Origins
Although the true origin and age of the breed is
not well documented, evidence of the term "water spaniel" is
documented in Irish laws going back to 17 A.D.
There is much consensus that the word spaniel to mean dogs from Spain. Roman trade routes are believed to spread
spaniels throughout Europe including Brittan where the Roman word for Spain,
Hispania was Anglicized into Spaniel.
One of the first books written in regards to the hunting style found in
spaniels was by Gaston De Foix between 1387 and 1388 A.D. Livre de Chase (Book of the Hunt) recorded
different stages of hunting and hunting different animals. Included were the quartering techniques of
the spaniel. During the 16th century Land
Spaniels were separated from Water Spaniels. Land spaniels developed originally pointing
and allowing their handlers to snare the game.
The 17th century brought about further division within the Land
Spaniel. Springing, Hawking, and Cocking
which were springers weighing up to 25 lbs. and used for smaller game such as
woodcock. Cocker spaniels were the first
to take hold of the American hunting scene and the AKC. The first Cocker Spaniel stake was held in
Verbank, NY in 1924 and included stakes for Springer Spaniels as well. In 1910 the Springer Spaniel became
recognized by the AKC and like the Cocker stakes, Springer events held stakes
for Cockers as well. The spaniel world
continued to divide itself through show or bench bred and field bred
spaniels. The last dual champion occurred in the
1940's and the breed has been dividing itself since. The bench bred dogs have been focused on
conformation rather than hunting ability and the field dogs have focused more
on hunting ability rather than appearance.
Unfortunately for the Cocker Spaniel most of the breed was leaning
toward conformation. Over the past
decade or two hunting Cockers have been coming back. The breed has gotten stronger and
the desire and ability to hunt is back.
Heath
In regards to health, English Springer and
Cocker Spaniels are quite desirable.
There are some things to keep in mind when choosing breeding stock or a
pup of your own. The parents of the pup
should have their eyes checked through the CERF registry and be clear of
hereditary eye diseases. Such diseases
are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Primary Glaucoma, and Multi Focal
Retinal Dysplasia (MRD). Inherited
metabolic disorders such as Phosphofructokinase (PFK) should be check for in
breeding stock as well since it is inherited through a single autosomal
recessive trait. Hip Dysplasia is not as
common in Spaniels as in larger breeds, but you should make sure the sire and
dam both are OFA good or better or PennHip in the upper percentile. Spaniels always have a way of getting
themselves into situations which require field first aid. It is advisable to get a hunting dog first
aid book and either buy or build an extensive first aid
kit. Proper preparation when owning a
working spaniel is worth its weight in gold.
Temperament
A spaniel’s temperament is what makes it such a
desirable working dog. The desire to
please their handler is key to their abilities.
Being a flushing breed, they shouldn't range like a pointer and must
have that human connection when working.
This relationship with their handler creates a loving breed that is eager to
please.