Land Spaniels (Sporting)

Cocker SpanielCocker 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 'Fowling'. 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.

Field Spaniel galloping

Field Spaniel

Prior to the emergence of pure breeds, all spaniels that worked in the field were logically called 'Field Spaniels'. Then guns gradually came into general use and, by 1865, the first Field Trial was held. This was just 6 years after the first Dog Show took place. Then 7 different 'Spaniel' breeds emerged. Only one retained the original name, 'Field ... »» Read more...

Cocker Head Cabal

Cocker Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel (American)

Cocker Spaniels are the two smallest Sporting Spaniel descended from the Spaniels described in the History of Spaniels. Progress to develop Cockers as a show dog was made in the late 1800's when the weight limit of 25 pounds was abolished. British Cockers were then sent to America where they founded the separate breed, the Cocker Spaniel (American). But the ... »» Read more...

Clumber head 1934

Clumber and Sussex Spaniels

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...

Springer English springing

English and Welsh Springer Spaniels

There is no logical reason why the English and Welsh Springer Spaniels were named 'Springers'. Instead the function of all the different breeds of Sporting Spaniels was to flush out birds, causing them to rise, 'start' or take flight or, in the case of game, cause it to 'start' running. Then the hunter could safely shoot at it. If the ... »» Read more...


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