English Cocker Spaniel / Cocker Spaniel, Cocker, Merry Cocker Woker

Breed history:

 The Cocker spaniel is the direct successor of the "Chien d'Oysel" used for bird hunting in England and France since the 9th century. In the 14th century Gaston Phoebus mentioned these dogs in its work "Book of Hunting" calling them "Espainholz", making reference to their Spanish origin. As far back as the 18th century, there were two varieties of cockers in England: Springer and Cocker Spaniel. In 1893 the Kennel Club in Great Britain established the standards for each variety, these becoming separate breeds and in 1936 they became the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel.

Description:

 It is a small- to medium-sized, strong, agile dog, very resistant. It has well-shaped head and a prominent stop. The head is conical, round and broad, with a square-shaped muzzle and a well- developed, flat nose. The eyes are big, egg-shaped, set apart, light or dark hazel. The ears are placed low, long, drooping, round-ended and covered with long, rich, wavy hair. The neck is long and brawny. The tail is at the level of the back, docked 2/3 of its length, carried horizontally and moving. The fur has soft, silky, medium length, straight or wavy hair, shorter on the head and thicker on the ears, legs, chest and belly, forming fringes. It can be: reddish-brown, dark red, black with fawn, white with back, red with or without blue, orange, dark red patches (with or without fawn edges)

Personality:

 It is a lively, jolly, resistant, intelligent and gentle dog, but sometimes independent if it has the opportunity. It is  obedient, affectionate and devoted to its master and patient with children. It has no problem with other dogs or other household animals. 

Grooming:

 This dog's fur must be brushed and combed regularly not to get tangled. Excess hair between the footpads and in the ears must be removed. If necessary, the fur can be cut 2-3 times per year by a specialist. 

Living conditions:

 It is a dog resistant to weather changes, to heat, to fatigue, it easily adapts to the offered living conditions, outdoors or indoors. It has a medium level of activity and it satisfied with less daily exercise, but will enjoy long walks in the open, playing, running and even swimming. I has a propensity to agility games. It needs training and socialization.

Training:

 With a consistent, gentle, sympathetic training, the wanted results can be achieved, because it is an obedient dog and understands rather easily what is required of it.

Usefulness:

 It is still an excellent hunter, pointer and retriever, even if it is seldom used as such. It is a jolly and pleasant companion dog.