The English Cocker Spaniel is popular with dog owners for its character and aristocratic appearance. The material of this article will be useful to those who want to buy a puppy of this breed, but does not know what nuances of pet maintenance may be encountered. We will dwell on various aspects of this topic, tell you where these dogs came from, what their appearance is according to the standard, what are the advantages, disadvantages and nuances of their choice.
History of origin
Few people know that the ancestors of the modern British were the so-called ash dogs, who lived in the Bronze Age. It is believed that it was the ash dogs that became the ancestors of all hunting animals of the canine family. The remains of these animals are well preserved in the ashes, which is why scientists have suggested that the ancestors of spaniels at one time sacrificed to mythical gods, burning at the stake.
Changes in the ecological background and lifestyle of each era imprinted on the appearance of dogs. For example, this explains the more elongated type of muzzle inherent in modern pets. The further evolution of the English aristocrats is rather contradictory. The opinion that they originated from the Spaniards is not confirmed, but it is known for certain that the breeding history began in 1879.
English dogs are descended from Spaniels who lived in Albion many centuries ago. As a separate species, they became known at the beginning of the 19th century, for which they were bred artificially in order to create dogs of the perfect hunting species.
England was recognized as the birthplace of animals, whose aristocrats at one time were obsessed with hunting. They needed dogs to scare the feathered game and bring it to their owners.
Initially, large individuals were chosen for crossing. Later for breeding began to use the Japanese Spaniel, donated by the Queen of England. As a result, puppies of a smaller size and another color, called blenheim game, which today is the hallmark of all spaniels, began to appear. At the end of the XIX century, the first club of spaniel lovers was created.
His creation led to the wide distribution of English dogs as a separate breed of spaniels around the world. The first representative of the current breed, born in England, was named Obo. It was from him that the breeding of the British Spaniels went, and from his son Obo the Second went the American branch of the Spaniels.
Despite the fact that the British were able to register British pets in 1893, the standard for them was finally approved only 10 years later. The dogs that adorned the exhibition events were called “field spaniels” and later “merry cockers”. The world community has developed a standard for dogs of this breed in the 80s of the last century.
Since then, the breeding of English Spaniels is subject to its rules.
In our country, these pets are not so many, they have become known only since the beginning of the twentieth century, but little attention was paid to their breeding. We can say that interest in them appeared only at the end of the 70s of the last century. The Russians attracted these dogs not so much with their hunting instincts as with their character traits.
Breed description
English Cocker Spaniel has several differences. This dog looks like a true aristocrat: with small dimensions it has a unique appearance and a proud posture. The representative of the breed is characterized by muscular physique and endurance. He has a graceful head with a moderately convex crown, flattening with age.
The muzzle of the animal is proportional, with a raised foot, to a rectangular shape, the nose of the nose is wide, well developed. The skull has a rounded shape, it is moderately light. In comparison with the American counterparts, the British Spaniel is somewhat larger and more graceful. Its average weight ranges from 13-15 kg, in addition, it is higher.
The height at the withers of these Cocker Spaniels is 39-41 cm in males and from 37 to 39 cm in females. The jaws of the British are massive, have a classic scissor bite. The nostrils are large, wide-open, which explains the exceptional flair of the English Spaniels. Hanging ears from a representative of the breed are long, oval, planted low.
Their coat is soft and silky. The eyes of dogs are clever and wet, the ears are wide, tight to the skull. They are overgrown with thick hair. The undercoat is dense, at the bottom of the body the coat forms a skirt of long hairs.
A characteristic feature of the coat of British Spaniels is the presence of fringe on the front and hind legs.
The neck of the spaniel is proportional, not short and not long, it is strong, muscular and has no folds. The body is characterized by some compactness. At the same time, the back of a purebred dog does not have a deflection: it is perfectly flat, the short croup is characterized by massiveness. Thorax deep, wide, but not tending to the shape of the barrel.
