Cocker Spaniels were first recognised by the Kennel Club as a separate variety in 1873, before this concession was made, it was customary for dog shows to put on classes for Field Spaniels, meaning those that worked and not a separate variety. They have been and remain amongst the most popular breed of dog world wide.
Traditionally Cockers were the small ones in a litter, the larger ones being put into competition with classes for heavier dogs, in some cases even one of a litter might be classed as a Sussex Spaniel the rest being classed as Cockers, such was the ambiguity of the breed in those times.
Today however, the Cocker is a sturdy, sporting, well balanced, compact dog with a merry nature and ever wagging tail. It shows a typical bustling movement specially when following a scent and is not afraid of heavy cover. A working Cocker has enormous stamina, he can be on the go all day and still be up for more. At the same time they can be sociable, gentle, and affectionate.
While assisting in the shoot, Cockers work within gun range, they are steady to shot, able to mark and retrieve shot game to hand with a soft mouth. They have a natural ability to work on smaller game such as mallard, pheasant, partridge woodcock, rabbit etc. and generally have a good nose which is highly prized in gun dogs. A working Cocker is more than well equipped to hunt in woodlands, farmland, hedgerows, marshlands or open fields having a finer coat than the show Cockers. If properly trained and bred for work they make the most competitive of dogs. With a fully trained dog and an expert handler Cockers enjoy Field Trials some specifically for Cockers which are held all over the country. The Cocker Spaniel Club runs two or three Field Trials a year.
Other larger breeds however are not nearly as versatile such as being too large for heavy cover and some field work. Their proportions can hinder them in their work, they can tire more easily and as a rule a big dog is a slow dog. They are not able to scramble through difficult terrain and it is possible that game may be lost or put up as a result.
One of the downsides of Cockers generally is the prevalence of the eye conditions, CPRA, GPRA & Glaucoma and the kidney disease, Familial Nephropathy, however a good breeder will explain what steps they take to avoid these hereditary problems perhaps suggesting annual eye-testing, Optigen/Antag.
Cockers are gentle, exuberant happy breed with a zest for life, a medium sized dog with a large dog’s capabilities. Cockers are good gun dogs in all types of cover, they are sturdy, strong and loyal. Their worldwide popularity over the years shows that they continue to be amongst the top ten gun dog breeds that are much sought out for competition. Cockers are good gun dogs that can also make good family pets given the right location, training, home and circumstances. However they remain a working dog at heart and need all the exercise and stimulation that entails.
Article by Margo Stevens
We have an 11 month old Cocker from working lines (solid Black). She has, in abundance, all of the attributes which typify the working cocker, in breed standard, looks,intellegence, and manner.
We got her from a gamekeeper in southwest Scotland at eight weeks old. She is not KC registered, apparently due to her mother being a rescued dog.
My wife is keen to have her neutered soon. I am unsure. Is it now impossible to have her KC registered.