, the same breed was used for breeding, so that a little later, in 1940, the English and American Cocker Spaniel breeds were distinguished (the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller).
English Cocker Spaniel: appearance
The English Cocker Spaniel is a rather short, long-haired dog. The height of males in this breed is 39.4 to 40.6 cm at the withers, females between 38 and 39.4 cm. English Cocker Spaniels look as if they are always squatting, but their legs should not be very short. The breed has a sturdy build with almost square body lines. The waist is firm and short and the back is straight. The skull is very well developed, with a distinct transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The muzzle is rectangular, the nose broad. Eyes large, by no means bulging, dark in colour. Ears are drooping, almost reaching the nose, covered with silky fur. Tail of medium length, growing below the dorsal line. The coat is straight, silky in texture, and may be of various colours: black, brown, chestnut, black and white, brown and white, and English Cocker Spaniels may also be tricoloured.
English Cocker Spaniel: character
The English Cocker Spaniel is very friendly to both family members and strangers and cannot be kept as a guard dog. They are very agile dogs that love freedom and play. Most dogs of this breed are very fond of fetching a dropped ball or other toy, and this activity should be practiced daily. Usually, walks of around 40-60 minutes are enough to recharge the pet physically, but it is also important to stimulate the dog’s mental activity. English Cocker Spaniels are very intelligent and are not very difficult to train, but they should be trained from a young age. If the dog is properly trained, it can be walked without a leash – the chances of the dog escaping are very low. English Cocker Spaniels are very attached to their owners, are happy to interact with all family members and frolic with children. The breed loves to swim, loves to