This playful and colorful dog is one of the oldest types of Spaniel known. Initially regarded as a general Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel was differentiated from the American Cocker Spaniel in 1946 due to size. A great gun dog, the English Cocker Spaniel is able to hunt, flush and retrieve game in dense cover. This dog’s name says it all, characterized by its talents as a woodcock hunter.

Affectionate, playful and intelligent, these dogs love children and make an excellent family pet in addition to their skills as a working dog. Two lines –field and show – have been bred through the years and it is best to talk to breeders to discover which dog is more desirable for you. Field lines have more energy and require more exercise, but are obedient gun dogs.

The English Cocker Spaniel has a parti-colored coat that is roaned or ticked with a combination of liver, red or black colors. The coat is a medium length and fine and may hang flat or slightly wavy on the body.

A compact dog, the English Cocker Spaniel males will be between 15 to 17 inches a the shoulder and the females will be 14 to 16 inches tall. Males will weigh between 28 and 34 pounds while females will weigh between 26 and 32 pounds.

Photo Courtesy of Warrior Spring Ranch.