About the Breed and it's History

The Cocker Spaniel is known as the smallest member of the sporting group. The average size is 13 1/2 inches to 15 1/2 inches at the shoulder.The average weight is between  24 to 30 lbs in size.  The males will tend to be on the higher end of the scale and the females will usually be on the lower end . Our females are on an average of 22 to 24 lbs and our males are around 25 to 27 lbs.

The cocker is a perfect size to handle and work with.  They travel well and love the outdoors.  Cockers have a muscular, sturdy build that allow for considerable speed and endurance.  The skull of the cocker is rounded or dome shaped, the eyes are round, although their rims give them a slightly almond shaped appearance.

Cockers  come in black, black with tan points called (Black and tan) parti colors and any solid color other than black,  which is called ASCOB. Cockers have been exhibited in the US since the 1880’s and it was not until 1878 that the first Cocker Spaniel was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The American Cocker Spaniel is of direct relation to it’s cousin the English Cocker.   Prior to the late 1800’s all spaniels were classed as one group. It was in the UK, that the larger dogs began more specialized work with larger flushing game and the smaller ones were a perfect size for hunting woodcocks.  The larger dogs continued to be bred to larger dogs, the smaller ones were bred to smaller dogs until there was a clear distinction  between the two.   Cockers go back longer than the existence of the US and the spaniels in England go back at least 400 years earlier. It is believed that the first Cocker Spaniel arrived in the US on the Mayflower in 1620.

According to breed authorities, the name “cocker” came from the special ability this dog has in flushing out woodcocks. They are truly  beautiful bird dogs that are known for being patient and stable in their work in the field. They  also  have the ability to spot, point, flush and gently retrieve game birds.

After cockers arrived in the US they began to be bred for desired traits.  (size, shape of head, build, eyes, coat, etc.).  The American Woodcocks (game birds) were smaller than the Eurasian Woodcocks found in England  so  even smaller size dog were  desired for hunting these birds.  The  dogs were carefully bred to help ensure an even smaller sturdy dog in the hunting of the American Woodcocks. Through the years they have changed or evolved from both  their original appearance of cockers and from the UK’s modern English Cocker Spaniels.

The American Cockers are  distinguished from the English Cockers by their size and appearance.   English Cockers are larger in size  and build. they have a longer broader  muzzle, flatter more stream line head , more narrow chest,  less coat that is shorter than the American Cocker and is more silky and flat in appearance.   The American Cocker is smaller in size with a shorter back, fuller chest and  have a round dome shaped head with a pronounced  stop.  They have beautiful  eyes that almost appear to be almond shaped,  They also have a much shorter muzzle and a very thick full coat  that is either straight or wavy.

Both English and American Cockers are commonly called “Cocker Spaniels” in their country of origin.  The American Cocker (the smaller dogs) are known for having a fun loving, playful, merry disposition.  Both
dogs are always on the move, willing to please, and loving to learn. The American Cocker as well as the English Cocker are excellent family dogs and love children as well as other pets. They make an incredibly loving family member. The two dogs now have a very different appearance and a different set of standards but both are lovely dogs.