Spaniel spam

Nidderdale Moorland Group

The origins of one of our most popular gundogs, the 'Spaniel' can be found as far back as 17 A.D when the name first appears in writing.

Most people agree that the name 'Spaniel' comes from the Roman name for Spain (Hispania) and the breed is thought to have been gradually spread into Europe from there by the Romans.

By the 19th century Spaniels were divided into two groups with dogs weighing up to 25lbs called Cockers or Cocking Spaniels as they were used primarily for flushing Woodcock, and the larger Spaniels becoming Field, Welsh or English Springers, used for 'springing' game, generally known as 'Land Spaniels'.

As breed clubs were formed, and then the Kennel Club, by 1893 the Cocker Spaniel was recognised as a separate variety of Spaniel, not just as a breed classified by it's size and coat colour.

Known as the 'merry cocker' for their ever wagging tails and happy temperament, the working bred Cocker is today a popular breed both as a working dog, and more recently, as a family pet as they have continued to be bred for their working ability and happy temperament.

Like other gundog breeds, the Cocker has developed into two distinct types, the working bred Cocker and the show type and

today the Kennel Club list 27 official breed standard coat colours for the Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniel's are certainly still a popular choice of gundog with our gamekeepers, pickers up and beaters and many different colours can be seen on the moors or in the woods working energetically on a shoot day.