English Cocker Spaniels: Characteristics And Traits
English cocker spaniels are a breed of dog that has evolved from the main spaniel bloodlines. The spaniel lines usually depict a small to medium sized dog with floppy ears and a long, soft and silky coat. This specific breed of spaniel come sin two varieties, namely the working cocker and the show cocker. Both varieties of English cocker spaniels used to be somewhat similar in appearance but these days, the differences between both variants are so marked and noticeable that there will be no difficulty in distinguishing between the two. The English toy spaniel is a completely different breed from both and is also known as the King Charles Spaniel.
Physical Appearance
The overall physical appearance of the English cocker spaniels can best be described as sturdy. This sturdy breed of dog is well balanced and compact in appearance. The ears of the English cocker spaniel are long and breed standards demand that both ears should reach the nose when they are pulled forward to wards it. In most, if not all, breeds of English cocker spaniels, the ears are lobed and hanging with long hair which is usually wavy. The English cocker spaniels’ tails, as with many of the other spaniel breeds are docked at an early age to about four to five inches where it is permissible and legal. The colors for this breed is so varied that there are many to choose from. Solid colors may have some patches of white in the chest while roan and parti-color are also available. Most hunters who use the field working English cocker spaniels for hunting prefer to use lighter colored dogs or those with predominantly white markings for better visibility in the field.
English cocker spaniels can supposedly reach up to an average of twelve years of life. These dogs are prone to eye problems (commonly cataracts), skin allergies, ear problems (commonly deafness and parasites) and tumors or cysts. While these are the more common health problems that ail English cocker spaniels, other condition and sicknesses may also occur. Working and field breeds of this type of spaniel are also prone to ticks and other parasites since they are exposed to the wilderness more often than the others which are not used for hunting purposes or as gun dogs.
Temperament
English cocker spaniels’ are described as optimistic dogs which are adaptable and intelligent. Despite this intelligence, they may be difficult to train due to their inherently stubborn nature. English cocker spaniels are very loyal to their human and canine families and can bond strongly with an individual member of the family over others. This does not mean, however, that it will be disloyal to the others. They are affectionate medium sized dogs that like to show their affection to family members. English cocker spaniels are relatively stable and well balanced dogs. Although these dogs are relatively well behaved, they may need to be supervise din the presence of rowdy children and even children who are well behaved since the dogs are not as patient as other breeds. Many researchers believe that the coat color of the English cocker spaniels is connected to the dogs’ temperament. The lighter colored ones are supposed to be less prone to temper and stubbornness while darker colored ones are more prone to these.
Rage syndrome is a condition that usually affects spaniels, although it can also occur with other dogs as well. This condition is when the dog attacks another dog or human being for no apparent reason. The attack can be savage and unexpected since there will be no warning or outward sign of this. Studies into this condition has yielded that the dog is apparently unaware of anything else other than what it is attacking and often has a glazed or empty look in its eyes. Solid colored spaniels and those of the darker colors, especially the solid blacks, are more prone to this condition than any other colors although cases of rage syndrome are extremely rare and not limited to English cocker spaniels. It is however more common to the spaniel breeds than any other.
Overall, English cocker spaniels function as great gun dogs and also as companion dogs. In choosing the dogs, it is best to consider the lineage for temperament and stability as well as performance in hunting.