The paws of the English Spaniel are proportional to the body: they are not long, muscular, powerful and straight. The shoulder case and the knees of the representative of the breed are bent, due to which the dog can not limit its movements. At the same time, the height of the front legs can be large. Sufficient corners of the joints of the metatarsus and the closure joint allow the jerk to be elastic.
The shape of the paws of the Englishman is rounded, the fingers on the limbs tightly abut each other, their pillows are quite elastic. Tail docking is considered a mandatory point according to the regulations of the approved standard. However, there are some nuances: for example, in some countries, stopping is prohibited. In view of this, English Cocker Spaniels with long tails can be seen at exhibitions.
When the natural length of the tail reaches the hock, it is planted below the dorsal line. The shape of the uncropped tail itself is wider at the base and tapered at its end. As for the rules of cupping, then this tail should not be cut too short. Otherwise, the animal will not be able to express its emotions, the same is reflected in the appearance and hunting indicators.
The coat of these dogs is adjacent. It is rather soft, straight in some places, the wool of these dogs coils in the areas of the front and hind legs, on the stomach and in the groin area. At the same time towing can be observed on it.
Disqualifications are for individuals with curly hair and insufficient neck length. In addition, the standard considers a back vice with a deflection or a characteristic hump. Also "cows" setting limbs and lip depigmentation are unacceptable.
Varieties
To date, the standard for the English Cocker Spaniel allowed 4 types of color: single color, spotted, tricolor and speckled. Each type has its own color solutions. For example, monochrome coloring allows for colors such as black, golden, reddish, brown, chocolate. This also includes the colors with burns: black and liver.
Color with points implies the presence of white. The main color can be fawn, red, liver and black. Tricolor colors have a tan with basics of two types: black and white and liver white.As for speckled varieties, here are the roans: red, fawn, blue, brownish. Also in this group consists of two types of tan: brownish and blue. The most common colors are considered to be golden and black.
It is possible to classify dogs according to such characteristics as assignment. They are hunting and exhibition. For example, white dogs, which are bred for hunting, should stand out against the background of high grass. However, these dogs are not allowed to exhibit.
There are other differences in show animals. For example, their fur should be longer, like ears. The differences lie in the length of the tail: in exhibition dogs it was stopped due to the fact that the standard allows it to remain no longer than 10 cm. In hunting fellows, lengths of up to 13 cm are allowed.
Character and behavior
English Cocker Spaniel is different intelligence and ingenuity. With timely training and the right approach to training, he is able to learn a lot of teams, to understand the essence of the rules established in the house, which he will obey without question. In most cases, from these animals grows quite intelligent dog, able to adapt to the mood of the owners and the specific situation. The dog of this breed subtly feels the atmosphere reigning in the house.
No wonder the British Spaniels are called "positive generators." They are on a positive wave, almost always cheerful, energetic and cheerful. As a rule, they are able to find an approach to their owners, get along well with them, charging them with a good mood of all the household. If the dog is not in the mood or seems tired, sad, this is the first sign of her poor state of health.
By the nature of the Cocker Spaniels are real sanguines. They will not sit in one place for a long time, because they constantly need somewhere somewhere because of irrepressible curiosity. They are extremely friendly, they are interested in everything new, they love to meet new people, guests of the owners, not treating them as potential enemies. Their friendliness captivates both people and other pets living in the house.
These dogs do not just get along well with their relatives. They are not irritated by cats, they know how to keep a distance and do not climb to the cats. In addition, they get along with guinea pigs living in the same house.
However, with regard to the bird, there must be greater vigilance. Due to the nature of the laid hunting instincts, the neighborhood, for example, with chickens and parrots is undesirable.
The activity and mobility of dogs rolls over, which is why they need a cheerful, strong-willed and agile owner. You can not mock the animals with short and rare walks: it is extremely important for him to get rid of tons of energy through long runs, supplemented by adequate physical exertion or active games. The representative of this breed is sensitive to the intonation of the host. A cheerful line of behavior will be formed on the basis of the attitude to the animal of the owner and the rest of the household.
