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Are Cocker Spaniels Working Dogs? Breed History & FAQs

Grant Piper

By Grant Piper

english cocker spaniel on green grass

Cocker Spaniels are beautiful dogs. They are known for their iconic coats, large soft eyes, and telltale shape. Cocker Spaniels have long been one of the most popular dog breeds in the Western world. Between cuddle sessions and trips to the groomer, it might be hard to imagine that Cocker Spaniels could be working dogs. But they technically are. Underneath those flowing coats and friendly personalities is a body bred for a very specific purpose. Here is everything you need to know about Cocker Spaniels’ jobs and how they went from one of the most common working dogs in Europe to a beloved companion breed worldwide.

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What Were Cocker Spaniels Bred For?

Cocker Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs. That means they are a breed that was bred for a specific purpose, which technically makes them working dogs. Cocker Spaniels were originally bred in Europe to help hunt Eurasian woodcocks. That is where the term cocker comes from. The fact that Cocker Spaniels are hunting dogs firmly puts them in the working dog category.

Since Cocker Spaniels are hunting dogs, they have very specific jobs. Cocker Spaniels still have telltale signs of this job, including webbed feet and an energetic personality. The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies the Cocker Spaniel as a sporting breed. In fact, it is one of the smallest sporting breeds listed. They are also known as water dogs. All of these things point to the fact that Cocker Spaniels are working dogs. However, few Cocker Spaniels are retained in their original role.

black and white cocker spaniel
Image Credit by: Steve Sewell, Pixabay

House Cockers vs. Field Cockers

In the 21st century, most Cocker Spaniels are bred and kept as purely companion animals. Cocker Spaniels have fun personalities, adorable eyes, and beautiful coats. They have been named the most popular dog breed in America multiple times, and they are currently one of the top 30 most popular breeds to own. Cocker Spaniels bred purely for companionship are known as house cockers. Even if you do not use your Cocker Spaniel as a working dog does not mean that they are not technically still working dogs. However, they will be considered house cockers, meaning they are pets rather than hunting dogs.

Field cockers, or working cockers, are bred to be used as hunting dogs, and their primary purpose is to be outside assisting in hunting endeavors. There are still numerous working Cocker Spaniels in the United Kingdom, but they are less commonly found in the United States. Field cockers are leaner, trimmer, and more muscular than their house cocker comrades.

Cocker Spaniels are also commonly kept as show dogs. Due to their iconic appearance and flowing coat, many people like to groom and pamper their Cocker Spaniels in hopes of making them look their absolute best.

english toy cockerspaniel
Image Credit: Marion Smith – Byers, Shutterstock

The World War II Split

Before World War II, most Cocker Spaniels were still used as hunting dogs. During the war, when millions of young men poured through Europe, where Cocker Spaniels were the most popular, they took notice and liked the breed. After World War II, many people went home and wanted to get a Cocker Spaniel of their own with zero intention of using them to hunt. After World War II, the number of working Cocker Spaniels decreased sharply, and the popularity of companion Cocker Spaniels exploded. This trend continues to this day. The vast majority of Cocker Spaniels you are likely to encounter today are bred and kept as pets.Divider 5

Conclusion

Don’t let their appearance fool you; Cocker Spaniels are absolutely working dogs. They are considered a sporting breed by the AKC. Cocker Spaniels are also considered water dogs thanks to their webbed feet, and they were bred to be European hunting dogs. All of those things make it so that Cocker Spaniels are working dogs, even if most people don’t use them as such any longer.

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Featured Image Credit: andriano.cz, Shutterstock

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