THE

COCKERSPANIEL

Presented by

A STUDYOF THE

COCKERSPANIEL

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Copyright 2018, American Spaniel Club, Inc.

INDEX

Angulation ............................................................30Body ...............................................................25, 26Coat................................................................36, 37Color & Markings ............................................39-42Color - Black.........................................................39Color - ASCOB.....................................................40Color - Parti ..........................................................41Disqualifications ...................................................48Ears ......................................................................18Expression ......................................................15-17Eyes ................................................................15-17Feet ......................................................................33Forechest .............................................................31Forequarters.........................................................28Gait..................................................................43-46General Appearance ..............................................9Grooming..............................................................38Head................................................................13-14Height ..............................................................10-11Hindquarters.........................................................32History .................................................................5-6Legs ..........................................................28, 32-33Lips.......................................................................21Movement .......................................................43-46Muzzle ..................................................................20Neck .....................................................................23Nose.....................................................................21Proportion.............................................................12Purpose..................................................................7Rib Spring ............................................................27Shoulders ........................................................29-30Skull......................................................................19Speed...................................................................46Tail...................................................................34-35Tan Points ............................................................42Teeth.....................................................................22Topline ..................................................................24Temperament .......................................................47

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PREFACE

This publication was prepared by theStandard Committee of the American SpanielClub, Inc. and approved by the Officers andBoard of Directors.

It is intended as an aid for breeders,exhibitors, owners, and fanciers of the CockerSpaniel, but mainly as a guide for judging thebreed.

In order to accomplish the above objectiveswe have included appropriate illustrations anddiscussion of the official standard covering boththe virtues and faults of the breed.

This publication includes the latest change tothe standard voted on by the membership, fall2017. The official standard for the CockerSpaniel, approved January 9, 2018, effectiveMarch 1, 2018, is in RED ink, annotated inBLACK ink.

We hope you find this “Study of the CockerSpaniel” helpful.

Breed Standard CommitteeRobert Ennis, ChairmanBilly GorodnerBillie HayesDavid KittredgeElaine MathisJerry MoonPer RismyhrMarilyn Spacht

Illustrations:Michael AllenJeanne GrimNancy VirdenEileen Weston

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DEDICATIONThis publication is dedicated to the AmericanSpaniel Club Education Committee of 1987.Their publication was the 1988 Dog WritersAssociation of America writing competition winner.

Louise A. Milner, ChairBetty J. DudingDr. Alvin GrossmanLaura HensonLois Hicks Beach

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A BRIEF HISTORY OFTHE COCKER SPANIEL

The Spaniel family is a large one, of consider-able antiquity. As far back as 1368 we find mentionof the Spanyell which came to be divided into twogroups, the land spaniel and the water spaniel. Afurther division separated the land spaniels on abasis of size when the “cockers” and the toys wereseparated from spaniels of larger dimensions.Then as the cockers and the toys were used formarkedly different purposes, these two were oncemore divided. The toys eventually became theEnglish Toy Spaniels which were maintained princi-pally as pets or comforters while the Cockersretained their early classification as sporting dogs.That is why the Cocker is called the smallest mem-ber of the sporting dog family.

As a valued helpmate to the huntsman, this dogwas known in his early days by various names,among them “cocker,” “cocking spaniel,” and finallyCocker Spaniel, the name derived, according tosome authorities, from especial proficiency onwoodcock. Not until 1883 were classes provided forhim at English bench shows; and not until 1892 washe given breed status in England’s Kennel Club studbook. In this country, the Cocker has been exhibitedsince the early 1880s. Field trials for the breed

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were started in the United States by the CockerSpaniel Field Trial Club in 1924. As developedhere, the Cocker has evolved somewhat different intype, size, and coloring from the breed now recog-nized as the English Cocker Spaniel.*