The behavior of dogs is like a bigley: they are also characterized by playfulness and spoiled. Therefore, the upbringing and training of the pet must begin as early as possible. Otherwise, the rudiments of willfulness and disobedience will take root within six months. To cope with them in the future or adjust them will be very problematic.
Despite the fact that, in general, dogs exude friendliness towards people, by nature they are characterized by the makings of watchmen. A well-trained dog will not show his suspicion at the sight of an alien in the house. However, this does not mean that he will not perceive him with suspicion. If the thief has got on a site, the British will inform on him with ringing barking.
Another interesting fact is that English spaniel females tend to dominate. They may be stubborn in their character, although they are more helpful in comparison with males.As for males, then, as practice shows, there are cases when they adopted certain features of their owners. Individual males show a quiet and timid character at all.
Others are trying so hard to please the owners that the dressing does not cause much trouble. Some are hard to reassure when they are engaged in bark. If the owner allows himself to be rude to the pet, some members of the breed may grin and growl in response. In other cases, the dog grows shy with rough handling.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any dogs, the breed of English Cocker Spaniels have both the best sides and disadvantages. For example, the key advantage of these animals can be called not only activity, but also intelligence. They do not behave foolishly, confusing the owner under their feet. Whatever they do, these dogs first think and then do.
The British are characterized by devotion to their masters. If they are properly trained, they show devotion to their masters throughout their lives. In addition, they do not offend children, and therefore can live in families with children. Their tirelessness is good for active games with older children. It is believed that dogs are suitable for breeders of different ages, although older owners may find it difficult to play with dogs in the way that the pet needs.
However, despite the good nature shown by the dog to all family members, some individuals tend to single out one person from it, demonstrating to them a large share of canine love and devotion.
An indicator of happiness in many dogs is being close to the owner. On the one hand, this is good, but the loss of the pet’s independence can be a minus of such affection for the owner.
A convenient indicator is the size of animals, which allows them to comfortably accommodate not only in private homes, but also in apartments. Usually they do not create special problems for breeders, the standard set of things for them is the same as for other medium-sized animals. These animals have good eyesight and sense of smell, but their disposition is completely incompatible with the character of the owner, striving for solitude, silence and tranquility.
As for the other drawbacks of these dogs, poor training is observed in some individuals. Unfortunately, not all spaniels are well trained. Some of them without training are not able to protect the house and its inhabitants. Also, a sonorous barking can become a problem for the owners, which can especially strain the neighbors if the dog lives in an apartment building.
Another disadvantage is the susceptibility of pets to infection with ear infections. In addition, they have an abundant molt, which complicates the care of wool and makes it more regular and thorough in order to save household things from wool ingrained in them. Some of the representatives of the breed are distinguished by loud and long barking, through which they try to cope with loneliness.
Among other shortcomings can be noted obstinacy, characteristic of individual individuals of the British. Some of the dogs are real owners, and therefore can afford to be jealous of their beloved master.
The disadvantage is the tendency of dogs to overeating: they need to be fed not only correctly, but also dosed. In this case, pets may have different preferences in food.
Health and life expectancy
The vital resource of the breed on average is 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can be increased. Animals that are 16 years old are considered to be long-livers. Some animals live significantly less. This is due to the peculiarities of health, the climatic background of a particular region, a predisposition to diseases and a violation of the norms for the prevention of diseases.
In the open spaces of the network you can find a lot of information that characterizes English Spaniels as dogs with excellent immunity. However, this statement is only partly true.In fact, the immunity is good in young animals, and by old age, many of them are overgrown with a whole bunch of different ailments. For example, among the potential diseases include glaucoma, cataracts, bloat and eversion of the eyelids, as well as retinal atrophy.
Among other troubles that may affect the representatives of this breed, can be noted melanoma, hepatitis, lipoma, dysplasia, discopathy, otitis. Some dogs, like people in old age, lose their hearing, becoming deaf. Others are susceptible to hysteria, third have papillomas with age.
