BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Head: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The skull may be somewhat flat to slightly rounded, but never exaggerated or domed. The brow is strongly defined. The head is chiseled, and without protruding muscle. The head is clean-cut, without excess skin or wrinkle.

Eyes: Moderate to moderately large in size, somewhat round, open almond, or lemon-shaped, and medium to dark brown (preferable) in color. Non-standard color varieties may have light-colored eyes, or eyes ranging from amber to hazel in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.

Ears: Somewhat long and lobular in shape, relatively large in size and set low on the skull. In repose, the front edge of the ear should be in line with the outer corner of the eye. The ears hang close to the face.

Muzzle: Equal to or just shorter than the topskull. The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. Upper and lower jaws are equal in length, have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak. The muzzle should never appear tapered, narrow, or long, but blunt in profile.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat in nonstandard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage and good range of motion. It is strongly-muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep, broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: May be set high on the croup or just slightly lower than the line of the horizon. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, often level with or above the level of the topline. They should never be carried completely erect, or gaily, like that of a terrier, nor lowered to indicate shyness or timidity. Tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked short. Natural tails are of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Docked tails should be cut short, but never completely removed.

Movement: The Cocker Spaniel’s movement is efficient, effortless, springy, and energetic. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Cocker Spaniel’s even temperament, good nature, endearing spirit, and intelligence make him an excellent family companion. Cocker Spaniels are friendly, charming, and get along well with other dogs and people if properly socialized from puppyhood onward. Puppies that are trained early excel in the field, making for fine flushers and retrievers. In fact, many breed enthusiasts are reclaiming the sport of upland hunting with their Cockers. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.

Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Information - Continental Kennel Club (ckcusa.com)