How to Identify an English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels are members of the sporting group. [1] Although they share some characteristics with other dog breeds (particularly the Cocker Spaniel - in fact, they were considered to be the same breed at one point [2] ), English Cocker Spaniels have several distinguishing characteristics as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is an English Cocker Spaniel.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

  1. English Cocker Spaniels are relatively small dogs, with males being 16–17 inches (41–43 cm) and weighing between 28–34 pounds (13–15 kg). Females are slightly smaller, being between 15–16 inches (38–41 cm) and weighing somewhere between 26–32 pounds (12–15 kg). [3]
  2. English Cocker Spaniels should have a strong head that is free from coarseness, and contoured softly with no sharp angles. [4]
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  3. English Cocker Spaniels have ears that lie close to their head and are set low, with fine leather. The ears should extend to their nose, and be covered well with silky, slightly wavy or straight, long hair. [5]
  4. English Cocker Spaniels have full, medium-sized eyes that are set wide apart, and slightly oval-shaped, with unnoticeable haws that may either be pigmented or unpigmented. [6]
  5. English Cocker Spaniels have a docked tail, that is set on to conform to their croup. The tail should ideally be moving constantly and carried horizontally while the dog is in action. If they're excited, then the tail may be carried somewhat higher, though it should not be cocked up. [7]
  6. Overall, English Cocker Spaniels should appear to be built compactly, and stand well up at their withers. Their gait should appear frictionless and powerful. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. If the dog is a solid color, it may be liver, black, or different shades of red. If the dog is particolored, then they should be either clearly ticked, marked or roaned, and white coloring should appear along with liver, black, or different shades of red. Ideally, a particolored dog should have broken solid markings on the body, that are almost evenly distributed, though they may not have any body markings at all. [9]
    • You may also notice clearly defined tan markings that are of rich shade in a black, liver, or particolored dog. [10]
  2. English Cocker Spaniels should be well-feathered overall, but not to the point where it interferes with their field work. [11]
  3. Overall, English Cocker Spaniels should have short, fine hair on their head, and it should be of medium length on their body. The hair is of a silky texture, and it may either be slightly wavy or flat. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. English Cocker Spaniels are known for being very loyal dogs. [13]
  2. English Cocker Spaniels are known for being trainable, and they love to learn and please. [14]
  3. English Cocker Spaniels are playful dogs, who enjoy a lot of physical activity. [15]
  4. While some may be known to bark, in most cases, English Cocker Spaniels are a relatively quiet breed. [16]
  5. Although English Cocker Spaniels are generally friendly, they sometimes will be a reserved with strangers. Therefore, early socialization can be helpful. [17]
  6. Therefore, it's best to keep them on a leash when they aren't in a fenced-in area. [18]
  7. English Cocker Spaniels are known to be friendly, so much that they have earned the nickname "The Merry Cocker". [19]
  8. English Cocker Spaniels are known to have an affectionate personality. [20]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-cocker-spaniel/
      2. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-cocker-spaniel#/slide/1
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-cocker-spaniel/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishCockerSpaniel.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-cocker-spaniel-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-cocker-spaniel-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-cocker-spaniel-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-cocker-spaniel-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-cocker-spaniel#/slide/1
      9. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-cocker-spaniel#/slide/1
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-cocker-spaniel-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-cocker-spaniel-temperament/

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