It is believed that dogs, similar to spaniels, which people began to use for hunting, arose long ago. The first official documentary references to them date back to the 10th century. Long-haired nimble dogs accompanied courageous crusaders and other knights who loved hunting for feathered game. But there are also Asian varieties of spaniels, which also bear a similar name, although they have their own, perhaps even more ancient history.
Species of the breed spaniel:
- English Springer Spaniel . Being the oldest hunting breed in England, it served as the material for the breeding of almost all the other English breeds known to us. They were meant to frighten (raise) the game. A large weight allows these dogs to easily find a pirate, and bring their master a hare or a bird. The height of up to half a meter, they have a weight of about 22.5 kg. These dogs are not inclined to aggression and can even be a nanny for young children.
- English Cocker Spaniel . They first appeared in England, but they became popular all over the world, because they created cocks, as ideal dogs for hunting. The weight of these spaniels does not exceed 14.5 kg, and the height reaches 16 inches. The creators tried to use only the best pets for the selection. Well-built, mobile, intelligent, these animals also can swim well.
- American Cocker Spaniel . It is believed that they came to the New World with the first settlers. This breed developed in parallel with its European relatives, which led to the emergence of a new species of cocker spaniel. They weigh less than the British, do not exceed 10 kg, and height - up to 39 cm. Beautiful thick wool can be of different shades, although most of them have black, fawn or chocolate color.
- Irish water spaniel . These dogs are quite large - up to 30 kg in weight, and high in height, some reach 61 cm. By name it can be seen that these animals are not averse to swimming. Work on the pond is their main occupation. That's why those who want to get them, should provide them with access to water.
- Clumber Spaniel . These animals are the heaviest and largest among spaniels, reaching a weight of 39 kg. They have a pure white color or white with lemon impregnations. Large sizes do not allow them to be as quick as their relatives, but clambers are also often used by hunters for hunting birds.
- Field-spaniel . They have the same ancestors as the Cockers, but these animals are somewhat larger. Height at the withers is 45 cm, with a maximum weight of 25 kg. Breeders wanted to get exceptionally black, but they did not succeed. There are fileds with a brown or fawn color. Gambling, mobile, balanced and intelligent dogs like to work with the owner, but are very distrustful of those whom they do not yet know.
- Sussex spaniel . It's like this kind of spaniels from the coats and sprinders. Breeder Fuller specially deduced such dogs that could work in the bush, and gave voice to the hunter during the hunt. They are small animals (up to 38 cm), weighing up to 20 kg. They are distinguished by a beautiful chocolate color with a magnificent golden tint.
- Welsh Springer Spaniel . This breed has a great history. Some researchers believe that it appeared in the Roman times. They are much smaller in size than the English springer (up to 21 kg). These dogs are good hunters, perfectly feeling themselves in a pond. Having a cheerful friendly disposition, they quickly become for you the real family members.
- English Toy Spaniel . Small toy creatures (up to 4 kg), were popular among aristocrats. They can often be found in the pictures of famous masters. By their intelligence they are above many official breeds.
- Russian hunting spaniel . A great desire to adapt European spaniels to our climate has led to the emergence of a special Russian breed. Strong, slightly squat dogs are good hunters and good watchmen for their masters. With good training, they become obedient and loyal friends.
- Tibetan Spaniel . Many Tibetan legends are associated with these creatures. It was believed that they helped monks communicate with spirits. Small, active dogs, with a slightly flattened face, remind many of Pekingese. But these animals have a larger size (up to 5 kg). Training tibetan spaniels succumb, but you need to make some efforts to achieve a good result. Animals feel good in the apartment, but they need regular walks.
- Japanese Spaniel (Hin) . Representatives of this, one of the smallest species of spaniels (up to 3.5 kg), came to us from the East. Hina quickly became the favorites of European women. Most often these animals have a gentle character, do not bother with their barking and very devotees.