Is there anyone who hasn't been touched by the famous and so particular gaze of a Cocker Spaniel? The English poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling once said of his own cocker. “He is my most sincere admirer, he loves me though he has never read my work”. The Cocker Spaniels faithfulness and gentleness are legendary.

The History of Cocker Spaniels

Spaniels, are dogs that have been used on the hunt for centuries. It's not at all easy to trace the precise genealogy of the Spaniels as they have been used for hunting purposes since time immemorial. One of the oldest texts on these dogs, Le Livre de chasse (The Book of Hunting), written in 1387 by Gaston Phoebus, the Count of Foix, states that the Spaniel was trained to find and retrieve game when hawking.

The word Spaniel is derived from the old French espaignir, meaning “to lie down”, which is exactly what these dogs were trained to do, so as not to disturb the hunters while they tried to throw their net over birds they coveted.

In 1570 John Caius wrote a book in Latin entitled De Canibus Britannicis (Of English Dogs), in which he attempted for the first time to classify all the dogs in England at that point. He made a distinction for instance between water spaniels and land spaniels.

Etymology of the word Cocker

The classification of the land spaniels was refined much later. An 1803 article in Sportsman's Cabinet made a distinction between springing spaniels and cocking spaniels, the latter of which were smaller and better suited to hunting the woodcock. At this time then, the Cocker was already being distinguished from other spaniels. Some writers were convinced the Cocker was descended from the Toy Spaniel or Blenheim, which came from the kennels of the dukes of Marlborough. Around 1800 the Blenheim was much larger than its modern descendants. It was a sort of link between working spaniels and companion spaniels. Another theory according spaniels with Spanish roots continues to attract supporters, but it would appear less likely. Until the end of the eighteenth century land spaniel breeding was very heterogeneous in Britain; everyone selected their animals based on the particular demands of the hunt they practiced. There would however be attempts to rationalize the classification of dogs based on morphology and bearing.

The modern history of Cocker Spaniels

It all started in 1879, when the dog Obo was born at James Farrow's kennels in Britain. Its quality was such that it won all the British shows it entered in 1880.

A Cocker category was added to shows in 1883, but the Cocker Spaniel was not officially recognized in the English Kennel Club's Stud Book until 1893. The Spaniel Club was founded in England in 1898.

The first cocking spaniels arrived in the US in the first half of the nineteenth century. Founded in 1881, the American Spaniel Club (ASC) set itself the task of establishing the distinction between springing spaniels and cocking spaniels. The two standards were published a few months after the club's founding. The only difference was the Cocker had to weigh 8 - 12.5 kg and the springer 12.5 - 20 kg.

The American Kennel Club started to register Cocker Spaniels and other Spaniels separately in 1907. The breed was very well received and the population spread across the country very fast in the 1930's. It was actually the most popular dog for many years. This was a time that saw an evolution in the dog's morphology. Breeders selected smaller subjects with long flowing coats and a shorter septum, converging with respect to the cranial line. This was the generation of an American Cocker Spaniel, distinct from the English Cocker.

It led to the founding of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America in 1935 to promote the original breed and discourage crossings between the two varieties. In 1945 the AKC finally recognized the American Cocker and the English Cocker as two separate breeds, as apposed to two varieties. Two years later the American Cocker alone accounted for 30% of the canine population in the United States. The non-qualified term Cocker Spaniel is used for the American breed in the US, but in the wider world when people speak of a Cocker Spaniel they generally mean the English breed.

Cocker Spaniels from the the tips of their toes.....to the tips of their nose

Appearance: harmonious and compact; the distance from the withers to the root of the tail must be approximately the same as the distance between the withers to the ground; the dog has a great deal of impetus in motion, covering a lot of ground.

Characteristics: merry nature with ever-wagging tail, exuberant but at the same time affectionate and gentle.

Its sense of smell is highly sophisticated and it's recognized as a good game and bird hunter in rough terrain. It's not afraid of thorns and brambles. It signals when game moves after it stops. It is able to retrieve but finds it difficult to swim with game in its mouth.

