CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => General Cocker Spaniel Discussion => Topic started by: oliver on March 05, 2004, 05:30:13 PM

Title: what is the difference?
Post by: oliver on March 05, 2004, 05:30:13 PM

Can anyone tell the difference between these spaniels?
Cocker spaniels, springer spaniels and field spaniels. Is there a difference between show cockers and working cockers?
I'm confused!
thanks for any advice                    

Title: what is the difference?
Post by: Silver Surfer (indiesnan) on March 05, 2004, 06:04:33 PM

Hi Oliver yes there is a difference, I'm sure one of the more experienced members will be on to explain to you shortly.  :)                    

Title: what is the difference?
Post by: Jane S on March 05, 2004, 06:42:53 PM

Hi Oliver

Cocker Spaniels, Field Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels are all entirely different breeds (although if you go back a hundred years or so, they developed from similar ancestry) If you want info on each breed, go to the Kennel Club website (www.the-kennel-club.org.uk (http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk)) and check out the Discover Dogs section (look under Gundogs). There are also 3 other Spaniels in the Gundog Group - the Sussex Spaniel, the Welsh Springer and the Irish Water Spaniel.

Working Cockers differ from the normal show/pet-type Cocker you may be used to seeing as they are bred specifically to work in the field as gundogs (the breed's original purpose). They have shorter, finer coats with shorter ears and a squarer, blockier look to the head. They can appear to be leggier than the show-type Cocker too.

HTH

Jane