The American Spaniel Club is the parent club ofthe Cocker Spaniel and was established in 1881.The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America wasformed in 1935. The two cocker spaniels wereshown together as different varieties at this time.Mrs. Geraldine R. Dodge, president of the EnglishCocker Spaniel Club, made an extensive search ofpedigrees of the cockers in England, Canada andthe United States. In order to separate the pureEnglish lines of descent entirely from the Cockeradmixture of the United States, her research wentback to the official cocker history abroad in 1892.This separation was finally accomplished in 1941.At this time the English Cocker fanciers were ableto advise with authority on selection and breeding.The American Kennel Club recognized the separa-tion of the breed in September 1946 but it was notuntil January 1947 that English Cocker Spanielbreed registrations appeared in the stud book undertheir own heading.

The Cocker Spaniel’s inherent desire to hunt ren-ders him a capable gun dog when judiciously trained.The usual method of hunting is to let him quarter theground ahead of the gun, covering all territory withingun range. This he should do at a fast, snappy pace.Upon flushing the game he should stop or preferen-tially drop to a sitting position so as not to interferewith the shot, after which he should retrieve on com-mand only. He should, of course, be so trained thathe will be under control at all times. He is likewisevaluable for occasional water retrieving and as a ruletakes to water readily.*

While the Cocker Spaniel does have a more pro-fuse coat than the English Cocker, the breed doesvery well in the field, and with proper coat texture(not wooly or cottony) the coat does not cause aproblem. The breed is excellent in conformation,obedience and field work, with many having dualand triple titles. As a pet and companion his popu-larity has been exceptional; he is a great lover ofhome and family, trustworthy and adaptable.

*American Kennel Club, The Complete Dog Book

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PURPOSEThe popularity of the Sporting Spaniel is estab-

lished for all time. As the smallest Spaniel, theCocker Spaniel’s inherent desire to hunt rendershim a capable gun dog when judiciously trained.

The usual method of hunting is to let him quarterthe ground ahead of the gun, covering all territorywithin gun range. He should hunt game methodical-ly and at a moderate pace. He will clearly indicategame by animated body movements and vigoroustail wagging. A bold flush will follow. Upon flushingthe game, he should stop or preferably drop to a sit-ting position so as not to interfere with the shot. Heshould then retrieve the game on command only.He should be trained so that he will be under con-trol at all times. He is likewise valuable for occasion-al water retrieving and readily takes to water.

The breed is excellent in Breed, Performance,Therapy, and Field work, with many having titles inmultiple AKC venues.

As a pet and companion, the Cocker Spaniel’spopularity has been exceptional. He has ardent loveof family and home.

Subject matter is identified as follows:

1. Sections of the Official Standard inRed Italics

2. Additional notes and explanationswhich will help you better under-stand the Official Standard in Bold.

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General Appearance

The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of theSporting Group. He has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with theoverall dog in complete balance and of ideal size.He stands well up at the shoulder on straightforelegs with a topline sloping slightly toward strong,moderately bent, and muscular quarters. He is adog capable of considerable speed, combined withgreat endurance. Above all, he must be free andmerry, sound, well balanced throughout and inaction show a keen inclination to work. A dog wellbalanced in all parts is more desirable than a dogwith strongly contrasting good points and faults.

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Size, Proportion Substance

Size

The ideal height at the withers for an adult dog is 15inches and for an adult bitch, 14 inches. Heightmay vary one-half inch above or below this ideal. Adog whose height exceeds 151⁄2 inches or a bitchwhose height exceeds 141⁄2 inches shall be disqual-ified. An adult dog whose height is less than 141⁄2inches and an adult bitch whose height is less than131⁄2 inches shall be penalized. Height is deter-mined by a line perpendicular to the ground fromthe top of the shoulder blades, the dog standingnaturally with the forelegs and lower hind legs par-allel to the line of measurement.

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Correct Place to Measure Height

Leeway of one-half inch above and one-halfinch below the ideal is allowed, a differencehardly apparent to the eye. As a judge, if youhave any suspicion whatsoever that a Cockermight be too tall you must measure this exhibit(call for the wicket.)