Size and Weight: the male measures 15.5 - 16 inches, the female 15 - 15.5 inches. Weights approximately 12 - 14.5 kg.

Head: skull cleanly chiselled and well developed; distinct stop; square muzzle and strong jaws, wide nose with scissor bite (see dental evaluation).

Eyes: brown or dark brown, never light, however in the case of the chocolate or chocolate roan (liver) dark hazel to harmonize with the coat. Always with tight rims.

Ears: set low, level with the eyes, lobular; the leathers are fine and may extend to the tip of the nose, abundantly clothed with with long silky hair (see ear hygiene).

Neck: moderate length, muscular, clean throat.

Body: strong and compact; well developed chest; well sprung ribs; short, wide loin; wide, muscular croup; the upper line slopes gently to the tail. Finely sloping shoulders; straight, short limbs with good bone.

Feet: tight and firm, thick cat-like pads.

Tail: set slightly lower than the line of the back; carried horizontally and never cocked up. No longer docked. Lively in action which denotes the characteristics of the cocker in action.

Movement: good drive covering the ground well.

Coat: flat and silky, never wiry or wavy not too abundant and never curly; forelimbs, body and hindquarters above the hocks are well feathered.

Colours: various; no white permitted on solid colours apart from the chest.

Key Points for Cocker Spaniels

A Cocker is always happy to eat whatever you put in front of it and its eyes have a tendency to melt your heart with it's begging for more. It's important however to learn to tailor its eating habits to ensure it maintains a healthy weight, rather than constantly succumbing to its solicitations. The alternative is an overweight dog!

To ensure you don't fall into the trap of giving in every time your dog begs for food, you should always keep these facts at the top of your mind: an overweight dog finds physical effort harder, is more susceptible to joint problems, is more likely to develop disease, is at greater risk during surgery and has a significantly shorter life expectancy (Kealy et al, 2002).

Cockers have a natural tendency to put on weight (Edney & Smith, 1986), so it is important to be especially vigilant if the dog: has a sedentary lifestyle, has been neutered, which triples the risk of weight gain especially amongst bitches (Jeusette et al, 2004), has reached the age of maturity, which is 6-7 years in Cockers, is competing with other animals (the dominant ones tend to eat more than they need).

Dogs are prisoners to the behaviour of owners: Overweight dogs are most often because of bad dietary habits: they are allowed to eat when they want or they are given table leftovers on top of their regular ration.

The puppy's education starts with dietary behaviour. The best thing you can do is restrict your puppy's access to food around 10 - 15 minutes each time. He should get his meals at regular intervals following the manufacturers guidelines. The puppy should not get into the habit of grazing from his bowl the whole day long, this is okay in the winter but in the summer the food is subject to fly's and other un-savoury creatures.

Grooming and Trimming

As a long coated breed, Cocker Spaniels need regular grooming and trimming to keep them healthy, hygienic and looking at their best. Regular brushing and combing is required to keep the coat matt and tangle free. The skin is stimulated by brushing and your cocker’s coat should look glossy if he/she is in good condition. A dull coat normally suggests a dietary inadequacy or worms.

Early Grooming

It Is a good idea to start grooming your puppy as soon as possible. Start gently with a soft brush. Comb the ears leg feathering with a pinned brush. Train your puppy to sit or stand as required. Later when his/her coat becomes more dense you can encourage him/her to lie on his side so you can brush his tummy and nether regions. During these early grooming sessions it is important that you establish control over the puppy this ensures trust and a well behaved adult cocker.

The Adult Cocker

The adult cocker carries copious amounts of coat and feathering but if he is well adjusted with grooming from an early age grooming is an easy matter. However if you neglect regular grooming, you will have to cope with matted knots and debris which will make grooming more difficult for you and uncomfortable for your cocker. In the same way you can hardly take your your cocker to a grooming parlour and expect them to remedy weeks of neglect with a single trim. Grooming should be a regular ongoing event which your cocker enjoys!

