the working cocker down south has definately gotten bigger, 25 years ago you never used to see cockers as big as springers. some springers also seem to have become bigger than the working strain of springers or maybe again here in the far north smaller working dogs prevail.. maybe its to do with the kind of cover they have to work in, its often really dense . and up here you dont see many show type springers thats for sure. again the same applies with labs you get smaller working labs up here ( I live in the far north highlands )
I know that my ex BIL had smaller working red setters and the pointers that are working locally also arent as big as some pet ones
? from show stock.
i dunno this far down south jean, there are some popular kennels that are breeding 'em big but still a couple of lines down this way that breed 'em a la jarv and rolo - i know a particular gundog breeder in Hampshire that is specialising in small traditional working cockers using certain lines (and his stud dogs are heavenly ). And Jarv's breeder likes them 'small and square' too
Im really glad helen as I dont want what makes a cocker a cocker to disappear for the sake of wins or popular sire thingamybob.
I know for a fact folk look at rolo and think " jeepers hes a titch he will never work.." well he can..however he does have a big head and a large gob which helps
no snipy nose there, he has a square muzzle and can hold a bird without grabbing. I would have personally liked him to be 2 inches taller but I love him regardless. and as for flushing ..hes fantastic.
mind you one of his breeders last litter has turned out taller than her average dogs, so you get extremes now and again which are quite natural within the breed. just like humans 2 average sized parents can give birth to a small child or a tall child..
one thing Ive noticed is healthy male pups ( and male children) usually end up as big or bigger than their mothers. not smaller. anyone else noticed this?