English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel was originally bred in Spain during the 1300's, although the modern traits were not incorporated into the breed until the 1890's. It is generally accepted that spaniels can be traced back to Spain for their development as a hunting and retrieving dogs.

From Spain the dogs were transported, traded, given away as gifts, and travelled with their masters to England. Spaniels were used in England for hunting on the estates of the wealthy. Though it somewhat resembles its American cousin, the American Cocker Spaniel, it is closer to the working dog form of the Field Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel.

The American Kennel Club granted specific breed designation in 1946.