The English Cocker Spaniel

Until the beginning of the previous century, the cocker and springer spaniels were more or less the same breed, the term cocker being used for the smaller animals from a litter and springer for the larger animals. With the interest in showing, the two varieties diverged into the breeds we now recognise.

The Working Cocker

There was a resurgence of interest in working cockers ten or twenty years ago. At the time I would have given my right arm for a suitable dog, but the sad loss of both my bitches on the same day led to a decision not to have a dog for a few years at least, and when the opportunity to have another dog arose my wife had her heart set on a GSP.

If I had access to suitable cover I would love to have a cocker, and there are more genuinely working strains around now.