The sooner the breeder notices the problem, the better, the development of a particular disease in most cases may depend on the overall care. When all the veterinarian's instructions are fulfilled, as a rule, the risk of occurrence of a certain disease decreases significantly.
Conditions of detention and care
Spaniels are among those dogs that need to take care of their appearance. For example, in addition to care for hair and hygiene, the breeder will have to get acquainted with grooming. With regard to the conditions of detention, the more developed and athletic dogs grow up, living in private homes. It is in such conditions that dogs can not limit themselves in the pursuit of butterflies, delve into the sand, explore the world around them.
Dogs, often staying in the fresh air, are sufficiently developed, playing in the fresh air is necessary for them to maintain psychological balance. In this case, not always the owner should take an active part in the entertainment of the dog. Sometimes she needs to run around herself, without any training or tasks. However, rarely which dog is able to abandon a ball or a frisbee thrown to him, which is why he can shift all his attention to him.
The duration of walking should be at least half an hour, a dog needs at least two walks a day. A mistake of upbringing and maintenance are walking only for the needs of the dog. Lack of free time should not concern her, if the breeder has assumed responsibility for her care and maintenance. Care will require regular combing of wool, cleaning the ears, teeth, eyes, washing, grooming.
Hygiene
In comparison with fellow large breeds, spaniel hygiene does not present any particular difficulties. The only exception may be more thorough care of the condition of hanging ears, with which individual pets practically “sweep” the floor. In principle, the scheme of care will be about the same as for other dogs. Also, be sure to bathe the dog in time and cut his claws.
Wash the animal too often is not recommended, despite the desire of the breeder to maintain a perfectly clean dog at home. Some people think that it is possible to do this once every one or two weeks, which allegedly does not harm the structure of the coat and skin, if you use special bathing for swimming. Opponents of this theory believe that dander appears from frequent bathing in dogs. However, frequent bathing leads to the loss of the natural protective layer, from which the work of the glands is disrupted.
Spaniel's coat is thick and long, it tends to get confused and stumble into mats, and therefore, without frequent scratching, the pet's appearance seems untidy. It is especially important to monitor the state of the wool during the molting period. So that it does not roll around the house, in addition to a comb and a pooder, the owner buys a special brush with a trimmer nozzle called a furminator. With this device you can rid the pet of dead wool, so that it does not interfere with the growth of a new one.
Animal grooming is performed in a specialized salon for the care of animals. At the request and financial possibilities, the breeder can include different procedures in grooming, ranging from bathing and ending with trimming claws. Such care procedures are expensive, which is why sooner or later the breeder masters most of them independently.
When combing wool, you need to pay attention and wool cover on the paws. The dog moults twice a year, and you can brush the wool as often as possible. Together with combing you can immediately trim the claws, for which you acquire a special device - a claw cutter. However, it is necessary to trim the claws no more than once a month, not forgetting to clean and lubricate them with a special tool.
Spaniel ears are subject to daily inspection if the dog walks outside every day. Control examinations should be carried out a couple of times a week, not forgetting to clean and lubricate the ears inside. Any appearance of a characteristic smell from the ears will speak of an urgent appeal to the veterinarian, since these are the first signs of ear diseases.
By the way, it is the length of the ears that requires a special approach to nutrition. To keep your ears from soaking in a bowl of water, the liquid packaging should not be too wide.
As for the grooming of show dogs, there are some nuances. For example, in addition to constantly combing a tuft, such a pet will have to remove long hairs on its face. So that such manipulations are not stressful for the dog, it is necessary to teach them to it from a young claw. Vaccinations Spaniels need to do in a timely manner, without forgetting the need for regular preventive check-ups.
Care should be taken behind the dog's eyes and teeth. To do this, you need to visit a specialist, in addition, you can not allow your teeth to be covered with yellow bloom. Without proper care, they will erase faster than expected, which will affect the appetite and the pet's health. It must be provided with its own things: a stove bench, dishes, toys, and clothing. Things need a dog for walks in the cold season, and they should be comfortable and warm.
