Cocker Spaniel History

The Spaniel family is a large one of considerable antiquity. As far back as the 14th century we have mention of the Spanyell, which came to be divided into water and land spaniels, with further divisions in land spaniels based on size. "Cockers" were the smaller of the two types of spaniels and are to this day the smallest in the Sporting Group, their name deriving, apparently, from especial proficiency on woodcock. Not until 1883 were classes provided for the breed at English bench shows, and not until 1892 was the breed given breed status in England's Kennel Clubs stud book.

The Cocker has been exhibited in the US since the early 1880's. As developed here, however, the American Cocker has evolved somewhat differently in type, size, and coloring from the breed now recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. Field trials for the breed in the US were started by the parent Field Trial Club in the 1920s, and the Cocker's inherent desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog when judiciously trained. The Cocker covers all territory within gun range speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command, as a rule taking to water readily. From the moment it hit the show ring, however, the Cocker has engaged audiences and remains one of the most popular AKC breeds. Source: www.akc.org

Did You Know?

The origin of all domesticated dogs may have come from the wolf. Research conducted by geneticist Robert Wayne has shown that DNA of domesticated dogs and wolves differs by only 1%. It is theorized that wild wolves associated with early man eating left over food in his camps. This relationship grew when wolves offered man protection in return. Eventually, wolves adapted or were selectively bred to serve the purposes of man transforming them into the many breeds that exist today.

Cocker Spaniels come in a wonderfully wide variety of colors. I'll try and post as many pictures as I can! Our current cockers here at Pinecliff are Chocolate and White Parti's with Tan Points (commonly known as Chocolate Tri's) and a Red and White Parti. What's your favorite?

SILVER

Lighter than buff, but not quite white! Pictured is Rapunzel.

Photo compliments of Camelot Cockers

Black and White Parti

Meet Pirouette, a little Black and White Parti girl!

Photo compliments of Camelot Cockers.

Chocolate and White Tri

Meet Bentley of Pinecliff Cockers. He is a Chocolate and White Parti with Tan Points.

Buff

Buff is the most common and most popular of cocker colors. Pictured is Danny who is now in heaven. Danny blessed my life with joy & love for 14 wonderful years.

Red and White Parti

Not to be mistaken with buff and white, this is our Madison, a gorgeous Red and White Parti girl. What a face!

Chocolate and White

Here's a beautiful example of a chocolate and white. Meet Mon Cheri!

Photo compliments of Camelot Cockers

Chocolate

This is my Darla napping with Grace and Henry. Darla is playing in heaven with Danny. She blessed my life for 12 years.

Chocolate Tri Merle

This little beauty has it all! Casanova has a little of everything...Chocolate, white, tan and merle and check out those baby blues!

Photo compliments of Camelot Cockers

Other Colors to look for are listed below. I'll look for more pictures (or maybe get more puppies!...just kidding) and get them posted for you!

Red - Darker than buff, deeper color

Black - All black. A little bit of white on neck and chest ok per breed standard

Black and Tan - Simply Black with Tan Points*

Chocolate and Tan - This is a chocolate cocker with Tan Points*

Black and White Tri Color - Black and white Parti with Tan Points*

Sable - Sables are interesting and gorgeous. Look for black mixed in with other colors (other than white)

Chocolate Sable Parti - Chocolate and white parti with black mixed in with the brown

Red Sable Parti - Red and White Parti with black mixed in with the red

Blue Roan Parti -

Blue Roan Tri -

Blue Merle -

Blue Merle Parti -

Blue Merle Parti with Tan Points -

Attention Cocker Owners! Do you have a cocker who's color is listed above? I'd love to post their picture on my site as a representative of that color. Please email me with their picture, their name, and your name. Send to lisa@pinecliffcockers.com.

*Note: Breed standard says tan points should not cover more than 10% of dog's body

Did you know?

Have you heard the word "Ascob" when someone describes the color of a cocker?

Do you know what it means?

It is actually an acronym for "Any Solid Color Other Than Black"!

Now you know!

Site Visitors

Chocolate & White Roan

Meet Buddy! Buddy is a beautiful little boy, just 5 months old. He's a chocolate & white roan parti who loves to play and tip over his "non-tip" bowl! Photo compliments of Jen from Virginia

Color and Markings - According to the AKC (American Kennel Club)

Black Variety--Solid color black to include black with tan points. The black should be jet; shadings of brown or liver in the coat are not desirable. A small amount of white on the chest and/or throat is allowed; white in any other location shall disqualify.

Any Solid Color Other than Black (ASCOB)--Any solid color other than black, ranging from lightest cream to darkest red, including brown and brown with tan points. The color shall be of a uniform shade, but lighter color of the feathering is permissible. A small amount of white on the chest and/or throat is allowed; white in any other location shall disqualify.

Parti-Color Variety--Two or more solid, well broken colors, one of which must be white; black and white, red and white (the red may range from lightest cream to darkest red), brown and white, and roans, to include any such color combination with tan points. It is preferable that the tan markings be located in the same pattern as for the tan points in the Black and ASCOB varieties. Roans are classified as parti-colors and may be of any of the usual roaning patterns. Primary color which is ninety percent (90%) or more shall disqualify.

Tan Points--The color of the tan may be from the lightest cream to the darkest red and is restricted to ten percent (10%) or less of the color of the specimen; tan markings in excess of that amount shall disqualify. In the case of tan points in the Black or ASCOB variety, the markings shall be located as follows:

1) A clear tan spot over each eye;

2) On the sides of the muzzle and on the cheeks;

3) On the underside of the ears;

4) On all feet and/or legs;

5) Under the tail;

6) On the chest, optional; presence or absence shall not be penalized.

Tan markings which are not readily visible or which amount only to traces, shall be penalized. Tan on the muzzle which extends upward, over and joins shall also be penalized. The absence of tan markings in the Black or ASCOB variety in any of the specified locations in any otherwise tan-pointed dog shall disqualify.