Cocker Spaniels - Puppies - Pictures

Cocker Spaniels - Puppies - Notes on History

The fist settlers on board the Mayflower brought the English Cocker Spaniel, also called the Cocker in countries other than the United States, to America. The breed was changed some by American breeders, causing a question of splitting it into two different breeds. However, it was not until 1936 when the AKC approved of the breed's separation.

Each breed, the America and the English Cocker Spaniel, acquired their own standard that breeders were supposed to follow. It was agreed not to interbreed the two breeds to preserve their individual traits. Standards were rewritten a couple of times providing for further changes in both the American and the English Cocker.

Nowadays, American Cockers are one of the favorites in the United States. The breed, however, has not managed to push aside its older counterpart in Europe. The English Cocker remains one of the leading Hound dogs in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world. Its success is partly due to the English Cocker's working qualities. The dog is still being used in hunting and does pretty well in its original activities.

As for the American Cocker Spaniel, it serves mainly as a pet. Even though the standard states a dog should not have excessive coat so as to prevent it from working in the field, many American Cockers do have too much coat. Such dogs are bred mostly for conformation. American Cockers are frequent winners of agility and tracking competitions.

Cocker Spaniels - Puppies - Present and Future

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