It is better to pick up clothes, taking the dog with you, because such things do not change, and too close products can cause discomfort to the animal. The sizes of overalls are bought, focusing on the length of the back, chest and neck girth. Shoes are taken, taking into account the volume of the wrist, the height of the metacarpus, the width of the paw and its length.
Next, watch the video with tips on how to properly care for Cocker Spaniels.
Upbringing and training
You can start raising a puppy almost immediately after its appearance in a new house. For a start, he is taught to the rules that must be followed without question. Despite the fact that the baby does not take offense at the owners for a long time, this does not give a reason to be guided in teaching by rudeness and beating. However, due to congenital nervousness in the course of education and training, in no case can one go too far.
This will demonstrate the complete failure of the owner, as an educator and owner, and will affect the character of the dog, from which he will become insecure, deprived of a sense of self-worth. Regardless of the climate in the region classes are best conducted in the fresh air, giving them the appearance of active games.
The teacher must be persistent, calm, classes should not be unnecessarily long and exhausting.
Occupations need to be supported with physical activities. Without them, the dog risks growing up lazy, hysterical and obese. Dogs are happy to devote their walks to sports. At the same time, they themselves are sometimes able to diversify their walking. At the same time, they will never refuse to run along with the owner, which makes it possible to grow from a pet not only an active dog, but also a faithful friend.
The level of intelligence in English Spaniels is high, but the pressure on the dog will not give proper results. There should be no monotony in training, and then he will actively respond to the owner’s commands, learning the lessons in a game form. Socialization in spaniels takes place in two months, it is at this time that the puppy is most easily trained to observe subordination and norms of etiquette, as well as calm behavior with strangers.
Syruping can also not be the basis of education and training. Frequent assignments lead to the fact that the animal begins to manipulate the owner, reducing its credibility. Despite the pretty appearance, spaniels may differ leadership skills. Emotional bursts of the animal must be extinguished immediately, including in everyday life. At the same time, it is impossible to allow the pet to pull the owner behind him wherever it pleases.
The puppy collar is trained in a game form at about 3 months. This can be done as before feeding, trying to ensure that the pet does not feel it too much at the beginning of schooling. The first leash can be long, as you get used to its length should be shortened. At 8 months the puppy is ready for the general training course, you can train him from 3 months.
How to choose a puppy?
Before you choose a puppy English Spaniel, you must take into account their strength, because the pet will have to spend a lot of time and effort. His appearance in the house will change the usual course of events and make correct the normal mode of the day. If the choice is relevant, you should contact a professional nursery for the baby. In such a place the buyer will not slip a mongrel puppy, as it can happen when the dog is acquired from the hands.
In addition, in kennels they better monitor the health of small puppies, which is why there are more chances to buy a healthy dog. The breeder introduces the potential buyer to the puppy's parents, prepares documents (pedigree and veterinary passport). He also tells in detail about the nuances of the content and features of the standard.
To have a more visual idea of the standard, you can visit the exhibition where the buyer will be able to see firsthand what a purebred dog looks like.
Here he can talk with a proven breeder. You need to pick up puppies before they are 5 months old. Tiny baby can not be taken away from the mother. When viewed visually, the best puppy is one that is active but not aggressive. A sluggish child who lies more than moves does not suit him for a purchase, he may be ill. You can also focus on the price: a good copy of the documents is at least 25,000 rubles.
Height and weight by month
The size and weight of the dog depends on the gender and up to age. For example, from birth to 10 days the puppy's weight increases from 180 to 290 grams. By the end of the first month, the weight gained can be from 900 g to 1.5 kg. In two months, the puppy weighs from 2.9 to 3.5 kg, while overfeeding it is strictly not allowed.
A three-month baby can weigh from 4.9 to 6 kg, at 5 months its weight varies in the range of 8-10 kg. The half-year spaniel can weigh from 9 to 11 kg, some representatives of the breed at this age weigh slightly more. A puppy from 7 months has an average weight of 10-12 kg. Further weight gain depends on the correct feeding and adherence to the walking mode, taking into account physical exertion.
