In our country-Croatia we must have working test if we want them to become a champions.And of course it's possible to work with show cocker,but not at the same time(because of coat)
In Finland we have the same rule, you need to pass a working test in order to become a champion.
But, with the coat part, I disagree strongly. When the coat quality is right, you don't need to worry at all. Just have to add a photo here. On 2nd of september 2006 my Emma was at a goosehunt for the whole day. This is her on the 3rd of september, winning best bitch with CC.
All my dogs have full coats, they are both shown and worked. And I think they are brilliant hunting dogs(and most of my hunting friends seem to think so too, as they constantly want to "borrow" one of my dogs
).