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COCKER SPANIEL

The Cocker Spaniel is a breed that was first mentioned some 3000 year ago as existing in the Mediterranean countries. These "long eared rabbit dogs" were observed in the Roman province of Spain and it is believed they were brought to England after the Roman conquest of Britain in approximately 56 B.C. They featured prominently both as working dogs and pets through the reigns of Henry VIII and the Stuart Kings and were referred to as woodcocking spaniels, the small dog which could go through the hedges and undergrowth to flush out the woodcock.

The beginning of last century saw the formation of the Cocker Spaniel Club of England and they drew up the early standard of the breed for shooters who needed a small, active, strong dog, sturdy enough to work cheerfully and tirelessly all day flushing or driving out the game.

This fun loving, merry little dog makes a wonderful family friend and a devoted companion. They thrive on and need the companionship of a human being and are definitely not for a person who wants a dog to lock in a pen in their back yard.

Maintenance :
The sturdy little Cocker can be housed indoors or out of doors and providing the dog receives the love and affection it requires, it will happily settle for either situation. If kept indoors however, there is a problem in that being a long haired dog it sheds a little hair every day. This disadvantage may be overcome to a certain extent by regular grooming and particular attention should be paid to keeping the hair trimmed away from the under and around the ears, the undercarriage and the feet. If kept out of doors, the dog will require a suitable shed or kennel which is warm and draught free in winter, cool in summer and weatherproof at all times.

Health :
The breed as a whole does not encounter many problems although there have been some cases of bad temperament arising mainly in the "pure bred" golds. This problem is not usually found in the well bred registered pedigree puppy. It is strongly recommended that you purchase only pedigree puppies registered with your respected canine body.

All prospective owners of a Cocker Spaniel are advised to ask the breeder about any known hereditary diseases in the breed and the measures that have been taken by the breeder to counteract them. So please think and research carefully before you buy your Cocker Spaniel.

Feeding :
A "good doer", the Cocker is not a fussy eater and will eat almost anything. As a result many Cocker Spaniels become overweight and a reasonably controlled diet is required to ensure that this problem does not occur. A narrow food bowl is recommended so that their long ears fall either side of the bowl and not in the food. Your breeder will advise you on your puppy's diet as well as issue you with a Certificate of Registration & Pedigree, Immunisation Certificate and a Diet & Care Information Sheet.

Appearance :
The Cocker Spaniel is known as a medium sized dog, growing to approximately 39-41 cms (15 1/2 to 16 inches) for dogs and 38-39cms (15 to 15 1/2 inches) for bitches, at the shoulder and a similar length to the set on of the tail.

Basic colours of a Cocker Spaniel are: Black; Gold; Black & White; Blue Roan; Gold/Orange & White; Gold/Orange Roan; There are more unusual colours sometimes available such as: Black and Tan; Tricolour; Liver & White -and Liver Roan etc.

What can I do with my Cocker?
Cocker Spaniels can do almost anything. They have been used in every facet of dog work from showing to jumping, as well as being a lovable pet.

Obedience & Trialing:
Remember the Cocker Spaniel is an exuberant little fellow which needs to be trained. Even if you go to Obedience training for 12 months you and your dog will benefit from the experience. It is preferred if you are in control of your dog rather than vice versa.

There is also Agility Trials, Tracking Trials, Endurance Test, or Jumping. Before entering an any type of Trial you should obtain a rule book for the disciplines from the Obedience Club or Canine Body.

Showing:
Cocker Spaniels are an asset as a show dog. Whilst there is considerable grooming attached to this facet of the dog, their merry, outgoing nature and solid, compact frame make them unique to the Gundog Group. Your breeder and/or the Club would need to provide you with assistance in this aspect of the breed.

Further Information

	Books - Cocker Spaniel Pet Love



Cocker Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc.

Web: home.connexus.net.au/~cockers/

Last Update: 27/03/07 16:46