If you properly care for your dog, its weight and height will meet the standard. The weight of adult pets should not exceed 14.5 kg and be less than 12 kg. Height is measured in height at the withers: the distance from the ground should be commensurate with the length from the withers to the base of the tail. The extension index is 110-115 for males, from 115 to 120 for females. In 7-9 months, the growth of the dog already averages 35-39 cm, depending on the sex of the animal.
Nutrition
English spaniels are characterized by an excellent appetite, they are illegible in food, which is both a virtue and a disadvantage of individuals of a given breed. They are happy to sweep away all that they are treated to, and to get a tasty morsel they can use all their charm and artistry. Resist such behavior can not every owner. However, without strict control and the correct approach to the preparation of the dog menu is not enough.
According to the observations of some breeders, dogs of this breed are prone to begging. In their understanding, tasty is everything more or less edible.
Some representatives of the breed from an early age are able at the right time to demonstrate to their chewing owner their hungry state. These are still pretenders, but in no case should they be fed with food from their table.
Food can be natural or industrial dry. Also, the diet can be mixed. Regardless of the choice, it should be balanced, rich in vitamins and beneficial substances. Pick up a diet, based on the size of the dog, its age, loads, temperament and physical condition.
Portions should be small, you can not allow the pet's belly to swell. Babies are fed once a day, from the age of 4 to 6 months they have enough to eat three times a day. Six-month old dogs and adult pets should be fed no more than twice a day. When feeding natural food in the diet of the animal should be foods such as meat, eggs, fish, poultry, cereals, vegetables, dairy products and vegetable oil.
Suitable nicknames
By choosing a nickname for a pet to be approached thoroughly. The name should be sonorous and short, so it will be quickly remembered, and even the animal itself will become accustomed to it. You do not need funny nicknames that degrade a dog (in the spirit of Khmyr, Bubble, Shavka, Bitch, Zyuzyuk). The ideal name consists of two syllables, it can be derived from the name specified in the pedigree.
If you want it to be beautiful and sonorous, dogs can be called Fred, Roy, Zus, Mike, Mark, Joe, Lester, Henry. The girl can give the name of Nick, Zara, Uma, Naida, Alice. When you want your dog to have an exclusive and modern name, you can choose an unusual variant from what surrounds a modern person. For example, Stark, Google, Like, Rolex can be good nicknames for a pet boy, Twitty or Yumi can be called a girl.
You do not need to call the dogs Vasya, Mashami, Petey, or assign them the names characteristic of cats (say, Fluff, Murzyk, Barsik). Breed implies an aristocratic name that will correspond to those in the pedigree. Other options include nicknames Archie, Paco, Brooke, Greg, Eli, Hector, Tito, Ozzy. As for girls, you can add such options as May, Tina, Chery, Cora, Grace, Yuki, Aimi, Yuri, Nami to the list of interesting nicknames.
Reviews
English spaniels are considered to be a kind of dogs, resonant and kind enough for their own. This is indicated by the reviews of the owners left on the information portals. Breeders say that dogs love their owners, but they do not always allow strangers to iron themselves. They bark joyfully and tell their neighbors that they are going for a walk.
Breeders note that These pets love to swim, individual members of the breed, according to their opinion, can be called "vacuum cleaners", since they can eat everything they like during a walk. At the same time, as indicated in the comments, the British can be extremely jealous. It can manifest in relation to children. Dogs do not always understand that young children need special attention, but with age, as noted by breeders, jealousy gradually passes.
Other owners write that spaniels allow themselves to gnaw on master's furniture. Individual dog owners have swept from the floor not only what can be eaten. Their attention is attracted by paper, cork, twigs, wrappers, chewing gum and everything that will be on the floor. All this dog tries to tooth when she has a special mood. However, as noted by breeders, in some cases, this deficiency can be managed.
See below a video about English Cocker Spaniel dogs.
