The english cocker's name comes from the bird woodcock, which is was once bred to hunt. A hundred years ago, there were many local varieties of hunting spaniel, and in early shows these dogs were divided after their weight as different types of field spaniels.
The variety that later became the modern cocker spaniel was created mainly around Lutterworth in Leicestershire, especially James Farrow who began breeding his famous Obo-dogs in 1870's has helped to form the breed.
The english cocker spaniel, despite looking very cute, needs a friendly but firm leader, as it is a very stubborn and strong-willed breed. It has been called the border collie of the gundog group.
The cocker should appear balanced, compact, agile and sporty. The head is well developed with a square muzzle which should be the same length as the head, and marked stop. The eyes have a lively expression, the ears are set low, drop-shaped and long enough to reach the tip of the nose if stretched out. The neck is of medium length, muscular and dry. The body is strong, compact with a well developed chest and rounded rear. The tail is set somewhat under the line of the back and should be carried like a continuation of it, not high above it. The coat is silky, wavy or slightly curly. There should be long feathering on the ears, backside of legs and underside.