Cocker Spaniel

History and Origins
– Cocker Spaniels originated in the UK as hunting dogs.
– The term ‘cocker’ comes from their use in hunting woodcocks.
– Prior to 1901, Cocker Spaniels were only separated from other spaniel breeds by weight.
– The origins of Cocker Spaniels are unknown, but they are mentioned in 14th-century writings.
– They are commonly believed to have originated in Spain.
– The Land Spaniel was divided into two types: hawking/springer and cocking/cocker spaniel.
– The Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were considered cockers until recognized as the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
– The formation of The Kennel Club in 1873 led to efforts to record pedigrees of cockers and springers.

Foundation Sires
– Ch. Obo is considered the father of the modern English Cocker Spaniel.
– Ch. Obo II is considered the progenitor of the American Cocker Spaniel.
– Obo was born in 1879 and his son, Obo II, was born on American shores.
– Obo II was claimed to be the sire or grandsire of many prize-winning cockers in America.
– Both modern breeds of cocker spaniels trace back to these two foundation sires.

Modern Breeds
– The two breeds of cocker spaniel are the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel.
– They were bred as gun dogs for hunting and retrieving birds.
– The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller with a domed head and shorter muzzle compared to the English variety.
– Cocker Spaniel coats come in various colors, including black, liver, red, and golden.
– Rare color variations can occur unexpectedly in certain lines.

English Cocker Spaniel
– The English Cocker Spaniel was recognized by The Kennel Club in 1892.
– The American Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in 1946.
– The English Cocker Spaniel is taller with a narrower head and chest compared to the American variety.
– Show dogs should weigh between 28-32 pounds.
– English Cocker Spaniels have been successful at the UK’s most popular dog show, Crufts.

American Cocker Spaniel
– American Cocker Spaniels were recognized by the AKC in 1878.
– Separate classes were created for American and English Cocker Spaniels in America in 1935.
– The Cocker Spaniel Club of America discouraged breeding between the American and English types in 1938.
– The American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed by the KC in the UK in 1970.
– The American Cocker Spaniel is referred to as the Cocker Spaniel within the United States.
– The American Cocker Spaniel was bred smaller than the English Cocker Spaniel.
– The breed’s appearance changed slightly during the first part of the 20th century to have a more stylish appearance.
– The standard size for males is between 14.5 and 15.5 inches at the withers.
– The standard size for females is between 13.5 and 14.5 inches at the withers.
– The weight of the breed is typically between 24 and 30 pounds.
– The American Cocker Spaniel has won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show four times.
– The American Cocker Spaniel is judged in three separate breed classes under AKC rules.
– The breed classes are black, parti-color, and any solid color other than black (ASCOB).
– The American Cocker Spaniel has achieved success in various dog shows and competitions.
– The American Cocker Spaniel’s recognition by the AKC and KC.
– The creation of separate classes for American and English Cocker Spaniels.
– The Cocker Spaniel Club of America’s stance on breeding between the American and English types.
– The American Cocker Spaniel’s recognition as a separate breed in the UK.
– The breed’s popularity and recognition in the United States and internationally.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocker_spaniel