English cocker spaniels 'are a beautiful sight'

The energetic and enthusiastic English cocker spaniel has been one of the stars of the impressive sporting group since the handsome bird-flushing dog was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club almost three quarters of a century ago.

Known for its merry disposition, versatility and unfailing loyalty, the English cocker is a cousin of the American cocker and English springer spaniels. Although the breed shares many common ancestors with its relatives, the English cocker is quite different than the other spaniels.

Barrington, R.I. residents Grace and Mike Wilkinson have owned English cockers for 11 years, after transitioning from raising Irish water spaniels, a much larger breed. The couple owns Cliffwalk English Cockers, and exhibit in the conformation ring. They are members of the Wampanoag Kennel Club and Mike is a popular dog show photographer.

The Wilkinsons co-own their dogs with Karen Griswa, an English cocker breeder from New Jersey, who handles the dogs in the show ring. The Wilkinsons co-own four champions and recently bred a promising litter containing several future stars.

Grace says that when she began looking for a smaller breed, she was attracted to the English cocker for several reasons.

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“That was a dog that I could downsize to,” she recalls. “I liked their looks. I think that they are really elegant looking.”

The respected fancier emphasizes that she and her photographer husband appreciate sharing their home with handsome canines.

“I like to look at a beautiful dog in my house,” she continues. “If an English cocker is properly groomed, they are a beautiful sight.”

According to the official AKC breed standard, the English cocker’s compact, solid body “practically vibrates with energy and enthusiasm,” particularly when a dog is outdoors at work in the field. Although the breed is known for its soft, heartwarming expression, the breed is respected as a versatile tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. These versatile dogs are also excellent retrievers.

Breed historians report that the English Cocker Spaniel of America was formed in 1935 to promote the interest of the breed, which had already been recognized as a distinct variety of cocker spaniel but not as a separate breed. The immediate goal of the organization was to discourage interbreeding between English and American cockers.

As a result of this initiative, the English cocker was recognized as a separate breed in 1946.

Physically, while both breeds share many similarities, there are also many differences. English cockers are taller, shorter in length and have a less profuse coat, which can be any color. Heads and eyes are also shaped differently, and while American cockers have rounder eyes, its English cousin has medium-sized oval eyes that are set wide apart.

While many kennels focus their breeding programs on producing solid-colored dogs, the Wilkinsons specialize in breeding parti-colors and own a few handsome blue roans, which have a mixture of bluish-black and white hairs.

“Partis are much more common in New England,” Grace shares.

She describes these energetic canines as “extremely friendly and outgoing” with biddable dispositions.

“They are sweet natured and a fun-fun breed,” she shares. “They love to chase a squirrel.”

Mike adds the English cockers are always happy.

“They want to be with you,” he says, noting that as he moves about the house, one of the spaniels always watches and follows him.

Grace emphasizes that while English cockers generally enjoy good health, potential buyers should make sure that the sire and dam of any litter has been health tested. She suggests that potential owners conduct a lot of research and contact a breeder referred by the national club.

The Wilkinsons agree that English cockers are not “wash and go” dogs. They keep all of their canines in show condition, which requires hours of brushing, sculpting and trimming.

Mike’s interest in dogs led to the development of a photography business a few years ago. The retired accountant once raised roses, competed in flower shows and soon began photographing his floral entries.

“It’s a challenge to photograph dogs,” he tells. “They just don’t cooperate like people.”

The camera artist enjoys taking “action shots” and likes to capture the beauty of impressive breeds such as setters, Afghans and Borzois. He adds that when a handler and his canine are “in sync,” it makes for a beautiful shot.

For more information about English cocker spaniels, visit the national breed club’s web site: www.ecsca.info; or visit Mike Wilkinson’s web site: www.phodography.com.

Swansea resident Brian J. Lowney has been writing about pets for more than a decade. He is a past president of the Wampanoag Kennel Club, an active dog show judge and shares his home with shelter-adopted cats.