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Wicket Measurement

Proportion

The measurement from the breastbone to the backof thigh is slightly longer than the measurementfrom the highest point of the withers to the ground.The body must be of sufficient length to permit astraight and free stride; the dog never appears longand low.

The relative height to length ratio should be thesame when the dog is in motion as well as whenstacked. Cockers should appear well up on leg.Excessive furnishings on a correctly propor-tioned dog may make it appear to be low on leg.

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Substance

The Cocker is a medium boned flushing spanielneither slightly built nor cloddy in substance.

Head

To attain a well proportioned head, which must be inbalance with the rest of the dog, it embodies the fol-lowing:

The head of the Cocker Spaniel is a thing ofbeauty and a trademark of the breed. Its beauti-ful dark and expressive eyes are enhanced by adeep square muzzle, which is framed by long,low set and silky ears.

The female’s head is more feminine and smallerthan the male’s head, but each should be in bal-ance with the body upon which it is set.

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The male’s head should be stronger in appearance than the female’s but both have thetypical soft expression. A well-chiseled head isan important element of Cocker type.

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Expression

The expression is intelligent, alert, soft and appealing.

Eyes

Eyeballs are round and full and look directly for-ward. The shape of the eye rims gives a slightlyalmond shaped appearance; the eye is not weak orgoggled. The color of the iris is dark brown and ingeneral the darker the better. Disqualifications -Eye(s) blue, blue marbled, blue flecked.

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The standard’s description of the eye andexpression is very explicit. Eyes may appearlarger than desired, partly because of loose fit-ting rims and/or because the rim is round ratherthan almond shaped. The lack of pigment in eyerims makes the eyes appear larger than theyare.

Light eyes can create a harsh expression.Disqualifications - Blue eye(s), blue marbled,blue flecked. Small eyes are not soft andappealing. If the eyes are not deep set theyhave a peculiar stony look and lose their soft,soulful, intelligent expression. The eye rimsshould be dark or black and the eyelids shouldfit tightly around the eyes for protection whenworking in the field. Droopy eye rims, whichreveal the haw, are not desirable.

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The beautiful Cocker expression is one of thebest-known characteristics of the breed. Whilethe eyes depend on harmony, balance and thecorrectness of other parts, they are the mostimportant feature in attaining the correctexpression.

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Ears

Lobular, long, of fine leather, well feathered, andplaced no higher than a line to the lower part of theeye.

More importance should be given to ear place-ment than ear length. The ear leather shouldreach at least to the end of the nose whenbrought forward, and be fine, not thick and/orheavy.

When the highest point of the ear is at or beloweye level or set on with a downward angletoward the back of the skull, the ears will looklong and low set. The ears should fold forwardto frame the face. The hair ends should beevened off to complete the soft look.

In the field, this correct placement allows theears to direct the scent of the bird more readilyto the dog’s large nose.

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Skull

Rounded but not exaggerated with no tendencytoward flatness; the eyebrows are clearly definedwith a pronounced stop. The bony structurebeneath the eyes is well chiseled with no promi-nence in the cheeks. The muzzle is broad anddeep, with square even jaws. To be in correct bal-ance, the distance from the stop to the tip of thenose is one half the distance from the stop up overthe crown to the base of the skull.

Although it is not specified in the standard, it iswidely accepted that, in order to be in balance,the width of the lower portion of the muzzleshould be approximately the same width as thewidest part of the skull. The distance from thestop to the tip of the nose should be one-halfthe distance from the stop up over the crown tothe base of the skull.

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Muzzle

The muzzle should always have sufficient depthwith no tendency toward snippiness. The widthof the muzzle should approximate the width ofthe crown (back skull)

The muzzle should have a clean appearancewith no folds or excess skin. It should appearsquare and full with sufficient lip to cover thelower jaw. The Cocker is a sporting dog; heshould have a muzzle which is long enough tobe able to pick up and carry a bird and roomyenough to accommodate a scissors bite.

