Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Spaniel is one of the oldest hunting breeds, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the first Spaniels appeared in Spain, which gave the breed its name. Over time, the Spaniel spread across Europe, especially in Great Britain, where it became the foundation for several distinct varieties such as the Cocker, Springer, and Field Spaniels. These dogs were bred for flushing and retrieving game and were valued for their stamina, keen scent, and obedience. Gradually, Spaniels evolved from being reliable hunting companions into beloved household pets. Today, they are known worldwide as kind, intelligent, and energetic dogs that combine friendliness with devotion and versatility.
General Appearance
The Spaniel is a medium-sized dog of strong yet elegant build, with well-developed muscles and harmonious proportions. The body is compact and slightly elongated, with a deep chest, straight, firm back, and smooth topline. The head is proportional, with expressive eyes and long, pendulous ears covered with wavy hair. The tail, whether docked or natural, is lively and mobile, reflecting the breed’s cheerful temperament. The coat is dense, soft, and slightly wavy, forming attractive feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and abdomen. The Spaniel gives an impression of a balanced, affectionate, and energetic dog that combines strength, elegance, and natural grace.
Important Proportions
The Spaniel’s body is slightly longer than its height at the withers, with the length exceeding the height by about 10–15%. The depth of chest is approximately half of the dog’s height. The head is in proportion to the body, with the muzzle about equal in length to the skull. The topline is straight and flows smoothly into a well-developed croup. Limbs are of medium length, strong, and well-angled, allowing for free and durable movement. The tail is set level with or slightly below the topline and is always active. The proportions of the Spaniel create a harmonious silhouette of an agile yet balanced dog, optimized for stamina, mobility, and working endurance both on land and in water.
Behavior and Temperament
The Spaniel is a kind, active, and even-tempered dog with high intelligence and a natural desire to cooperate with humans. It is friendly, sociable, and easily adapts to different living conditions. Spaniels are affectionate and loyal to their families and especially fond of children. Their curiosity and playfulness make them excellent companions for outdoor activities, sports, and games. As a hunting breed, the Spaniel is persistent, tireless, and gifted with an exceptional sense of smell. It learns quickly, responds eagerly to commands, and thrives on interaction. Aggression and timidity are considered serious faults and uncharacteristic of the breed.
Head
The Spaniel’s head is in proportion to the body, noble in outline, with soft lines and an expression of intelligence and gentleness. The skull is moderately broad and slightly rounded, with a clearly defined but not abrupt stop. The muzzle is of medium length, square at the base, with well-developed jaws and a black nose. Lips are tight, moderately developed, and not pendulous. Cheeks are smooth and flat. The overall expression is gentle, alert, and friendly, characteristic of a dog deeply bonded to humans. The skull-to-muzzle ratio is approximately 1:1, creating a harmonious and balanced appearance.
Foreface
The foreface of the Spaniel is expressive and well-formed. The muzzle is medium in length, straight, and well-filled under the eyes without tapering. The nose is large, with wide nostrils and dark pigmentation — usually black or dark brown depending on coat color. Lips are tight and neatly fitted, with soft corners and no looseness. Jaws are strong, with a complete set of teeth and a scissor bite. Cheeks are flat, giving the face smooth contours. The expression is open, friendly, and intelligent, often showing gentle attentiveness. The structure of the foreface reflects the breed’s responsive, obedient, and sociable nature.
Eyes
The Spaniel’s eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set wide apart, with a kind, attentive, and thoughtful expression. The iris color ranges from dark brown to hazel, depending on the coat color, with darker shades preferred. Eyelids are tight-fitting and well-pigmented, without sagging or wrinkles. The gaze is lively, intelligent, and soft, conveying sensitivity and emotional warmth. The sclera should not be visible. The Spaniel’s eyes are among its most distinctive features — they reflect its friendliness, devotion, and desire to communicate with people.
Ears
The ears of the Spaniel are long, low-set — level with or slightly below the eyes — soft, with fine cartilage and rounded tips. They are covered with thick, silky, wavy hair forming characteristic feathering. When relaxed, the ears hang close to the cheeks; when alert, they lift slightly at the base, enhancing the dog’s attentive and lively expression. The length of the ears typically reaches the tip of the nose. Faults include ears that are set too high or too low, too short, or excessively fluffy. Correct ears contribute to the Spaniel’s gentle, kind, and noble appearance.
Neck
The Spaniel’s neck is of medium length, muscular, dry, and slightly arched at the top. It merges smoothly into the withers, forming an elegant, harmonious profile. The skin fits tightly without folds or dewlap. The neck is strong enough to carry the head naturally while moving or working. Males have slightly more powerful necks than females, but both maintain the same elegance. Proper neck length and structure ensure freedom of movement, stamina, and flexibility, all essential traits for a hunting dog. The Spaniel’s neck reflects its confidence, balance, and vitality.
Body
The body of the Spaniel is strong, compact, and well-proportioned, with well-developed musculature. The back is straight and firm; the loin is short and slightly arched, providing strength and stability during movement. The chest is deep but not excessively broad, with moderately sprung ribs allowing efficient breathing during work. The croup is slightly sloping and merges smoothly with the tail. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, emphasizing the athletic build. All body lines are balanced and elegant, without heaviness. The Spaniel’s physique combines endurance and grace, perfectly suited to its dual role as hunter and companion.