Bathing

In the past the general attitude towards bathing your dog was at least 6 monthly, as it was believed that you would wash all the natural oils from your dogs coat which protects them. True if they live outside and are subjected to all weathers! however attitudes have now changed and with good shampoos on the market dogs do not tend to loose coat condition from regular bathing. Our show dogs sometimes get bathed every week if we are showing, every three weeks if we are not.

Eyes

Keep your pet’s eyes clear from crusty discharge by wiping daily with a damp cloth or fragrance free wet one

Nails

Young puppies need their nails trimming regularly; they have hooks on them which catch on clothing, however they are very fine and easy to cut with nail clippers. As dogs grow their nails become thicker, regular exercise on concrete surfaces keep their nails well filed, but if necessary nail cutters can be purchased from your local pet shop.

Avoid cutting off too much as this can cause bleeding. The safest way to trim, is little and often

Teeth

Keep your Cocker’s mouth healthy and his breath odour-free by regular brushing of his/her teeth. Canine toothpaste can be purchased from your vet or local pet shop. This can avoid the build up of plaque which causes tooth decay and keeps the gums healthy. It is also good husbandry to keep the lip folds clean from stale food (using a wet one) which prevents the build up of bacteria that causes odour and infection (labial ezcema).

Long ears that require great care!

Cockers have big beautiful ears that are well feathered. However, the fact they are pendulous facilitates the development of forms of external otitis.

These diseases may be exacerbated by the inadequate airflow through the external ear canal, which contributes to maceration of the skin debris.

External otitis very common among Cockers: If it is not treated, otitis can become chronic and may require surgery to drain the ear. A study conducted at one US university shows that 42% of canine patients are Cockers, but that they represent 60% of in total 80 dogs that have required surgery to treat the complaint in a six year time frame (Angus et al, 2002). A Cockers external ear canal contains more cerumen - producing glands than that of any other breed (Bass,2004), which increases the risk of maceration. In the event of inflammation these glands expand and the diameter of the ear canal shrinks, which creates conditions conductive to the appearance of an infection that causes external otitis (Rosychuk & Luttgen, 2000).

Cockers are also inclined to produce excessive quantities of sebum, a disease known as seborrhoea, which is expressed as greasy skin and dandruff. Sufferers tend to scratch themselves because seborrhoea creates a favourable canvas for secondary skin and ear infections, the more so as Cockers are one of the breeds more likely to be affected by yeast infections, like Malassezia (Bond et al, 1996). The lesions caused by these infectious agents are most often found around ears, in the folds around the mouth, between the digits, around the anus, on the inside of the limbs and on the ventral face and neck.

Vitamin A responsive dermatitis: this is a rare disease, which is almost exclusively observed in Cockers. Patients present with dry skin and thick, odorous patches. The skin is greasy, the dog scratches itself and external otitis is often observed. An in-depth examination will reveal excessive production of the epidermal cells (heperkeratosis). Generally, this complaint responds well to a few weeks oral intake of large quantities of vitamin A administered under veterinary supervision (Gough & Thomas, 2004). The cause of this problem is unknown, as patients do not generally suffer from dietary vitamin A deficiency.

Cataracts and retinal diseases

A Cocker's average life expectancy is 12 - 14 years, but many cockers live more than 15 (Michell, 1999). There is however a risk that the final third of the dog's life will be typified by signs of ageing, including less energetic behaviour, painful joints, dry skin and greying hair, and nascent cataracts.

Cataracts: A cataract is an opacity that develops in the crystalline lens, which is located behind the iris and is normally transparent. This transparency is in part connected to the nutritive exchanges between the crystalline lens and the rest of the eye. A cataract is expressed as a greyish-blue iridisation of the eye.

It can have various origins (genetic, traumatic, inflammatory, diabetic, nutritional, congenital), but it is particularly a traditional degenerative disease in dogs over ten years of age.