The muzzle must be in balance with the head. Amuzzle too short or too long is not correct. Themuzzle should not drop off at the end creating a“Roman nose” nor should it have a scooped outappearance with the nose appearing high (dishfaced).

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Nose

Of sufficient size to balance the muzzle andforeface, with well developed nostrils typical of asporting dog. It is black in color in the blacks, blackand tans, and black and whites; in other colors itmay be brown, liver or black, the darker the better.The color of nose harmonizes with the color of theeye rim.

As a bird dog the Cocker must have sufficientnasal capacity to find game. Thus large, opennostrils are very important. The nose may beblack, brown or liver but the darker the nose thebetter. Nose color should harmonize with theeye rim color. A pink or spotted nose is faulty.A large dark nose is also a very important factorin giving the Cocker head its beautiful, soft,appealing look.

Lips

The upper lip is full and of sufficient depth to coverthe lower jaw.

Teeth

Teeth strong and sound, not too small and meet ina scissors bite.

The mouth must be large with good sized andwell-formed teeth, which will enable the Cockerto carry a game bird. Tiny, toy-like teeth shouldbe penalized, but not over larger, misplaced ormisaligned teeth.

A slightly “off” mouth (bite) in a quality animalcan be tolerated but is not preferred.

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Neck, Topline, Body

Neck

The neck is sufficiently long to allow the nose toreach the ground easily, muscular and free frompendulous “throatiness.” It rises strongly from theshoulders and arches slightly as it tapers to join thehead.

A good neck, fitting into well knit, sloping shoul-ders, enables the Cocker to cover ground effi-ciently. A Cocker with a short neck and straightfront assembly is unable to reach full extensionand the gait will be restricted. This is very faultyin a Cocker.

Any tendency toward pendulous throatinessshould not be condoned.

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Topline

Sloping slightly toward muscular quarters.

The relative height to length ratio should be thesame when the dog is in motion as well as whenstacked .

The standard calls for a slightly sloping topline.

A level topline is acceptable but not preferred.A reverse topline or an exaggerated slope,which is increasingly seen in the ring today, isincorrect.

Picture of Cocker in motion

This dog has a correct topline, tail set and car-riage while in motion. The back standing or inmotion should be strong and hard with no ten-dency to drop off behind the shoulders and withno tendency toward rumpiness. Hipbonesshould never be readily apparent and thereshould be a good cushion of muscles overthem.

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Body

The chest is deep, its lowest point no higher thanthe elbows, its front sufficiently wide for adequateheart and lung space, yet not so wide as to interferewith the straightforward movement of the forelegs.Ribs are deep and well sprung. Back is strong andsloping evenly and slightly downward from theshoulders to the set-on of the docked tail.

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Judging the Body

To judge the body you must see the dog fromthe side, the front, the rear and above. From theside you check the topline, underline and theforechest. From the front you check the widthand fullness of the chest. From the rear andabove you check the width at shoulders, springof rib, length of loin and hips.

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Rib Spring

The ribs must be wide, well sprung and deep.This does not mean so wide as to force theelbows out. The Cocker is never barrel-chested,but the rib cage should have sufficient widthand depth to provide ample room for heart andlungs.

When one looks down on the dog, the ribs andmuscles of the hips should be about the samewidth. The loin comes in slightly from the widthof the ribs and flows back to the full width againover the hindquarters.

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Good Rib Spring Slab-Sided

Forequarters

The shoulders are well laid back forming an anglewith the upper arm of approximately 90 degreeswhich permits the dog to move his forelegs in aneasy manner with forward reach. Shoulders areclean-cut and sloping without protrusion and so setthat the upper points of the withers are at an anglewhich permits a wide spring of rib. When viewedfrom the side with the forelegs vertical, the elbow isdirectly below the highest point of the shoulderblade. Forelegs are parallel, straight, stronglyboned and muscular and set close to the body wellunder the scapulae. The pasterns are short andstrong. Dewclaws on forelegs may be removed.

