Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel refers to two different breeds of dogs of the Spaniel dog type: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel, both of which are commonly called simply Cocker Spaniels in their countries of origin. Cocker Spaniels were originally developed as a hunting dog in the United Kingdom, with the term "cocker" coming from their use to hunt the Eurasian Woodcock. When the breed was brought to the United States, changes were made which enabled it to specialize in hunting the American Woodcock, creating size and physical shape differences in the breed compared to its English cousin.

Spaniels were first mentioned in the 14th century by Gaston III of Foix-Béarn in his work the Livre de Chasse. The "Cocking" or "Cocker Spaniel" was first used to refer to a type of field or land spaniel in the 19th century. Prior to 1901, Cocker Spaniels were only separated from Field Spaniels and Springer Spaniels by weight. Two dogs are considered to be the foundation sires of both modern breeds, the English variety are descended from Ch. Obo, while the American breed follows in the footsteps of Obo's son, Ch. Obo II. In America, the English variety was recognized as separate from the native breed in 1946; in the UK, the American type was recognized as a separate breed in 1970. In addition, there is a second strain of English Cocker Spaniel, a working strain which is not bred to a standard but by working ability.

Both breeds share similar coat colors and health issues with a few exceptions.