Breed Standard of

The Cocker Spaniel

Let's briefly look at the breed standard of the Cocker Spaniel shall we?

As the smallest member of the sporting group, the ideal Cocker Spaniel is sturdy with a compact body. The overall dog should be in balance and of ideal size as noted below.

When standing, the Cocker’s head and forequarters are held high above muscular shoulders with its forelegs straight and perpendicular to the ground. Its topline (back) slopes slightly toward moderately bent, muscular quarters.

Despite its moderate size, the Cocker is capable of considerable speed and endurance. It's personality is free and cheerful and the animal is sound and well balanced throughout. When in action he shows a keen tendency to work.

Size – The ideal height for an adult male is 15 inches and for a female, 14 inches. It is acceptable for height to vary one-half inch above or below this ideal; however, a Cocker whose height exceeds the upper limit (15½” male, 14½” female) is disqualified. An adult male whose height is less than 14½ inches and an adult female whose height is less than 13½ inches is acceptable but penalized.

The height is measured from the top of the shoulder blades to the ground with the dog standing naturally with its forelegs and lower hind legs parallel to the line of measurement.

Proportion – In order for the Cocker to be properly proportioned, he should be longer than he is tall. In other words, the measurement from the breast bone to the back of the thigh is slightly longer than that from the highest point of his withers (shoulders) to the ground. He should be long enough to allow for a straight and free stride; never appearing long and low.

The head must be in balance with the rest of the dog. A well-proportioned head embodies the following characteristics:

The shoulders should form a nearly 90 degree angle with the upper arm, allowing the dog to easily move his forelegs forward. The shoulders are sharp, sloping without protrusion and set so that the upper points of the withers are at an angle permitting a “wide spring of rib”.

The elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder blade when viewed from the side. Strongly boned and muscular forelegs are parallel, straight, and set close to the body. The pasterns (equivalent to human forearms) are short and strong. It is acceptable for the dewclaws to be removed. The large feet are compact, round and firm with “horny pads”; turning neither in nor out.

When viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel when in motion and at rest. They are strongly boned and muscled with modest angulation at the stifle (knee) with powerful, clearly defined thighs. The stifle is strong and stable. The hocks (where the lower legs join with the feet) are strong and set low. It is acceptable for the dewclaws to be removed

The head hair is short and fine as opposed to the body which is medium length and dense to give protection. The Cocker’s ears, chest, abdomen and legs are well feathered without hindering movement or affecting appearance and function. The coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy with a texture that permits easy care. An excessive, curly or cottony textured coat is harshly penalized. Trimming excessive hair to enhance the dog's true lines is permitted but should appear as natural as possible.

Black Variety – Solid color black, including black with tan points. This should be jet black with no shadings of brown or liver. A small amount of white on the chest and/or throat is allowed; however, white in any other location is disqualified.

Any Solid Color Other than Black (ASCOB) – This is any solid color other than black, ranging from the lightest cream to the darkest red, including brown and brown with tan points. The color should be uniform, but it is permissible for the feathering to be lighter in color. A small amount of white on the chest and/or throat is allowed; however, white in any other location is disqualified.

Parti-Color Variety – This is the combination of two or more solid yet well broken colors, one of which must be white; black and white, red and white (the red may range from lightest cream to darkest red), brown and white, and roans, plus any such color combination with tan points. It is preferable that the tan markings be located in the same pattern as for the tan points in the Black and ASCOB varieties.

Roans are classified as parti-colors and may be of any of the usual roaning patterns. A primary color of 90% or more is disqualified.

Tan Points – The color of the tan can range from the lightest cream to the darkest red and should be equal to 10% or less of the color of the body. Tan markings in excess of that amount are disqualified.

In the Black or ASCOB variety, the tan points should appear as follows:

Despite its small size the Cocker Spaniel possesses the coordinated, smooth and effortless gait that’s typical of the sporting dog; driven by strong, powerful rear quarters. He is “properly constructed” in the shoulders and forelegs so that forward reach is not constricted when in a full stride. Good movement requires balance between the front and rear assemblies.

The well-bred cocker should be even tempered and without excessive timidity or aggression.

The Cocker Spaniel (American and English) is recognized by the following national and/or international breed registry organizations:

I am sorry if that was all a bit "dry" but it is a little tricky to make the breed standards exciting.

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