Recent studies show that Cocker Spaniels are among the breeds with a higher risk of cataracts (Adkins & Hendrix, 2005). Hereditary transmission is suspected with respect to some kinds of cataract in the English Cocker (The Kennel Club). English Cockers suffering from cataracts have lower vitamin C plasma levels than healthy dogs (Barros et al, 1999). This may be an indication that low-level synthesis of vitamin C lowers its concentration in the aqueous humour, the liquid that nourishes the eye.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease that can gradually evolve towards total blindness. Compared with the average population, the risk of PRA is said to be 45 times greater in the English Cocker (Dorn et al, 2001). The most widespread form of PRA in the cocker is however the degeneration of the rods, the retina's photoreceptors, which are specialized in mesopic vision. The first clinical signs generally appear between three and eight years (Chaudieu, 1997). The dog seems to be disorientated at night or is hesitant about entering a dark room. There is a genetic screening test for English Cockers, www.optigen.com . This disease is thought to be linked to a primary deficiency in vitamin E, which is liable to develop even when the level of vitamin E is in line with common nutritional recommendations (McLellan et al, 2002).

There is no cure and the condition is one which progresses to total blindness. In all the breeds which have been investigated in sufficient detail the mode of inheritance appears to be a simple autosomal recessive.

So Why Eye Test?

As Cocker Spaniel breeders we are happy that DNA tests for PRA and FN have been developed, but regrettably other problems do exist in the breed and we should not let these problems go unchecked (so do not accept the explanation of a breeder who states that the 18mth test is a waste of time). We also need to be vigilant to avoid the onset or multiplication of other, as yet unrecognised problems, as has occurred in other breeds.

On the current BVA/KC Eye Scheme the following conditions are assessed Schedule A: Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Retinal Pigment Epithelial Dystrophy), Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Glaucoma (Goniodysgenesis).

Schedule B: Multiocular defects (which includes Congenital Cataract) and Persistent Pupillary Membranes. Inheritance has not yet been categorically proven for these two conditions, but suspicion is very high, particularly for Multiocular defects

There are a number of conditions on the current test certificate that are being proposed these conditions are: Entropion, Ectropion and Distichiasis.

We need to work together as dog breeders to encourage the breeding and the reproduction of healthy dogs. It is the breeder’s responsibility to reduce faults to a minimum. Sometimes despite our best efforts we may fail, but don’t let us fail through lack of thought or attention by the breeders and puppy farmers who don’t bother testing, by buying puppies from them.

When buying a puppy insist that you see proof that both parents have been tested for this disease.

Familial Nephropathy (FN): an inherited renal disease that causes juvenile-onset renal failure has been recognized in Cocker Spaniels worldwide for more than 50 years. During the last decade, research has demonstrated that the disease is caused by certain molecular abnormalities of the collagen content of the walls of the glomerular capillaries through which blood filtration occurs in the kidneys. This renal disease is similar to a condition called Alport syndrome that occurs in people.

Clinical Signs: Dogs with FN develop chronic renal failure, usually while they are between 6 months and 2 years of age. The clinical signs associated with chronic renal failure caused by FN are the same as those associated with chronic renal failure through some other cause. Clinical signs observed include excessive water consumption (polydipsia), excessive urine volume (polyuria), reduced growth rate or weight loss, poor quality coat, reduced appetite, and vomiting. Such signs develop gradually and escape recognition until the degree of renal failure is so severe that overt uremia supervenes. At this late stage of the disease, physical examination findings may include poor body condition, dehydration, pallor of mucous membranes, uremic breath odor, and oral ulcerations. Alternatively, especially at earlier stages of the disease, physical examination findings may be normal. The renal disease caused by FN invariably is progressive and ultimately fatal (Lee, 2005).

The Cocker Spaniel club established that this was a hereditary condition with a simple recessive mode of inheritance (as with PRA). A control scheme was set up in the 1980's where all dogs and bitches known to have produced a confirmed case, were withdrawn from breeding. The success of this Control Scheme has greatly reduced the number of confirmed cases in recent years. Research has been carried out in the US to develop a gene test which identifies carriers of this disease. Antagene has the European licence to offer the FN test and has done so since February 2007, www.antagene.com (The Kennel Club, 2003-2008).

