If there was ever a dog that deserved the name “sweetheart”, it’s surely the Cocker Spaniel. One of the most brilliant breeds for pets, this dog started life as a hunting dog, but it’s caught our hearts and is now one of the most well-regarded pets in the UK. Let’s learn a little more about them.
Origins
The Cocker Spaniel is a very long lived breed and arrived in the UK in the 15th Century from Spain. They take their name from their renowned prowess at hunting woodcock; a trait that made them very popular when the nobility were very enthusiastic about eating woodcock. And of course they belong to the Spaniel family, bred to flush game (including woodcock) from dense brush.
Appearance
There are several sub-breeds of Cocker Spaniel out there but essentially they come down to the American and English breeds. American Cocker Spaniels tend to have much longer hair and longer ears, while the English Cocker Spaniel has a much larger muzzle and head. Both breeds grow to around 40cm tall (give or take) and typically they weigh under 15kg. This makes them very small for spaniels but they’re not quite the smallest breed (the King Charles Spaniel, appropriately, retains that crown). And because of their long, curly coats, this breed requires a fair bit of grooming to keep them looking sharp and feeling comfortable and clean.
