c.
1910
c. 1920
c. 1930
c. 1940
c. 1950
c. 1970
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Spaniels
have been around for a very long time, with Spanish records being
made of a "Spaniell" as far back as 1386. There are many
references in print and art to support their popularity as a bird
dog with "a short round head when compared to that of a Springer,
much smaller in size, more compact... his ears are usually long
and well feathered, as are his legs and tail." (James Watson
1907) The name "Cocker Spaniel" arose not only from the
breed's specific use for flushing woodcock fowl, but also in broader
terms of the sport of "cock shooting", including all types
of game birds.
The
first Cocker Spaniel was registered in the USA in 1879 and shortly
thereafter, in 1881, The American Spaniel Club was founded, predating
the formation of the Cocker Club in England by 4 years. In those
early years, there was little clear definition of type, with styles
ranging from Sussex-type Spaniels to Field-type Spaniels. With the
AKC's regulation that a dog required a three-generation pedigree
in order to be recorded in the Stud Book, a standard type began
to evolve, and with it, the separation in type from the English
Cocker Spaniel.
Ch. Obo II
One
prominent sire and top performer, Obo II, had an enormous influence
on the new style - lower on the leg, longish body, moderate head
and muzzle. Critiques were concerned that he was a "trifle
full in the eye" - this characteristic has become the hallmark
of the American Cocker, lending him a distinctive "soft and
appealing" expression.
In
the 1930s a newer style evolved that attracted much attention in
the show ring. Higher on the leg, this new style had a shorter muzzle
and the body was more compact. Feathering was relatively sparse,
confined mainly to the backs of the legs and under the belly. At
this stage, the breed began to experience unprecedented popularity
and managed to hold top spot in AKC registrations for nearly two
decades. Along with demand, regrettably, came the puppy farmers
- indiscriminate people eager to make a fast buck. The quality of
conformation, health, and temperament of the American Cocker took
a serious setback, and it took the combined efforts of dedicated
breeders and veterinary researchers to address and control emerging
health defects through the formation of an official registry.
From
the 1940s, the differences between the English and the American
Cockers became so marked that the breeds were separated in 1947.
At this time, heavier coats began to make their appearance, which
called for considerable grooming and shaping to achieve a pleasing
silhouette. The topline showed more slope and the little dog became
even more compact. The face began to soften with a shorter, deeper
muzzle and a more definite stop.
By
1950, it was the immaculately-groomed, heavily-feathered dogs that
were doing all the winning in the ring, so these dogs were bred
to extensively. Between 1906 and 1943, the standard called for a
coat that was "well-feathered". The 1957 standard included
this alteration: "well-feathered, but not so excessively as
to hide the Cocker Spaniel's true lines.... excessive coat and feathering
shall be penalised." The statement seemed to have little, if
any effect. The heavily-coated dogs won and continue to win today.
Spanning
a period of about 70 years, the American Cocker evolved through
three major style changes. The breed has seen numerous changes to
the Breed Standard, the latest AKC revision having been made in
1992. The smallest dog in the Gundog Group is possibly still in
a stage of evolvement. Who knows where the fancy will take the breed
type in 20 years time?
Sources:
The American Spaniel Club, Inc.: A CENTURY OF SPANIELS, VOL 1: THE
AMERICAN SPANIEL CLUB, 1881 - 1981 (1980)
The American Spaniel Club, Inc.: A CENTURY OF SPANIELS, VOL 2: THE
AMERICAN SPANIEL CLUB, 1881 - 1981 (1980)
Grossman, Alvin: THE AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL (1988)
Grossman, Alvin: THE AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL (2000)
Kraeuchi, Ruth M.: THE NEW COCKER (1987)
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