{"id":35668,"date":"2024-03-28T12:12:53","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T11:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/7a851737-8267-470f-8949-9a41cee84e51"},"modified":"2024-03-28T12:39:22","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T11:39:22","slug":"cocker-spaniel-joyous-photos-and-videos-of-our-favourite-dog","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/cocker-spaniel-joyous-photos-and-videos-of-our-favourite-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Cocker spaniel: Joyous photos and videos of our favourite dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cocker spaniels are adored throughout the world. But what is it about the dog breed that we love so much? We spoke to The Kennel Club to find out all about the character, behaviour and history of the ‘merry cocker’. <\/p>

By countryfile\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 11:12 AM<\/p>

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The title of ‘Britain’s favourite dog’ is a difficult one to award, but few dog lovers could argue that there is something special about the cocker spaniel. <\/p>

This affectionate, energetic and characterful dog has won Best in Show<\/a> at Crufts<\/a> (the largest dog show in the world) the most times out of any breed. And in 2023 it was the third most registered dog in Britain<\/a> \u2013 almost 30,000 of us gave a cocker spaniel a new home.<\/p>

So, why do we hold the cocker spaniel is such high regard? We spoke to The Kennel Club<\/a> to find out more about the breed’s centuries-long history, its success at Crufts and its infectious good nature. <\/p>

Meet the otterhound, Britain’s rarest dog<\/a><\/li>
Is the border collie the world’s most intelligent dog?<\/a><\/li>
Is your dog autistic? <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Cocker spaniels can reach speeds of up to 30pmh. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Cocker spaniel: Your 60-second guide<\/h2>
Charming character<\/h3>
Cocker spaniels are known to be happy, affectionate and versatile dogs. They are full of life, they are loyal and determined, and they have a lot of energy.<\/p>
English cocker spaniels usually measure 38\u201343\u00a0cm in height and weigh 13\u201316kg (male). Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
History of the hound<\/h3>
Spaniels are thought to have been around for at least 700 years \u2013 and cocker spaniels are descended from those that were bred to work and hunt on land. <\/p>
Although some continue to work as gundogs today, they are also very popular family dogs and can make great service and therapy pets due to their intelligence and good nature, including work as hearing or sniffer dogs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Why do dogs lick you?<\/a><\/li>
Why do dogs eat grass?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Cocker spaniels are big beach fans! Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Suitable owners \u2013 are you the right fit?<\/h3>
Cocker spaniels are suitable for a variety of owners, due to their versatility and happy nature. They make great family pets and would do best with fairly active owners that can give them at least an hour of exercise a day so they can explore their surroundings, expend some energy and have a good sniff around. <\/p>
They would be happy in most sized homes as long as they have enough mental stimulation and physical exercise, so access to a small\/medium garden is a must, while their coat requires daily grooming.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
$\"English$
English cocker spaniels need mental stimulation and at least one hour of physical exercise a day. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Array of colours<\/h3>
Cocker spaniels come in a variety of colours. Mixes include (deep breath):\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
Black\u00a0<\/li>
Black & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Black & White\u00a0<\/li>
Black & White Ticked\u00a0<\/li>
Black White & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Blue Roan\u00a0<\/li>
Blue Roan & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Chocolate\u00a0<\/li>
Chocolate & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Chocolate & White\u00a0<\/li>
Chocolate Roan\u00a0<\/li>
Chocolate Roan & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Chocolate White & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Golden\u00a0<\/li>
Lemon & White\u00a0<\/li>
Lemon Roan\u00a0<\/li>
Liver\u00a0<\/li>
Liver & White\u00a0<\/li>
Liver & White Ticked\u00a0<\/li>
Liver Roan\u00a0<\/li>
Liver Roan & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Liver White & Tan\u00a0<\/li>
Orange & White\u00a0<\/li>
Orange & White Ticked\u00a0<\/li>
Orange Roan\u00a0<\/li>
Red\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>

Cocker spaniel: Your 60-second guide<\/h2>

Charming character<\/h3>Cocker spaniels are known to be happy, affectionate and versatile dogs. They are full of life, they are loyal and determined, and they have a lot of energy.<\/p>

Array of colours<\/h3>Cocker spaniels come in a variety of colours. Mixes include (deep breath):\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>