Exploring the Wonderful World of Dogs
Cocker SpanielSpaniels historically flushed the game so the huntsmen could shoot it, working ahead of the huntsmen. As described in the History of Spaniels, they were descended from dogs used for 'Falconry'. Then with the advent of the gun, the many different breeds we know today began to emerge. Today, the different breeds of spaniels make excellent family companions as they are medium sized, require only moderate exercise and are easy to train.
Prior to the emergence of pure breeds, spaniels that worked in the field were collectively called 'Field Spaniels'. Then guns came into general use and, by 1865, the first Field Trial was held, just 6 years after the first Dog Show took place. Of the 7 different 'Spaniel' breeds than then emerged, only one retained the original name of 'Field ... »» Read more...
The Cocker Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel (American) are the two smallest Sporting Spaniel breeds. In addition, in 1892, the when the Cocker Spaniels was made a into a separate breed the Kennel Club of England by giving them separate classification distinct from the other six Spaniel breeds. When these British Cocker Spaniels were then sent to America, they founded ... »» Read more...
The Clumber and Sussex Spaniels are often considered together because both breeds are heavily built long, low Spaniels. Although both breeds worked by forcing their way through thick undergrowth, the Clumber worked silently while the Sussex sounds his voice when it finds game. At first glance, their most defining difference is their colour - the Clumber is always white while ... »» Read more...
The function of all the different breeds of Sporting Spaniels was to flush out birds and other game, causing them to rise, 'start' or take flight. Then the hunter could safely shoot at it. In the case of birds they would rise or take flight. In the case of game, they would start running. Larger Spaniels that used to 'spring' ... »» Read more...