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Shoulders

Since sporting spaniels must move efficientlyall day, proper and balanced front and rearangulation is an absolute must.

The ideal shoulder blade and upper arm areboth angled at approximately 45 degrees to ahorizontal line parallel to the floor. They meet atthe point of the shoulder to form an approxi-mate 90 degree angle.

Proper shoulder layback is difficult to envision.However, the accompanying illustrationsshould be helpful. Shoulders should be formedto allow perfect freedom of action to theforelegs. Ideal angles, measured to the degree,are approximate, but a 45 degree layback is gen-erally acknowledged to be the ideal, forming anear right angle with the upper arm at the pointof the shoulder. A dog having such an assem-bly should have good reach and excellent shockabsorbency. With the point of support (feet)directly beneath the shoulder blades, the frontis well balanced, ready for action.

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Correct Angulation

Lack of angulation will tend to limit the dog inforward reach. Also objectionable is a shoulderblade and upper arm of unequal length, roughshoulders, excessive width between the shoul-der blades and/or anything that prohibits a longreaching stride. The space between the tips ofthe shoulder blades should be minimal; about aman’s thumb width is most desirable.

Proper front angulation can be visualized bydrawing a straight line from the top of the shoul-der blade downward, touching the back of theelbow as it falls to the ground. The upper armappears nearly equal in length to the shoulderblade. The elbows fit tightly to the body, are notprominent, and are set well under the dog.

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Straight Shoulder

Laid Back Shoulder

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Forechest

The angles addressed in the standard shouldgive the dog forechest. The forechest shouldconsist of a prosternum with fill on the sidesand with fill covering the prosternum. Thisresults in a rounded chest. The prosternumshould not be protruding. This will provide arounded chest which gives protection to avoidinjury as this small hunting dog goes throughthe thicket to perform the quest for which it wasbred.

Suggested Examination Instructions: Theforechest should be evaluated by running yourhand down the front to determine depth andfrom the side to evaluate the correctness of thelayback of shoulders, width between blades, thefill and smooth cushioning along with position-ing of withers/shoulder blade to the foreleg.There should be no prominent protrusion of thepoint of prosternum, nor should the chest betoo wide to prevent correct forward movement.

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Hindquarters

Hips are wide and quarters well rounded and mus-cular. When viewed from behind, the hind legs areparallel when in motion and at rest. The hind legsare strongly boned, and muscled with moderateangulation at the stifle and powerful, clearly definedthighs. The stifle is strong and there is no slippageof it in motion or when standing. The hocks arestrong and well let down. Dewclaws on hind legsmay be removed.

To balance the front assembly, the hind legsshould have sufficient angulation with strongstifle joints, powerful upper and lower muscledthighs and well let-down hocks.

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Feet

Feet compact, large, round and firm with hornypads; they turn neither in nor out.

Feet should be closely set and strong, pads welldeveloped and tough, toes well arched and pro-tected with short thick hair trimmed flush withthe pads. [Note: short hair, thick pads and tightfeet protect the dog from ice, pebbles, thorns,etc. in the field.] The dog whose toes are notarched, with splayed feet or tender pads is con-stantly aggravated and has lost the foot’s abili-ty to absorb shock.

Remember that the Cocker Spaniel is a sportingdog and should be viewed for endurance in thefield for long periods of time. Over-angulationof the back legs contributes to an exaggeratedtopline which is not desirable. The stifle shouldbe strong but examination should not includecranking the rear legs which is detrimental tothe dog. Cow hocking, which of course is afault, may be the result of weak stifles.

Proper construction of legs and feet is crucialfor a sporting dog. The dog must be balancedfore and aft with corresponding front and rearangles and sufficient bone for strength andendurance.

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Tail

The docked tail is set on and carried on a line withthe topline of the back, or slightly higher; neverstraight up like a terrier and never so low as to indi-cate timidity. When the dog is in motion the tailaction is merry.

