SHOW COCKER SPANIELS

Show Cocker Spaniels are a type of Cocker Spaniel specifically bred for conformation shows like Crufts. They are known for their luxurious, silky coats and compact, rounded bodies, with longer, silkier ears compared to their working counterparts. While they share the same lovable personality as working Cockers, show Cockers are bred to meet specific breed standards for appearance, focusing on features like a domed skull, longer ears, and a more profuse coat. 

About this breed

The breed's name comes from its original function, as he was used to hunt woodcock. The breed was not recognised as a separate variety until 1893 and until that time all the spaniels, collectively known as Land Spaniels, were bred together and later classified depending on size and colour. They were selectively bred for suitability for their work and for the terrain. It was a requirement that a Cocker Spaniel should simply be under 25 lbs in weight. Whilst blacks dominated the rings in the early shows, Welsh Springer outcross was used to establish parti-coloured lines.

The Cocker Spaniel earns the epithet 'the merry cocker' for his ever-wagging tail denoting his happy temperament. In the early 20th century the breed was at its height of popularity and it remains hugely popular as a family pet.

General appearance

Merry, sturdy, sporting; well balanced; compact; measuring approximately same from withers to ground as from withers to root of tail.

Characteristics

Merry nature with ever-wagging tail shows a typical bustling movement, particularly when following scent, fearless of heavy cover.

Temperament

Gentle and affectionate, yet full of life and exuberance. While still energetic, show Cockers generally have slightly lower energy levels than working Cockers, but still need adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in homes where owners are willing to provide regular grooming, exercise, and mental enrichment. 

Head and skull

Square muzzle, with distinct stop set midway between tip of nose and occiput. Skull well developed, cleanly chiselled, neither too fine nor too coarse. Cheek bones not prominent. Nose sufficiently wide for acute scenting power. They have a more domed skull compared to working Cockers. 

Eyes

Full, but not prominent. Dark brown or brown, never light, but in the case of liver, liver roan and liver and white, dark hazel to harmonise with coat; with expression of intelligence and gentleness but wide awake, bright and merry; rims tight.

Ears

Lobular, set low on a level with eyes. Fine leathers extending to nose tip. Well clothed with long, straight silky hair. Their ears are longer and more luxuriant than working cockers, often described as being "low-set". 

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Moderate in length, muscular. Set neatly into fine sloping shoulders. Clean throat.

Forequarters

Shoulders sloping and fine. Legs well boned, straight, sufficiently short for concentrated power. Not too short to interfere with tremendous exertions expected from this grand, sporting dog.

Body

Strong, compact. Chest well developed and brisket deep; neither too wide nor too narrow in front. Ribs well sprung. Loin short, wide with firm, level topline gently sloping downwards to tail from end of loin to set on of tail.

Hindquarters

Wide, well rounded, very muscular. Legs well boned, good bend of stifle, short below hock allowing for plenty of drive.

Feet

Firm, thickly padded, cat-like.

Tail

Set on slightly lower than line of back. Must be merry in action and carried level, never cocked up. Previously customarily docked.

Undocked: Slightly curved, of moderate length, proportionate to size of body giving an overall balanced appearance; ideally not reaching below the hock. Strong at the root and tapering to a fine tip; well feathered in keeping with the coat. Lively in action, carried on a plane not higher than level of back and never so low as to indicate timidity.

Gait/movement

They are expected to move with a "true, driving gait" in the show ring, covering ground well. 

Coat

Flat, silky in texture, never wiry or wavy, not too profuse and never curly. Well-feathered forelegs, body and hindlegs above hocks. Show Cockers require extensive grooming to maintain their long, silky coats. 

Size

Height approximately: dogs: 39-41 cms (15½-16 ins); bitches: 38-39 cms (15-15½ ins). Weight approximately: 13-14.5 kgs (28-32 lbs).

The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.