Tail
The tail of the Spaniel is set level with or slightly below the topline and is lively and expressive, constantly moving when the dog is active. At rest, it may be lowered but should never be pressed against the body. The tail is covered with thick, wavy hair forming attractive feathering. Docking is permissible in some varieties, though natural tails are now preferred. The length is moderate and in harmony with body proportions. A correct tail enhances the breed’s cheerful and active nature. Faults include tails carried too high, curled over the back, or low and immobile, which disrupt breed balance.
Description of Exterior
Forequarters
The Spaniel’s forequarters are straight, strong, and well-set under the body, with solid bones and developed muscles. The shoulders are long and sloping, lying close to the ribcage, forming an angle of about 90–100° with the upper arm, allowing free and efficient movement. The upper arms are muscular; forearms straight and parallel; elbows directed backward and close to the body. Pasterns are short, resilient, and slightly sloping. Feet are round, compact, with thick pads and strong nails. Proper forequarter construction gives the Spaniel endurance, stability, and graceful movement — essential for hunting and fieldwork.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters of the Spaniel are powerful, muscular, and well-angulated, providing strong propulsion and stability. Thighs are long and broad, with well-developed muscles. Stifles are distinct, with balanced angulation. Lower thighs are firm, with low-set hocks that contribute to endurance and fluid motion. Metatarsi are short and nearly vertical. Feet are round, compact, with elastic pads. Correct hindquarters ensure smooth, strong, and coordinated movement. Faults include straight angulation, weak joints, or turned-out feet, all of which impair balance and drive.
Gait and Movement
The Spaniel’s movement is light, energetic, and smooth, with free reach of the forelegs and strong drive from the hindquarters. The gait is balanced and rhythmic; the dog moves confidently and efficiently, demonstrating flexibility and coordination. The topline remains steady without roll. At the trot, the stride is springy and even, reflecting energy and endurance. The gait must express the breed’s cheerful temperament, stamina, and readiness for work. Stiffness, hesitation, or exaggerated movement are considered faults.
Coat
The Spaniel’s coat is dense, soft, silky, and slightly wavy, without curls or excessive coarseness. It lies close to the body, providing protection against moisture and cold. Longer hair on the ears, chest, belly, and rear of the legs forms characteristic feathering and fringes. The undercoat is moderate, ensuring insulation. The coat should have a natural sheen and smooth outline, highlighting elegance. Light trimming to maintain a tidy appearance is allowed, but over-grooming or altering coat texture is undesirable. A healthy, well-groomed coat emphasizes the breed’s refinement and vitality.
Acceptable Colors
Acceptable Spaniel colors vary by variety but commonly include solid shades — black, liver, red, or golden — as well as bi-color and tri-color patterns: black and white, red and white, liver and white, and tricolor (black with tan and white markings). Light ticking on the chest, muzzle, or legs is acceptable. The color should be rich and even, without dilution or undesired blotches. The nose and eye rims must always be dark, harmonizing with the coat. Regardless of shade, the coat should retain its silky texture and luster, enhancing the breed’s elegant appearance.
Size
The Spaniel is a medium-sized breed. Males stand 39–43 cm at the withers; females, 37–41 cm. Weight typically ranges from 12 to 16 kg. The build must remain balanced, without signs of heaviness. The body is slightly longer than tall. Proportions ensure agility, stamina, and strength for work on land and in water. Oversized, heavy, or excessively light dogs are considered faults. The Spaniel’s moderate size reflects its versatility as both a field worker and family companion.
Faults
Minor faults include deviations that do not affect health but reduce balance or breed type. These include weak musculature, narrow chest, overly long or short body, soft or curly coat, light eyes, pale nose pigment, short or high-set ears, poorly defined stop, or loose build. Behavioral issues such as shyness, excessive excitability, or stubbornness are also faults. Lack of stamina, uncertain movement, or loss of the typical cheerful and cooperative disposition are undesirable.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations affecting health, breed type, or behavior: aggression or timidity; structural defects such as overshot or undershot bite, missing teeth (except P1), blue or light eyes, depigmented nose or eyelids, upright or excessively short ears, coat too coarse, curly, or sparse, unrecognized colors or markings, incorrect proportions (short legs, roached back, sagging croup), tail curled tightly over the back, or any signs of crossbreeding. Any physical or behavioral traits undermining the Spaniel’s working nature and breed character lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
The Spaniel requires regular care and attention. Its dense coat must be brushed frequently and trimmed periodically, especially around the ears, paws, and chest. Ear hygiene is vital, as long-eared dogs are prone to infections. Spaniels are highly sensitive to human tone and require gentle but consistent training. Insufficient exercise or mental stimulation can cause boredom and undesirable behavior. The breed matures slowly, retaining puppy-like playfulness and vitality into adulthood. To remain balanced and content, the Spaniel needs sufficient physical activity, affection, and close interaction with its owner.
Conclusion
The Spaniel is a harmonious combination of intelligence, stamina, and affection. It inherits from its ancestors excellent working instincts and an innate bond with humans. Equally suited as a hunting dog or family companion, the Spaniel is devoted, gentle, and endlessly energetic, always eager to please and interact. With proper upbringing, it becomes an obedient, affectionate, and balanced family member. Its elegant appearance, expressive eyes, and kind temperament make the Spaniel one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable breeds.