The tail is the barometer of temperament. Themerry Cocker should hold its tail confidently.The length of the docked tail should be in bal-ance with the size of the dog, not short andstubby, nor excessively long. As this is a man-made error, the penalty should be slight.

When the dog is stacked, the tail should neverbe spiked (pushed unnaturally out of position.).

The set of the tail will determine the tail carriage.A steep croup will cause a low tail set and a flatcroup will frequently cause a high tail set. Aslightly higher tail carriage is preferable to alower one.

An incorrect tail set (high or low) impliesimproper construction in the croup area and iscaused by other structural faults. Therefore,judges should pay particular attention to therest of the hindquarter construction.

“The tail must above all be merry.”

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Judging the Cocker Spaniel With A Natural Tail

(Revised by the Board of Directors on February28, 2018.)

The Cocker Spaniel is a docked, hunting breed.The characteristic incessant, merry action ofthe tail while working in thick, dense cover thatis sometimes deeper than the dog is tall, neces-sitates docking to prevent injury.

The ASC membership voted in 2017 not tochange the breed standard as regards dockedtails. Thus, the ASC continues to supportdocked tails as an important characteristicrequired by the breed’s function as a huntingdog.  But, in accordance with A.K.C. rules(Chapter 7, Section 15), a judge may eitherchoose to judge a Cocker Spaniel with anundocked tail, considering the tail to be a fault,or excuse the dog after examination. The ASCwill support your decision to judge or excuse anundocked dog.

In judging a Cocker Spaniel with an undockedtail, it is expected that you would prioritize yourjudging by virtues and factor in faults lastly. Thenatural tail is thick at the root (consistent withthe required generous amount of bone), taper-ing to the end, and ideally not reaching belowthe hock joint. As the Cocker Spaniel hasalways been and should continue to be adocked breed, determine the tail carriage of anundocked tail by observing the first quarter tothird of the tail as the dog is being moved.

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Coat

On the head, short and fine; on the body, mediumlength, with enough undercoating to give protection.The ears, chest, abdomen and legs are well feath-ered, but not so excessively as to hide the CockerSpaniel’s true lines and movement or affect hisappearance and function as a moderately coatedsporting dog. The texture is most important. Thecoat is silky, flat or slightly wavy and of a texturewhich permits easy care. Excessive coat or curly orcottony textured coat shall be severely penalized.Use of electric clippers on the back coat is not desir-able. Trimming to enhance the dog’s true linesshould be done to appear as natural as possible.

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Coat VolumeThe standard stresses the importance of suffi-cient but not excessive coat. Proper trimmingwill help satisfy this requirement by removingenough hair so that the outline can be seen.

Coat TextureThe texture of the Cocker coat is the mostimportant coat issue. Improper texture, morethan the amount of coat, causes problems. Acoat with good texture is relatively carefree.Excessive and/or poor texture coat is a graveproblem in the breed.

Our standard describes one dog that can func-tion in the field and in the show ring. In spite ofthat, the Cocker has become increasingly heavycoated. Therefore, the texture and properlength of the coat is exceedingly important tohis dual role. Excessive and/or cottony coatmust be discouraged. A coat that quickly knotsor that nearly drags the ground makes the dogvery undesirable for fieldwork. The underlyingmessage in the standard is that form followsfunction; this indicates a dog with the staminato hunt all day long in modest cover and comeback the next day for more.

Weighing The Coat FactorImproper coat volume and texture are two of thefaults that can keep a Cocker from properly per-forming his function. These problems must beweighed along with the other characteristicsthat can affect this ability when selecting aspecimen closest to the ideal.

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Grooming

Although it is not discussed in the standard,grooming is an important element in presentingthe Cocker Spaniel. Proper grooming not onlyenhances the dog’s true line and elegance but isnecessary for good hygiene. A properlygroomed Cocker will have a totally naturalappearance, giving the impression that the doghas not been groomed at all.

The head is closely trimmed to keep the appear-ance clean and protect the eyes and ears frominfection. The trimmed areas should be blendedneatly with the untrimmed areas for clean lines.