References:

Adkins EA, Hendrix DV. (2005) Outcomes of dogs presented for cataract evaluation: a retrospective study. American Animal Hospital Association. 41: 235-240.

Barros PS, Angelotti AC, Nobre F et al. (1999). Antioxidant profile of cateractous English Cocker Spaniels. Veterinary Opthalmology. 2: 83-86.

Bond R, Ferguson EA, Craig JM, et al. (1996). Factors associated with elevated cutaneous malassezia pachydermatis populations in dogs with pruritic skin disease. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 103-107.

Chaudieu G (1997). L'atophies progressive de la retina. In: Thenlot NR (ed). Les Spaniels. (II) Paris. 267-274.

Dorn CR and Science Officer AKC Canine Health Foundation - Canine breed-specific risks of frequently diagnosed diseases at veterinary teaching hospitals: time period: January 01, 1981 - November 30, 2001. Perdue Veterinary Medical Data Base Publishing Award 1248 Lynn Hall, Perdue University: West Lafayette. IN 47907.

Gough A, Thomas A. (2004). Breed dispositions to disease in dogs and cats. Blackwell

Edney ATB, Smith PM. (1986). Study of obesity in dogs visiting veterinary practices in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec; 118: 391-396.

Jeusette J, Detilleux J, Cuvelier C, et al (2004). Ad libitum feeding following ovariectomy in female Beagle dogs: effect on maintenance energy requirement and on blood metabolites. J Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition; 88: 117-121.

Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on lifespan and age-related changes in dogs. J Am Vet Med Association; 1315-1320.

Lee, GE. DVM, MS, DACVIM. (2005). Familial Nephropathy (FN) in (English) Cocker Spaniel Dogs. Texas. A & M University.

McLellon GJ, Elks R, Lybaert P, et al (2002). Vitamin E deficiency in dogs with retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy. Vet Rec. 151: 663-667.

Michell AR. (1999). Longevity of British breeds of dogs and its relationship with sex, size, cardiovascular variable and disease. Vet Rec. 145: 625-629.

Rosychuk RA, Luttgen P. (2000). Diseases of the Ear. In: Feldham E, Ettinger S (eds). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. WB Saunders: Philadelphia. 986-1002.

The Kennel Club. www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/1970.

Bite evaluation in the dog.

The purpose of the bite evaluation is to ensure that all the teeth are present and in their proper position and that the skeletal relationship of the jaws is correct. The skeletal relationship depends on the proportions of the mandible (lower jaw) relative to those of the maxilla (upper jaw). Overall assessment of the position of the teeth will prove whether the skeletal relationship of the jaws is correct. A tooth position abnormality when found in conjunction with a normal skeletal relationship, may not be the result of genetic fault. Obviously, the mouth should be able to close fully and properly without any teeth causing damage to the opposing gum or other teeth.

Normal Bite: the features of a normal bite are:

Canine tooth interlock.

The lower canine tooth should fit into the space between the upper canine tooth and the lateral incisor tooth. It should be exactly in the middle and touch neither of the upper teeth. The crown of lower canine tooth should have a slight forward angulation. The tip of the tooth should be outside the upper gum and should not cause an indent into the gum.

Premolar tooth relationship.

The lower first premolar is in front of the upper first premolar. The tip of each lower premolar should oppose the centre of the space in front of its upper counterpart. The tips of the upper premolar teeth should also be opposite the centre of the space between the lower premolar teeth. The premolar teeth do not touch the teeth in the opposing jaw or their neighbours. This is called the “pinking shear” relationship or the premolar teeth relate like the teeth on a zip. The upper teeth are all outside of the lower teeth.

Incisor tooth relationship.

