English Cocker Spaniel Did You Know?

• The English Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club in 1946.
• The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America was formed in 1935 to promote the interest of the English Cocker, which had already been recognized as a variety of Cocker Spaniel but not a separate breed.
• As late as the early 20th century (after their official breed separation in England), the distinction between English Cockers and Springer Spaniels was one of height only; otherwise, Cocker and Springer developed side-by-side, born in the same litters.
• The immediate aim of the ECSCA was to discourage the interbreeding of English and American varieties of Cocker Spaniel.
• For quite some time, English and American Cockers competed against each other in the show ring, even after the official American separation was made.
• Not until January 1947 did breed registrations for the ECS appear in the Stud Book under their own heading.