The History and Origin of English Cocker Spaniels

So how exactly did English Cocker Spaniels even manage to become a dog breed in the first place anyways? Well, early forms of the English Cocker Spaniel, also known as the Merry Cockers, first originated in the European country of Spain, but it was in Great Britain that the more modern versions of English Cockers were truly developed. These Gundogs were bred by the English for the purpose of hunting and retrieving woodcock and small game out on the out in the open fields, after the game had been shot down. Although, these canines had already existed for quite some time, the British Kennel Club never even accepted English Cocker Spaniels as an official purebred dog breed up until the year of 1892. Later around the time of World War Two, English Cocker dogs first began to sore in their numbers with popularity. Now, ever since the World War Two era, English Cocker Spaniels have remained some of the most recognizable dog breeds across the globe.

Do you like English Cocker Spaniels? If the answer is yes, then I recommend checking out my other blog on Border Collies.
http://hubpages.com/hub/what-makes-border-collies

English Cocker Spaniel Temperaments and Dog Training

English Cocker Spaniels have wonderfully lively, loving, and playful temperaments that make these Gundogs amazing house pets too. English Cockers are dogs that are great with children, and make lovely pets for people of all ages in general, young and old. If you're looking for the perfect family pet, then look no further. Merry Cockers are some of the all time best family canine companions out of all the breeds of dogs. The English Cocker Spaniel is an easy dog breed to train, and English Cocker Spaniels also respond exceptionally well to obedience dog training when using positive dog training techniques.


Remember to Keep in Mind: Although the English Cocker Spaniels are dogs that are good with children, some children may not be too fond of this breed just because they tend to have somewhat overly playful, excited personalities and temperaments that some children just don't seem to click too well with. Besides that, the English Cocker Spaniel dog breed can make the perfect family pet for many families and individuals.

~ Also, if you like English Cocker Spaniels, then I highly recommend reading my other blog about Irish Setters too.
~ http://hubpages.com/hub/why-irish-setters-are-simply-better

The English Cocker Spaniels Coat and Appearance

English Cocker Spaniels have long silky smooth coats that are flat with a subtle waviness to them. English Cocker Spaniels have coat color variations ranging from liver, dark chocolate brown, beige, jet black, light brown, and golden brown. These small little Gundogs have large expressive eyes that almost always come in dark opaque browns or medium brown shaded colors, but English Cocker Spaniels can also occasionally wear hazel, blue, and green eyes. The English Cocker Spaniels dogs have lengthy feathered ears that hang low on their large heads. The English Cocker Spaniel dog breed has upper lips that barely surpass their lower jaws. English Cockers hold up feathered compact bodies that are lean, elegant, and tone, making these canines well built as retrieving dogs and hunting dogs. English Cockers carry deep, broad chests which gradually change into their small thin waists. These Gundogs have well proportioned legs when compared to their general body ratios. Often times, English Cockers have their tails docked, but many English Cocker Spaniel breeders will still leave their English Cocker Spaniel puppies with all natural tails too from time to time.

Health:
For the most part English Cocker Spaniels are healthy canines, but like most purebred dog breeds English Cocker Spaniels are prone to some hereditary health concerns and diseases. Some of the health concerns and diseases that English Cocker dogs are prone to include kidney problems, Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), and hereditary eye problems of various sorts.


The Average English Cocker Spaniel Life Span:
The average English Cocker Spaniel life span is roughly between 13 and a half to 14 and a half years of age. English Cockers have may live long life spans if they are taken care of responsibly and correctly. If you don't give your English Cocker the proper amounts of exercise for example, your English Cocker Spaniels life span will probably have a shorter number on it. If you want for your little Gundog to live to his or her fullest capacity, you've got to give your canine the proper love and care that it truly requires.


English Cockers Withers and Weight:
Male English Cocker Spaniels have standard withers of 15 and a half inches to 17 and a half inches tall. Female English Cocker Spaniels stand on withers that usually range from 15 inches to 16 and a half inches high. If either Male English Cocker Spaniels or Female English Cocker Spaniels withers are any more or less than the average height this is considered to be abnormal and a faulty trait. Abnormal height also means that English Cocker Spaniel Breeders will preferably not breed canines of those sorts.


Male English Cocker Spaniels and Female English Cocker Spaniels should weigh within the healthy weight margin of 27 pounds to 33 pounds. Weighing anything more or less is often times considered to be unhealthy, especially if the English Cocker Spaniel is overweight or perhaps even obese, but if you exercise your canine companion and meet his or her daily requirements, your English Cocker becoming overweight should not ever be an issue for you and your dog.