The incisors should all be in a scissor bite. The upper incisors are just in front of the lower incisors. The tips of the lower incisors should touch the cingula (the flat part at the back of the incisor tooth). Both the upper and lower incisors should be slightly angled forward (not be upright or tilted backwards).

If only one or two incisors are not in a scissor bite and the canine and premolar relationship is normal then the skeletal relationship is correct and its a local tooth relationship abnormality.

Abnormal Bite or Malocclusion:

Any deviation from the features of a normal bite constitutes a degree of malocclusion, although the “Breed Standard” for some dogs asks for other than a normal bite. Most commonly this reflects an underlying defect in a jaw size, that is a skeletal malocclusion. Sometimes there may simply be a localised problem of a tooth or teeth not being in their proper position in the jaw bone, which is a dental malocclusion.

Brachygnathism (overshot):

The maxilla (upper jaw) is too long relative to the mandible (lower Jaw). This may result from a mandible that is too short or a maxilla that is too long.

In mild brachygnathic mouths the lower canine will touch the upper canine and may be more forward in angulation ant the position of the lower premolars will be further back than in their proper position relative to upper premolars. The lower incisors will be further behind the upper incisors and so may touch the gum of the palate. In more severe brachygnathic mouths the lower canine teeth can be trapped inside or even be behind the upper canine teeth, also the premolars and incisors are likely to be further out of position.

Prognathism (undershot):

The mandible (lower jaw) is too long relative to the maxilla (upper jaw). Again this may result by the mandible being normal size and the maxilla being too short.

In mildly prognathic mouth the lower canine will touch the upper lateral incisor tooth and may be more upright or even tilted backwards. The lower premolars are positioned forward of their correct position relative to the upper premolars. The incisors may be 'edge to edge' (level bite). They may try to compensate for a mild prognathic discrepancy by changing their angulation: the upper incisors may be tilted forward more and /or the lower incisors may be more upright. This may maintain a scissor bit but one or more incisors may not be able to compensate and then be in anterior cross bite (reverse scissor bite). In more severe prognathic mouths the incisors are all in reverse scissor bite, that is the lower incisors are in front of the upper incisors.

A level bite:

Is described as when the incisal edges (tips) of the upper incisors meet the incisal edges of the lower incisors when the mouth is closed (edge to edge). It is usually associated with mild prognathism.

Other types of abnormal “bites”:

Wry bite:

The mouth and tooth positioning should be symmetrical along the midline. A wry mouth is when one side of the maxilla and / or the mandible grows to a different size than its counterpart. The head may appear asymmetrical externally. There will be a malocclusion which may affect one or both sides of the mouth. The cause can be genetic or an injury in a puppy which effects the growth centres of the jaw bones.

Open bite:

When the mouth is fully closed with back teeth in contact there is a vertical gap between the incisors. The tongue often protrudes and fills this gap between the incisors.

Base narrow canines:

This is an inaccurate term which is commonly used to describe a mouth where one or both of the lower canine teeth are incorrectly positioned with their tips too near to the middle of the mouth. The lower canine tooth may be too upright or positioned too far backwards relative to the upper teeth and so may be trapped behind the upper canine. The tip bites into the upper gum or palate and there fore causes significant pain to the dog on chewing. This condition is commonly associated with a brachygnathic skeletal relationship or retained lower temporary canine teeth. This condition can also apply to the temporary teeth. Almost all cases require corrective treatment.

Transitional dentition:

There is a period, from approximately 4 to 6 months of age, when the temporary teeth are lost and the permanent (adult teeth) teeth erupt. It is important that this process is monitored, especially for the canine teeth. If the tip of the permanent tooth is visible the primary predecessor should have fallen out or feel quite loose. It is common that the canine teeth erupt and the primary teeth do not become loose. The primary deciduous teeth should be extracted with all their remaining root as soon as possible. If there is a normal skeletal relationship and the deciduous canines are extracted soon after the tip of the permanent canine is visible, there is a very good chance that normal bite will result. If retained deciduous teeth are extracted or fall out too late, then the chance of achieving a normal bite becomes poor.