The American Cocker Spaniel

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.

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 a Brown Tri Parti, a Brown and Tan, a Silver/Buff ASCOB, and a Red and White Parti.  What's your favorite?

 Buff  ASCOB~  This is Danny, my first cocker

Buff is the most common and popular of cocker colors.  This is Danny, he blessed my life with love and joy for 14 wonderful years.

 Silver/Buff ASCOB~ This is our Isabelle

Lighter than buff, but not quite white.  Isabelle is our Silver Buff girl here at Pinecliff Cockers.

Brown Tri Parti - This is Bentley
Meet Bentley born here at Pinecliff Cockers.  He is a Brown and White Parti with Tan Points.

   Brown and White Roan Parti - This is Buddy

Buddy is just 5 months old in this picture.  He loves to play and tip over his "non-tip" bowl!

   Brown ASCOB ~ This is  Darla, my first chocolate girl             
This is my Darla napping with Grace and Henry.  Darla is playing in heaven with Danny and Gracie.  She blessed my life for 12 years.

Brown with Tan Points ASCOB - This is our Olivia

Brown with Tan Points - Olivia is our newest girl here at Pinecliff Cockers

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.

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*
Brown and Tan - This is a brown 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)
Brown Sable Parti - Brown and white parti with black mixed in with the brown
Red Sable Parti - Red and White Parti with black mixed in with the red

Please note that Sables and Merles are not recognized by the ASC. 

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