Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest hunting breeds, originating in Spain, where spaniels were used to flush and retrieve game. In the 19th century, selective breeding in England led to the distinction between the English and American Cocker Spaniels. The name “Cocker” comes from the woodcock, the bird these dogs were originally bred to hunt. The breed quickly gained popularity for its keen scent, endurance, and friendly disposition. Today, Cocker Spaniels are known not only as skilled hunting dogs but also as affectionate, intelligent companions admired for their cheerful nature and loyalty.
General Appearance
The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog of strong yet elegant build, with harmonious proportions and a lively, friendly expression. The body is slightly longer than tall, the chest deep, and the back short and strong. The head is well-proportioned with soft lines, and the long ears are covered with dense, silky hair. Limbs are muscular and straight with strong joints. The coat is of medium length, smooth or slightly wavy, glossy and weather-resistant. The tail is carried in line with the back and moves actively. Overall, the breed combines strength, endurance, and grace—qualities befitting an energetic hunter and devoted companion.
Important Proportions
The Cocker Spaniel has a compact, slightly elongated body, with a deep chest and short, firm back. The head is in proportion to the body, with long, silky ears. Muscular limbs and a strong structure support free, balanced movement. The coat, of medium length and smooth texture, enhances the dog’s elegant outline while providing protection from moisture. The overall proportions reflect balance between power, agility, and refined appearance.
Behavior and Temperament
The Cocker Spaniel is friendly, energetic, and even-tempered, with a lively disposition and gentle character. Deeply devoted to its owner, it is sociable and affectionate, excellent with children and adaptable to family life. Intelligent and eager to please, it learns easily and enjoys both hunting and companionship. Aggression and shyness are undesirable. The breed’s temperament reflects cheerfulness, confidence, and loyalty, making the Cocker Spaniel a trustworthy and loving companion.
Head
The head is noble and well-proportioned, with smooth, refined lines. The skull is slightly rounded and moderately broad, with a distinct yet gentle stop. The muzzle is square, deep, and of medium length, with a straight nasal bridge. The nose is large, dark in color, and well-developed. Lips are slightly pendulous but tight-fitting. The jaws are strong with a perfect scissor bite. The expression should be intelligent, kind, and alert—hallmarks of the breed’s charm.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set well apart, giving a soft and intelligent expression. The iris is dark brown, with lighter shades acceptable in lighter-colored dogs. Eyelids are tight with dark rims. The gaze is expressive, attentive, and friendly. Too light, protruding, or closely set eyes are faults, as they spoil the characteristic gentle look of the breed.
Ears
Ears are long, set at or slightly below eye level, lying close to the head and covered with abundant, silky hair. They are fine in texture with rounded tips, reaching at least the tip of the nose. When alert, the base of the ear lifts slightly, enhancing the dog’s lively expression. Proper ear length and texture add elegance and the classic “spaniel charm.”
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, and muscular, slightly arched, and blending smoothly into the shoulders. It allows the dog to carry its head proudly and move freely. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. Well-developed muscles emphasize the breed’s strength and endurance while preserving its elegance.
Body
The body is compact, strong, and balanced, with a well-developed musculature. The topline is straight, the back short and firm, and the loin slightly arched. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with well-sprung ribs. The croup is broad and slightly sloping; the abdomen moderately tucked up. The overall outline conveys strength without heaviness—reflecting the breed’s agility, confidence, and grace.
Tail
The tail is set slightly below the backline, covered with thick, soft hair. In countries where docking is permitted, it may be shortened moderately; in natural form, it is straight or slightly curved, carried level with the back and wagged actively. At rest, the tail hangs down. The tail’s movement expresses the Cocker’s cheerful temperament and balance.
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight, strong, and well-boned. Shoulders are long and sloping, fitting smoothly to the body and forming a correct angle with the upper arm. Elbows are directed backward, not turned in or out. Pasterns are short, slightly sloping, and springy. Feet are compact, round, with tight toes and firm pads. Correct structure ensures stability, strength, and freedom of movement.
Hindquarters
Hind legs are powerful and muscular, in balance with the front. Thighs are broad and strong, knees well-bent, providing a powerful drive. Hocks are low and firm, viewed straight from behind. Feet are compact and round. Proper angulation and balance produce smooth, energetic, and effortless movement.
Gait and Movement
The gait is free, strong, and coordinated, with a good reach in front and powerful drive from behind. The topline remains firm and level. Movement should express enthusiasm, energy, and purpose. Restricted or unbalanced gait is considered faulty.
Coat
The coat is dense, soft, silky, straight, or slightly wavy but never curly. On the head it is short and smooth; on the body, of medium length and lying close. Feathering appears on the ears, chest, abdomen, legs, and tail. The undercoat is fine, providing weather protection. The coat should highlight the breed’s elegance and well-groomed appearance.
Acceptable Colors
Cocker Spaniels come in a wide range of colors. Solid colors include black, red, golden, liver, and fawn, sometimes with a small white patch on the chest. Parti-colors include black and white, red and white, lemon and white, liver and white, blue roan, orange roan, and tricolor with tan points. Colors must be pure and well-defined, with rich tones and symmetrical markings.
Size
The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact, well-proportioned dog. Height at the withers: males 39–41 cm; females 38–39 cm. Weight: 12.5–14.5 kg. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a strong skeleton and well-developed muscles, combining strength, agility, and balance.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the standard that affects the breed’s balance or type: narrow chest, weak back, overlong body, short or coarse muzzle, pale or protruding eyes, poor pigmentation, rare or harsh coat, excessive feathering, shyness, or irritability. Loss of the breed’s typical friendly and confident temperament is a serious fault.
Disqualifications
Serious deviations disqualify the dog from breeding or exhibition: incorrect bite (undershot, overshot, or asymmetrical jaws), missing teeth, blue or uneven eyes, depigmented nose or eyelids, spinal or limb deformities, weakness of bone, albinism, or non-standard colors (solid white, black-and-tan, liver with bluish tint). Aggressive, fearful, or unstable behavior is also disqualifying.
Important Notes
The Cocker Spaniel is an active, intelligent, and affectionate breed requiring attentive care and proper upbringing. Within the ICCF system, emphasis is placed on preserving working instincts, stable temperament, and structural harmony. Excessive ornamentation or loss of functional character is undesirable. Only dogs with official ICCF documentation confirming origin, health, and standard compliance are eligible for breeding or shows.
Conclusion
The Cocker Spaniel embodies joy, energy, and devotion. Combining balanced conformation, intelligence, and a gentle nature, it represents the ideal harmony between working ability and beauty. The ICCF recognizes the Cocker Spaniel as a model of vitality, loyalty, and charm—a capable hunter and a loving family companion.
