Description
One of the most original spaniel breeds, the English Cocker Spaniel is a dog built for hard work. Hardy, agile, and fast, it is above all a lively and energetic companion. Having been kept largely free from crossbreeding, the breed retains its superb hunting instincts and, under good leadership and training, becomes a versatile and capable gun dog.
Yet, thanks to its noble appearance, intelligence, and affectionate heart, it has also rightfully earned its place as an excellent companion and beloved family pet.
This breed requires plenty of exercise, kind treatment, and—crucially—a very consistent upbringing and training regimen.
Breed description adapted from the Han-Ende kennel website.
FCI Standard
FCI-Standard N° 126 / 28.10.2009 / GB
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL
ORIGIN : Great Britain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 28.07.2009.
UTILIZATION : Flushing dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 8 Retrievers-Flushing
Dogs-Water Dogs.
Section 2 Flushing Dogs.
With working trial.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Symmetrical, compact, not leggy, obviously built for endurance and hard work. Quick and active mover, displaying plenty of push and drive.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Very ancient and distinct breed of pure origin. Strong, merry and very active. Kindly disposition, not showing aggression or nervousness.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Of proportionate length, slightly domed. Well chiselled below eyes.
Stop : Clearly defined.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Flesh coloured to dark, nostrils well developed.
Muzzle : Of medium length, straight, fairly square.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes : Hazel or dark, medium size, neither prominent, nor sunken, not showing haw.
Ears : Set moderately low and hanging close to cheeks. Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards tip and shaped somewhat like a vine leaf.
NECK : Long, muscular, clean in throat, neatly set into sloping shoulders.
BODY : Not long, strong and muscular. Length of body should be proportionate to length of legs.
Loin : Muscular and slightly arched. Well coupled.
Chest : Deep brisket, well sprung ribs.
TAIL : Previously customarily docked. Well set on and low, never carried above level of back. Lively in action.
Undocked: Feathered. In balance with the rest of the dog.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Forelegs of medium length, straight, well boned.
Forefeet : Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
HINDQUARTERS : Strong and muscular, wide and fully developed. Hindlegs well boned.
Stifle : Moderately angled, neither turning in nor out.
Second thigh : Deep.
Hock : Well let down.
Hind feet : Round, with thick pads. Firm and cat-like, not large or spreading.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : Smooth, powerful, ground covering action; driving from rear.
COAT
Hair : Straight or flat, silky texture, dense, never wiry or wavy. Curly coat highly undesirable. Forelegs and hindlegs above hocks moderately feathered, ears and tail lightly feathered.
COLOUR : Rich red and white only.
SIZE AND WEIGHT :
Approximate height : Dogs 48 cm (19 ins) at withers.
Females 46 cm (18 ins) at withers.
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on its ability to perform its traditional work.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.