As the most popular and favorite dog breed to pet, especially among families, we often think we know almost everything about cocker spaniels. But aside from its positive attributes, there are many interesting facts about cocker spaniels that will make you realize and convince you why they are loved by many people.
9 Elegant Facts About Cocker Spaniels Dog
As a Cocker Spaniel owner, you might know about the Cocker Spaniel breed. Here are nine elegant and fun facts about cocker spaniels that will make you love them even more.
1. Cocker spaniel has two different breeds
As categorized by the American Kennel Club, the English and American cocker spaniels are two different breeds. Yes, it might be confusing since they look similar, but some distinctions set them apart.
During the 19th century, both the American and English dog breeders studied the difference in traits between the two. In terms of their physical attributes, the American cocker spaniel is smaller with rounder heads, and the English cocker spaniel has a longer snout and less distinct eyebrows.
Because of several differences, a warrant to separate the breed happened in 1945. Now, we still classified cocker spaniels in these two different breeds.
2. Cocker spaniels are originally bred as hunters
Who would have thought that these sweet-natured and loving dogs were once trained as hunters? During the early 1400s, people used cocker spaniels as hunters. People categorized large families of dogs based on their different qualities. Cocker spaniels were then chosen as land hunters.
3. Cocker spaniel’s name came from a bird
Another interesting piece of information about cocker spaniels is that its name came from a bird. Cocker spaniels came from Spain. Hence, the name “spaniel,” but as trained land hunters during the early times, they became skilled in hunting a bird called woodcock. From there, the name became what it is today.
4. Cocker spaniel became the most popular dog breed during the 1950s
The rise to the popularity of cocker spaniels started around the 1930s to 1950s. But through the years, as people pet more dogs of different breeds, the cocker spaniel’s popularity dipped in the 1980s. But after that, it started to become popular again.
As of 2020, the cocker spaniel ranked 30 on American Kennel Club’s dog breed popularity list. On the other hand, the cocker spaniel became the third most popular dog in the UK during the first quarter of 2021.
5. Cocker Spaniel inspired works of art, fashion, and pop culture
With their beauty and elegance, cocker spaniels also inspire creative people to make their masterpieces. One of the best examples is Paul Sperry, inventor of the world’s first boat shoe. The idea popped up when Sperry was watching his cocker spaniel run on the ice at ease. He then noticed that the dog’s paw had wave-like grooves that allowed it to walk on good traction.
A cocker spaniel also starred in a Disney animated film titled “Lady and The Tramp.” It is all thanks to the elegance, especially of its silky coat, that makes it a perfect choice of dog breed for the movie.
So if you want to get inspiration for your creative projects, looking at a cocker spaniel might help get more ideas.
6. Cocker Spaniel is also popular among well-known personalities and celebrities
Since it is a well-loved family dog because of its gentle personality, friendly attitude, and elegant physical qualities, it is no wonder why also the famous people we know fell in love with this dog.
On the list of actors who are cocker spaniel owners is George Clooney who rescued and adopted one from the animal shelter. Other celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham and also the well-known Oprah Winfrey also own one.
Aside from actors and celebrities, even the royalties can get enough of the adorable features of a cocker spaniel. Duchess Kate Middleton gifted a cocker spaniel to her younger brother as a birthday present. Indeed, the cocker spaniel is a popular dog breed in the UK.
Two US presidents, President Nixon and Truman, also own one and keep them in the White House. For sure, the dog accompanied them well there and managed to lessen their stress and burden.
7. Cocker Spaniel is not your usual guard dog
Even if the cocker spaniel is a favourite family dog and even it was originally trained as a hunter, it will not do well as a guard dog. It is all because of their gentle nature and friendly personality.
So even if they saw an intruder lurking around your house, the dog will not show any signs of aggressiveness. Instead, they will even greet the intruder with an enthusiastic expression while wagging their furry tails.
Let’s just hope it can melt the intruder’s heart and walk away, abandoning its intention to commit a crime at your place.
8. Cocker Spaniel is one of the smartest dog breeds
But even if they do not do well in protecting your house, this dog can impress you with its learning ability, knowledge, and impressive skills.
As early as the 18th century, people already recognized a cocker spaniel’s cleverness. It even became the most intelligent dog breed.
Cocker spaniels can learn a lot of tricks and follow basic commands if you train them well. One of them even managed to learn over 250 tricks.
9. Cocker Spaniel can detect cancer
Another good quality of cocker spaniels is their ability to sniff out illness, such as cancer. In 2004, researchers trained six dogs to identify if they can detect cancer by sniffing. Only one of them is a cocker spaniel.
After training, only the cocker spaniel named Tangle managed to have a higher success rate in detecting cancer. From 56 percent accuracy, the rate rose to 80 percent with continued training and research.
The research concluded that dogs can identify cancerous samples by scent alone, all thanks to Tangle, the Cocker Spaniel.
Like other dogs, there are Cocker Spaniel’s pros and cons. Hope you have learned some new information about Cocker Spaniel from the list of 9 elegant facts about cocker spaniels article. You can’t but love it after learning new things about this intelligent and adorable dog.
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