The Different Types Of Spaniels
There are 25 different types of spaniels currently recognized by national kennel organizations, including the American Kennel Club, plus several other breeds, primarily those in the United Kingdom, which have become extinct. A few of the existing types of spaniels have also become somewhat rare, but the more commonly known types are a numerous as ever.
The spaniel was at one time a very popular breed of dog in the United States. It remains so, but they are not found in as many households as in years past, primarily because their main purpose in life was at one time that of fulfilling the need for a good hunting dog that was not too large. A duck hunter for example, who used a small boat or skiff, would often prefer to have a spaniel along rather than one of the larger retrievers.
Still, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, and water spaniels remain very popular, and although fewer of them are used for hunting these days, they make excellent companion dogs. The term spaniel is believed to be derived from Spain or Spanish, as the French referred to the breeds as being breeds from Spain. The spaniel breeds spread throughout Europe and to the British Isles ever since Roman times, and were introduced to North America before the American Revolution.
There are two types of spaniels known as cocker spaniels, the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. The term cocker comes from England, there the English breed was used to hunt upland game birds, including the woodcock. The American cocker spaniel, like the English cocker spaniel, was originally bred as a gun dog. The American cocker spaniel has been distinguished as a distinct breed for over 50 years. It is a medium sized dog which normally has a good outgoing temperament. Like many of the spaniel breeds, it is a popular show dog, and a very beautiful dog with its sleek coat, pronounced feathers on the legs, and long drooping ears.
The American Water Spaniel is more often used as a gun dog these days than the cocker spaniel, particularly due to the fact its dense curly coat makes it well suited as a retriever in cold water or inclement weather. Most American water spaniels have a liver-colored coat, though chocolate and brown are not uncommon. The breed is a good at flushing as well as retrieving, making it an ideal upland game hunter. Given the chance, the water spaniel will even go after fish, though is rarely used for that purpose. It is a good companion dog, very loyal, and good with children. This breed can be a little headstrong at times, but generally takes well to obedience training.
The English Springer Spaniel is another excellent gun dog, popular both in the UK and in North America. This breed is not too distinct from the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Although it is a loyal and affectionate family dog, it is known to be very excitable at times. Easily trainable, and an excellent hunting companion, the English Springer Spaniel is a workhorse and can seemingly be on the go for ever. This breed requires attention and exercise or can become destructive if left alone or bored. It can also become aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. A Springer spaniel that has frequent access to a body of water will be a happy spaniel, as they love to swim.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, sometimes called the Welsh Cocker Spaniel, is another favorite breed, and is an especially good family dog, although it can sometimes be wary and fearful of strangers. Welsh springer spaniels are uniformly white in color with red markings. They are not quite as common as the English springer, but are still widely used as hunting dogs. It is considered to be a good breed with children.
There are 20 other types of spaniels, but with the possible exception of the Brittany spaniel, the 5 described above are the most common and popular breeds.