Why do Show & Working Cocker Looks Different?
Cocker Spaniels were originally breed as working gun dogs, and officially recognised as a separate breed by the UK Kennel Club in 1892.
In the 1920’s and 30’s, Cocker Spaniels went through a period of huge popularity in England which resulted in two distinct looking types of cocker spaniel being breed: the Show Cocker and the Working Cocker Spaniel.
In essence the Show Cocker Breeders were basing their bred programmes on improving the construction of the cocker while those who were breeding cockers as working gun dogs placed more emphasis, on other characteristics such as scenting, flushing & retrieving abilities. Less was thought about overall type and construction, and hence a cocker spaniel from working lines would not meet the English or Dogs NZ breed standard on appearance in this day and age.
If you're interested in seeing the working cocker in the feild take a look the Engliash Kennel Jackalantern Working Cockers they have some lovely photos on their website.
Below are photo's of Working Cockers, you'll see the visual differences such as flatter skulls, shallower bodies, longer legs, very little coat and higher set ears.
If you are looking for a working type cocker spaniel - check the links page and get in contact with one of the working spaniel or gun dog clubs.
In the 1920’s and 30’s, Cocker Spaniels went through a period of huge popularity in England which resulted in two distinct looking types of cocker spaniel being breed: the Show Cocker and the Working Cocker Spaniel.
In essence the Show Cocker Breeders were basing their bred programmes on improving the construction of the cocker while those who were breeding cockers as working gun dogs placed more emphasis, on other characteristics such as scenting, flushing & retrieving abilities. Less was thought about overall type and construction, and hence a cocker spaniel from working lines would not meet the English or Dogs NZ breed standard on appearance in this day and age.
If you're interested in seeing the working cocker in the feild take a look the Engliash Kennel Jackalantern Working Cockers they have some lovely photos on their website.
Below are photo's of Working Cockers, you'll see the visual differences such as flatter skulls, shallower bodies, longer legs, very little coat and higher set ears.
If you are looking for a working type cocker spaniel - check the links page and get in contact with one of the working spaniel or gun dog clubs.