The correct amount of guard hair and topcoaton the back are necessary for the protection ofthe sporting dog in the field. It is important thatnot all of the guard hair and topcoat beremoved. As stated in the standard, clippersshould never be used to trim the back coat.

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COLOR AND MARKINGS

Black Variety

Solid color black to include black with tan points.The black should be jet; shadings of brown or liverin the coat are not desirable. A small amount ofwhite on the chest and/or throat is allowed; white inany other location shall disqualify.

While the tan shades can vary, the standard isclear that the black must be solid and shiny. Awhite spot larger than the area equivalent to ahalf-dollar or wider than a pencil-thin stripshould be penalized, but not disqualified.

The coat should have a healthy gloss to indicatecondition. The rust coloring which appears insome coats is to be regarded unfavorably. TheB/T shown in this Variety should have the samequality and the tan markings may range fromthe lightest cream to the darkest red.

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Any Solid Color Other than Black (ASCOB) Variety

Any solid color other than black, ranging from light-est cream to darkest red, including brown andbrown with tan points. The color shall be of a uni-form shade, but lighter color of the feathering is per-missible. A small amount of white on the chestand/or throat is allowed; white in any other locationshall disqualify.

Color of the furnishings can vary widely fromthe body shade. Uniform color is preferred buttexture of coat is more important. A white spotlarger than the area equivalent to a half-dollar orwider than a pencil-thin strip should be penal-ized, but not disqualified.

The ASCOB Variety has a wide assortment ofcolors. The “Buff” color may range from a set-ter red color to a light cream colored dog. Thisvariety also includes brown, sometimes referredto as liver or chocolate. It may range from a red-dish brown to a deep, intense brown, and maybe tan pointed. The tan markings may be thesame coloration as found on the black/tan.

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Parti-Color Variety

Two or more solid, well broken colors, one of whichmust be white; black and white, red and white (thered may range from lightest cream to darkest red),brown and white, and roans, to include any suchcolor combination with tan points. It is preferablethat the tan markings be located in the same patternas for the tan points in the Black and ASCOB vari-eties. Roans are classified as parti-colors and maybe of any of the usual roaning patterns. Primarycolor which is ninety percent (90%) or more shalldisqualify.

The parti-color Variety allows the breeder agreat deal of flexibility in color combinations. Itincludes black/whites, red/whites, brown/whites,tri-colors and roans.

The solid colors should be distributed over thecoat in reasonably sized patches. Dogs thathave a minimum amount of solid markings arelosing their identity as parti-colors. It is prefer-able that the eye rims and ears be of a solidcolor. In the tri-colors the tan pattern is thesame as in the black and ASCOB varieties.Roans may be black, brown or strawberry; theyare seldom seen in the Cocker.

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Tan Points

The color of the tan may be from the lightest creamto the darkest red and is restricted to ten percent(10%) or less of the color of the specimen; tanmarkings in excess of that amount shall disqualify.In the case of tan points in the Black or ASCOB vari-ety, the markings shall be located as follows:

1) A clear tan spot over each eye;2) On the sides of the muzzle and on the

cheeks;3) On the underside of the ears;4)  On all feet and/or legs;5)  Under the tail;6) On the chest, optional; presence or

absence shall not be penalized.

Tan markings which are not readily visible or whichamount only to traces, shall be penalized. Tan onthe muzzle which extends upward, over and joinsshall also be penalized. The absence of tan mark-ings in the Black or ASCOB variety in any of thespecified locations in any otherwise tan-pointed dogshall disqualify.

Black hairs in tan markings are normal in thebreed.

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Gait

The Cocker Spaniel, though the smallest of thesporting dogs, possesses a typical sporting doggait. Prerequisite to good movement is balancebetween the front and rear assemblies. He driveswith strong, powerful rear quarters and is properlyconstructed in the shoulders and forelegs so that hecan reach forward without constriction in a full strideto counterbalance the driving force from the rear.Above all, his gait is coordinated, smooth and effort-less. The dog must cover ground with his action;excessive animation should not be mistaken forproper gait.

