wagging. It hurriedly quarters the ground, freezing as it bolts a bird or rabbit, waiting for the shot, and then goes after the next. Remembering where the game lies, the Cocker can easily find and retrieve it unmarked because it has an extraordinarily soft mouth.
History
This charming spaniel is believed to have originated in pre-fourteenth-century Spain. It evolved through selective breeding from several Gundog breeds, depending on the terrain worked and the prey. Originally Cockers assisted in falconry and were later used to drive birds into nets. When game-bird shooting reached its zenith during the nineteenth century, the Cocker was found to be particularly effective in putting up woodcock.
Description
A square dog with a merry nature and a soft expression. It is well muscled with good bone and is an easy mover. It has a silky, flat coat, well-feathered forelegs and underparts and above the hocks. Its greatest pleasure is joining in family activities, lying by the fire, horse-play with the children, shopping with mother and shooting with father.
Fact File
Group: Gundog
Country of Origin: Spain
Male: 39–41 cm (15½–16 in)
Female: 38–39 cm (15–15½ in)
Coat: Flat or wavy, with good feathering; dense, water-resistant undercoat.
Life Expectancy: 11–12 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn of any approaching intruders.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Sweet-natured and co-operative. Today there are more pets than there are workers because Cockers are gentle, intelligent, biddable and easily trained. A classic companion, mainly because Cockers love fellowship.
Grooming: Daily attention to ears and feathering. Comb out any debris after exercise and groom the dog at least once a week.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: To stay happy, the Cocker Spaniel needs all the exercise possible, particularly free running in woods and fields.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some hip dysplasia and kidney problems (here). Only buy puppies from eye-tested parents.
English Springer Spaniel
(© John Daniels)
A loving family pet, Springers also make great working Gundogs with boundless energy – being so energetic, these dogs become a nuisance without early training. Their prime object is to ‘spring’ game from their hiding place for the shooters but they can also point and retrieve. They will enter the thickest cover fearlessly and leap into freezing water to retrieve a bird. Their extraordinary sense of smell has recently been exploited by police and customs, who train Springers to sniff out drugs and explosives.
History
One of the oldest recorded sporting dogs, the lively Springer Spaniel was first mentioned in literature by the poet Chaucer. The word ‘Spaniel’ may be derived from the French word for ‘Spanish’, ‘Espagnol’. The Springer was developed to become one of the great working Gundogs during the nineteenth century.
Description
The Springer is taller than the Cocker Spaniel, with a weather-resistant coat and feathering on the ears, forelegs and hindquarters. The coat may be black and white, liver and white, or one of these with additional tan markings.
Fact File
Group: Gundog
Country of Origin: England
Male: Approx. 50 cm (20 in)
Female: Approx. 50 cm (20 in)
Coat: Weather-resistant coat, with feathering on the ears, forelegs and hindquarters.
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn but friendly.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: This is a gentle, loving dog whose natural desire is to please. The Springer is highly intelligent and reacts well to kind training. They crave and give affection, hating to be alone, and are very good with children.
Grooming: They should be brushed and combed once a week (ears daily). Trim the feathering with scissors and make sure you keep the ears dry and clean.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Springers need plenty of free running and play daily. They need things to do, especially retrieving games and play, and take to Agility and Flyball with enthusiasm.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some hip dysplasia. Eye problems include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (here). Buy only from tested parents.
Labrador Retriever
(© Jean Michel Labat)
Worldwide, this is the most popular Retriever of all. Almost the perfect Gundog, the Labrador Retriever has a natural inclination to retrieve on land and water, a desire to please and the ability to learn easily. They have a need for love and understanding. Their natural desire to play makes them good family pets. A wonderful companion dog.
History
The seventeenth century saw trade between Britain and Newfoundland – slates out and salt fish back. An all-purpose water dog helped the fishermen to retrieve dropped articles, haul carts and retrieve game. Called St John’s Dogs, they were
