CHAPTER 1

CHOOSING YOUR SPANIEL

Is a spaniel for you? Will a spaniel make a fantastic family member and companion? What should you know before considering a spaniel? And, most importantly, how do you choose your spaniel once you have decided that a spaniel is for you?

A family spaniel.

SO, YOU FANCY A SPANIEL?

Spaniels are some of the most popular dogs globally. They make wonderful companions as well as dedicated work colleagues. Characterised by pendulous ears, medium height, and a happy, congenial and active personality, it is no surprise that spaniels remain firm family favourites. Indeed, the Cocker Spaniel is often known as 'the merry Cocker'. Add to these characteristics, biddability, trainability, intelligence and an optimistic outlook, plus decades of selection for desirable working traits such as hunting and retrieving. As a result, spaniels also remain popular as working gundogs and in a number of other functional roles such as detection dogs in, for example, for law enforcement, safety (explosives detection), forensics (cadaver and arson detection), conservation detection and even to detect diseases and medical conditions in their human partners.

THE HISTORY OF SPANIELS

The word 'spaniel' is thought to originate from the old French word 'espaigneul' meaning Spanish, as spaniels were thought to originate from Spain. Spaniels were hunting partners, bred to push (flush or 'spring') game birds out of dense plant cover to be shot, initially by arrows and then by guns. These dogs then found and retrieved the shot game back to their handlers. They were classified as being land spaniels, water spaniels or toy spaniels. Over the years, specific breeds and types developed, based on the jobs they undertook and the environment in which they were going to work. This caused changes to size, shape, colour and even subtle behavioural differences too, many of which we see in the variety of spaniel breeds and types found today.

Spaniels remain popular as working gundogs, often working alongside other breeds.

SPANIEL BREEDS AND TYPES

Spaniels are now a diverse group of dogs, ranging in size from small breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel, to the medium-sized gundog breeds of Springer and Cocker Spaniels. The Sussex, Field, Welsh and Clumber Spaniels are less commonly seen spaniel breeds in the UK, but breed afficionados continue to promote them and demonstrate their working ability, characteristics and personalities. There are also geographical specific spaniels such as the Boykin spaniel in the USA.

The much larger and very distinctive Irish Water Spaniel has a characteristic densely curled coat and long, whiplike tail. They have long ears and retain a typical spaniel-like, fun-loving personality. However, the Irish Water Spaniel is more accurately viewed as a retriever in terms of working and training expectations.

In terms of popularity, the Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel remain two of the most numerically common, registered breeds. Their congeniality, biddability, size and even societal familiarity mean they are and are likely to remain firm favourites in the dog world. The minority spaniel breeds, mixes and crosses all retain similar physical and behavioural characteristics too, albeit with their own specific breed standards, idiosyncrasies and distinctive characteristics. Your individual preferences and lifestyle situation requirements are likely to play a part in deciding if and what type of spaniel is ideal for you.

Spaniels and spaniel crosses

Spaniels are often described as 'clown-like' and often have impressive comic timing, as well as the ability to create hilarious and sometimes embarrassing situations for their people. It is strongly recommended that you have a sense of humour if you intend to share your life with a spaniel!

These traits can be seen across the many classic, recognised breeds of spaniels, as well as the various crosses including the common 'sprocker spaniel' (springer-cocker cross). Many spaniel characteristics will also be seen in other common crosses with labradors ('springador' or 'cockador') or collies ('sprollies'), although to a lesser extent, thanks to the genetic influence of the other breeds.

Spaniels are a diverse group of different breeds and types, all with the typical long, pendulous ears.

A 'sprocker' spaniel - a cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel.

Spaniels are sensitive souls

Spaniels are sensitive souls and do not take well to harsh or punitive handling. Because spaniels can appear outwardly very 'busy', this can often disguise their sensitive side. A spaniel that suddenly starts 'the zoomies' - frantic running in circles - is most probably indicating that they are conflicted in how best to respond to a given situation. They are not being 'bad' or 'disobedient'. They can also worry about situations that might have scared them or made them feel uncomfortable. This is why fair, empathetic training and positive associations with the world are so important to support your spaniel throughout life and the sooner you can build a relationship on these grounds with your puppy, the better.

Show-line spaniels versus working-line spaniels

An important distinction to be aware of - especially with Cockers and Springers - is the difference between 'show bred' dogs and 'working-bred' dogs. For some of the minority spaniel breeds such as the Sussex, Field and Clumber, the distinction between working and show lines is less pronounced, although some breeders select and breed specifically for the show ring or working ability.

Early training and positive world experiences are essential for your spaniel puppy.

In the case of pedigree Springers and Cockers in the UK, they are registered simply as 'Spaniel (springer)' or 'Spaniel (cocker)' without distinction of whether they are originally from showing lines or working lines. This can be confusing to new spaniel caregivers - how do you know if a dog comes from show lines or working lines, and what should you expect? This can be important because some working line spaniels are the canine version of a Formula 1 car - wonderful dogs but potentially not the best choice for a sedate and spaniel-inexperienced family home.

Firstly, if you are looking for a puppy, a responsible breeder will advise you clearly on the origin of your puppy, their ancestry and what this means for their temperament and personality. Looking at pedigrees can also be helpful. Many kennel names will be associated with specific activities and sporting disciplines, and you can quickly become familiar with the show kennel names and the working kennel names. If you are absolutely new to spaniels, it is strongly recommended to seek advice from other spaniel caregivers about breeders or other organisations that might be supportive in your search.

A kennel name, also known as an 'affix', is a consistent name or word that appears in the registered names of all dogs from a specific kennel/registered owner(s). A kennel name needs to be registered with the relevant country of residence's kennel club/registration organisation before use but can then be added to the name of dogs owned or bred by that kennel and caregiver who holds the affix. Where the kennel name appears at the start of a registered name (the prefix), it indicates the dog was bred by that kennel. If it appears at the end of a registered name (the suffix), then the dog was bred and brought in from elsewhere.

Other ways to get a feel for the origin and ancestry of your spaniel is to look for other indications of purpose or competitive success on any registered names. This will typically be seen as letters added to the start or end of a dog's registered (rather than their pet/call) name. If you see registered names in the pedigree with ShCh as a prefix, this indicates the dog is a show champion and has excelled in the show ring. FTCh, FTAW or FTW indicate that the dog has excelled in field trials, as a field trial champion, field trial award winner or field trial winner, although FTCh is the only official title that is utilised - others tend to be used to indicate a dog's success and for awareness by others. There are other titles and awards that will also be seen adjacent to registered names, and these will indicate achievement and success in a range of other activities.

Megan - my first cocker who gave rise to my affix 'Clonameg' - a portmanteau of 'clone a Megan'.

Millsey Pinot of Clonameg AWS. The AWS signifies that she achieved her silver agility warrant award.

Spaniels from showing lines have heavier coats, more feathering on their legs and undercarriage and are more aligned with the typical physical and colour 'breed standard' expectations than working bred spaniels. Show bred dogs may be slightly less naturally 'driven' than working-line dogs, meaning they might naturally be less active, but not always.

Dogs bred with 'lots of red' in the pedigree means there are many ancestors who have excelled and been titled. This can be a sign of thoughtful breeding and careful selection. It may also indicate that working-line dogs bred in this way are highly driven and likely to need...