170 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



in its way be quite as useful as its larger cousins. A Cocker 

 can very often go and work as well where a larger Spaniel 

 cannot even creep, and for working really thick hedgerows or 

 gorse has no superior. There seems to be every prospect of a 

 brilliant future, and increased popularity for this charming 

 breed. 



Its interests are looked after both by the Spaniel Club and 

 the comparatively newly formed Cocker Spaniel Club, and it 

 is also quite as much in favour on the other side of the Atlantic 

 as it is in the United Kingdom. Indeed, the classes in America 

 and Canada compare very favourbly with our own. 



The descriptive particulars of the breed are : 



Head Not so heavy in proportion and not so high in occiput as in 

 the modern Field Spaniel, with a nicely developed muzzle or jaw ; 

 lean, but not snipy, and yet not so square as in the Clumber or Sussex 

 varieties, but always exhibiting a sufficiently wide and well-developed 

 nose. Forehead perfectly smooth, rising without a too decided stop 

 from muzzle into a comparatively wide and rounded, well-developed 

 skull, with plenty of room for brain power. Eyes Full, but not promi- 

 nent, hazel or brown coloured, with a general expression of intelligence 

 and gentleness, though decidedly wideawake, bright and merry, never 

 goggled nor weak as in the King Charles and Blenheim kinds. Ears 

 Lobular, set on low, leather fine and not exceeding beyond the nose, 

 well clothed with long silky hair, which must be straight or wavy 

 no positive curls or ringlets. Neck Strong and muscular, and neatly 

 set on to fine sloping shoulders. Body (including size and symmetry)- 

 Not quite so long and low as in the other breeds of Spaniels, more com- 

 pact and firmly knit together, giving the impression of a concentration 

 of power and untiring activity. Weight The weight of a Cocker 

 Spaniel of either sex should not exceed 25 lb., or be less than 20 Ib. 

 Any variation either way should be penalised. Nose Sufficiently 

 wide and well developed to ensure the exquisite scenting powers of this 

 breed. Shoulders and Chest The former sloping and fine, chest deep 

 and well developed, but not too wide and round to interfere with the 

 free action of the fore-legs. Back and Loin Immensely strong and 

 compact in proportion to the size and weight of the dog ; slightly 

 sloping towards the tail. Hind-quarters Wide, well rounded, and 

 very muscular, so as to ensure untiring action and propelling power 

 under the most trying circumstances of a long day, bad weather, rough 

 ground, and dense covert. Stern That most characteristic of blue 

 blood in all the Spaniel family may, in the lighter and more active 

 Cocker, although set low down, be allowed a slightly higher carriage 

 than in the other breeds, but never cocked up over, but rather in a line 

 with the back, though the lower its carriage and action the better, 

 and when at work its action should be incessant in this, the brightest 