Gait is the conclusion and result of the dog’sconformation; the outward expression ofsoundness. Soundness, in turn, is one of themost important qualities and is best determinedby moving the dog. Remember the Cocker is asporting dog capable of considerable speedcombined with great endurance.

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As in other breeds, the Cocker is judged fromthree views: in profile, going away and straightback to the judge. The side view allows you toassess overall balance and symmetry of thefront and rear. Do the front and rear halvesmove in harmony rather than as two separateparts? Does the dog in motion appear as hedoes stacked (i.e., with a slightly slopingtopline, hard back with tail carried on a line withthe topline of the back or slightly higher)? Thereshould be no breaks in the topline such as adrop off behind the shoulders, dip or roach inthe back, nor a low tail set. The dog shouldnever appear higher in the rear than at theshoulders.

The front extension should be at least to thenose with rear extension of an equal distance.The topline moving should remain firm withoutbounce. Hackney gait or highflying fronts areexamples of ineffectual movement. Remember,the gait should be coordinated, smooth andeffortless.

With Correct Movement

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Going away and coming back, the dog shouldmove “straight” (i.e., he should move so that hisfront and rear legs on each side move in a linewith each other) and converge towards a center-line of gravity as speed increases but never sin-gle tracking or crossing over.

As the dog moves away you should be able tosee the pads of the feet confirming proper rearextension. Major faults to watch for are slip-page of stifle, cow hocks, and/or bowed rearlegs. Side winding usually indicates the rear isoverpowering the front.

When coming back he should move “freely”with no excessive action. Watch for elbowsbeing thrown, pounding fronts, high stepping,and/or hackney action. When the dog stops heshould set square with front feet beneath thepoint of shoulder and the rear setting wide andstrong. The dog should appear sound.

With incorrect hackney movement

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The Cocker Spaniel Should Not Move AtExcessive Speed

Speed in the ring makes it difficult to evaluateproper movement. Excessive animation andspeed should not be confused with propermovement. Due to incorrect front and rear con-struction some dogs will require twice as manysteps to cover the same amount of ground as acorrectly constructed dog.

Freedom of movement can be greatly compro-mised by too tight a lead. However, the Cockeris bred to hunt using its nose. When gaiting ona dead loose lead, most Cockers will drop theirheads to scent the ground. A lead used with“light” tension still allows free and natural headcarriage. Head carriage that is too high caninterfere with fluid forward motion.

To conclude, remember the importance of bal-ance, soundness, strength and endurance. Hemust be free and merry and show a keen incli-nation to work.

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Temperament

Equable in temperament with no suggestion oftimidity.

Above all the Cocker is merry and affectionate.A good time to judge temperament is while thedog is gaiting or standing free. The tail shouldbe held confidently and preferably be wagging.The Cocker should be approachable by otherdogs and people with no sign of aggression orshyness.

Not being able to examine the Cocker easily isunacceptable behavior and should be penal-ized. Exceptions can be made for typical play-ful puppy behavior.

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Disqualifications

HeightMales over 151⁄2 inches; females over 141⁄2 inches.

EyesEye(s) blue, blue marbled, blue flecked.

Color and MarkingsThe aforementioned colors are the only acceptablecolors or combination of colors. Any other colors orcombination of colors to disqualify.

Black VarietyWhite markings except on chest and throat.

Any Solid Color Other Than Black VarietyWhite markings except on chest and throat.

Parti-color VarietyPrimary color ninety percent (90%) or more.

Tan Points(1) Tan markings in excess of ten percent (10%);(2) Absence of tan markings in Black or ASCOBVariety in any of the specified locations in an oth-erwise tan pointed dog.

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THE END

NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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American Spaniel Club, Inc.P.O. Box 4194 • Frankfort, Kentucky 40604-4194

http://www.americanspanielclub.org