THE COCKER. 113 



The cocker can scarcely be minutely described, inasmuch as 

 there are so many varieties in different parts of Great Britain. 

 He may, however, be said, in general terms, to be a light active 

 spaniel of about 14 lbs. weight on the average, sometimes reach- 

 ing 20 lbs., with very elegant shapes, and a lively and spirited 

 carriage. In hunting he keeps his tail down, like the rest of 

 his kind, and works it constantly in a most rapid and merry 

 way, from which alone he may be known from the springer, who 

 also works his, but solemnly and deliberately, and apparently 

 without the same pleasurable sensations which are displayed 

 by the cocker. The head is round, and the forehead raised. 

 Muzzle more pointed than the springer, and the ear less 

 heavy, but of good length, and well clothed with soft wavy hair, 

 which should not be matted in a heavy mass. In the show- 

 dog of the present day (1872) the ear is far too long, both 

 in leather and feather, according to my judgment. The eye is of 

 medium size, slightly inclined to water, but not to weep like the 

 toy dog's. Body of medium length, and the shape generally re- 

 sembling that of a small setter. In has long been the custom to 

 crop the tail nearly half off, so as to prevent the constant wearing 

 of it against the bushes, as the dog works his way through them. 

 If left on, it is nearly as long in proportion as that of the setter, 

 but more bushy, and not so closely resembling a fan. These dogs 

 are well feathered, and the work for their feet and legs requires 

 them to be strong and well formed. The coat should be thick and 

 wavy, but not absolutely curled, which last shows the cross with 



the water spaniel, and that gives too much obstinacy with it to 



I 



