The English Cocker Spaniel as a Bird Dog
Along with other spaniel types, the English Cocker Spaniel was bred within the 14th century and originally used for hunting small game like quail, pheasant and rabbits. In fact, the term of the dog’s name is based upon the bird they were originally bred to hunt, the Eurasian Woodcock. The only factor that separates a Cocker Spaniel from other spaniel types is their weight. While all spaniels were bred as hunting dogs, each type was bred to perform a specific type of hunting function. It would make sense that the field spaniel would be used for catching some bigger game, while its smaller cousin was used for the smaller game.
English Cockers have a slightly different appearance than that of their American cousins. Their bodies are more squared than the American version. All Cocker Spaniels were used by royalty (as was the case with most dog breeds of the time), as hunting companions on both long trips and day ventures. As a bird dog, the English Cocker Spaniel exceeded all expectations of those who helped first raise it. English Cockers are hearty and robust dogs with much heart. In early times, when a Eurasian Woodcock was flushed out by the spaniels there 
was little chance of the bird escaping the hunter’s gun.
Cocker Spaniels have a very keen sense of smell and an incredible auditory ratio which is what makes them such a valuable asset in hunting. Most hunting is done through heavily wooded terrain and marsh, so obviously these two features are an essential part of the Cocker Spaniel’s tracking makeup. In this century these animals are still enjoyed immensely as both a family pet as well as a good hunting dog for many families.
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