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English Cocker Spaniels 2005 Wall Calendar
Spaniels are thought to take their name from
Hispania, the old word for Spain, which is considered the
country of origin for these breeds. Various sizes and shapes of
spaniels have been known in Britain and throughout Europe since
the 14th century. In 1677, a writer described spaniels as dogs
"with active feet, wanton tail and busy nostrils." By 1800,
spaniels had been divided into land spaniels and water spaniels.
Later, each type was named for the work it did. So it was that
the small, active, keen-nosed dogs that worked in dense
undergrowth to flush the woodcock became known as 'cockers.'
Developed in Britain, this was the original Cocker Spaniel. The
breed was imported to North America in the 1880s and when
American breeders developed a different type of cocker and the
breed was split in the 1940s, the original breed was renamed the
English Cocker Spaniel.
The English Cocker is noted for its intelligence and merry
disposition. An affectionate dog, the English Cocker's love and
faithfulness are characteristic of the breed.
Activity level: A responsive and willing worker, the breed
enjoys family life and is suited to most accommodations. He
needs regular exercise to keep trim since he tends to gain
weight easily.
Height/Weight: This medium-sized sporting breed measures
15-17 in (38-43 cm) at the shoulder and weighs 26-34 lb (12-14
kg).
Coat: The medium-long silky coat is flat or slightly wavy.
Coat on the head is short and fine. The English Cocker carries
feathering but it shouldn't be profuse.
Colour: The breed comes in a variety of colours including
black, red, liver, golden, black-and-tan and tri-colour, or roan
in blue, liver, red, orange or lemon.
Grooming: Frequent brushing to remove dead hair will keep the
coat shining. Some tidy-up trimming on the head, throat and feet
is required. |
