American Cocker Spaniels - Dogs

American Cocker Spaniels - Dogs - Introduction and History

Picture source: Dogomania © 1998 m4d net

The Cocker Spaniel had lots of names over the course of its existence until the current one was finally established. The dog's basic designation of hunting woodcock, a game bird, defined the choice of the name. English Cocker Spaniels were officially recognized as a breed in 1892, and the first field trial, involving the American Cocker Spaniel, took place in 1925, shortly after the formation of the Cocker Spaniel Field Trial Club.

The American and the English varieties were officially separated in 1935. American Cocker Spaniels are smaller than their English counterparts, and they differ in accepted color variations, conformation and purpose of breeding. American Cocker Spaniels' gene pool contains the genes of a number of yet smaller toy Spaniels.

Since their introduction, American Cockers have soared in popularity beyond the clouds, and by the 1960 they actually transcended the US boundaries, reaching the motherland of their popular ancestors, Great Britain. In 1968 the English Kennel Club recognized American Cocker Spaniels.