﻿By definition, Spaniels are gun dogs developed to flush game from thick undergrowth or vegetation.
But, this includes several different types of spaniels–land
or setting spaniels, water spaniels, and springing spaniels.
In this edition of Animal Facts, we're "setting" the record straight on these spectacular,
floppy-eared hunting heroes. 10. Clumber Spaniel
Some may say the Clumber Spaniel has the perfect name. It seems as though "Clumber" is a mash-up
of "clumsy" and "lumbering," two words often erroneously used to describe the breed.
However, Clumbers acquired their name in the 18th century after the Duke of Newcastle's Nottingham
estate, Clumber Park. The duke owned several white and cream-colored dogs that resemble today's
Clumber, but the breed is said to have been developed by his gamekeeper, William Mansell.
The largest of the spaniel breeds, Clumbers tend to move at their own pace,
plodding along slowly until their battery gets charged by the scent of birds—their
prey of choice. Once on the trail, they won't stop until they've either retrieved the fowl or
inspected the entire area. Yes, they might move slowly,
but tenacity and endurance make up for their lack of speed, proving that slow and steady
does indeed win the race. Fun fact: According to the
Oxford English Dictionary the word “Spaniel’ originates from the Old French word “espaigneul”
which meant "Spanish (dog)." 9. German Spaniel
The German Spaniel is a very rare gun dog with a nose that knows.
In the late 19th century, the breed came into existence by crossing the scent-driven Stoeberer
with sporting spaniels and water dogs. The result was a waterfowl-hunting aficionado
with a Bloodhound's sense of smell and the sturdy physicality to flush out or
retrieve game such as hare, wild boar, and (believe it or not) black bear.
German Spaniels are highly adaptable, making them an excellent choice for hunters who need
a versatile gun dog. When not tracking, the German Spaniel makes a loyal, affectionate
companion for you and an energetic, friendly sibling for both kids and pets alike.
Fun Fact: The German Spaniel has several aliases including Deutscher Wachtelhund,
Deutscher Wachtel, and German Quail Dog. 8. Picardy Spaniel
The Picardy Spaniel can be traced back to France before the French Revolution
when only royalty and aristocrats were allowed to hunt. After the revolution,
the breed's popularity surged as all people gained the right to hunt, both for sport and food.
Armed with a water-resistant coat, the Picardy was the perfect hunting dog, navigating the swampy,
tree-laden terrain of Northwest France in pursuit of pheasants, ducks, rabbits, and hares.
Though their hunting days are behind them for the most part, today's Picardy Spaniels still have
gentle, easygoing temperaments that make them great dogs for non-hunters and families.
Fun Fact: The Picardy Spaniel was the first hunting dog admitted into France's
salons. 7. Sussex Spaniel
Long before Harry and Meghan were the duke and duchess, the Sussex Spaniel was bred in the county
to flush out birds. Like the Clumber, they have short legs, a long body type, and low to moderate
energy level, but they're unusual amongst spaniels because of their ace in the hole—a
howl that lets their hunting companions know when they've caught a whiff of game in the field.
These spirited vocalizations make them excellent watchdogs at home—as long as you school them on
how to turn off false alarms. Speaking of "schooling," training
your easygoing Sussex can present a challenge. Avoid harsh reprimands.
If they feel they are being "dissed," they may shut down and stop trying to follow commands.
Instead, rely on praise, patience, and positive reinforcement to shape their behavior and
kickstart their desire to learn. 6. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is perhaps the most unusual dog on our list.
Hailing from the mountains of Tibet, Tibetan Monks bred and used them to watch their
lamaseries. Unlike the previous dogs on our list, the Tibbie was a companion dog, not a hunting dog.
It's believed that people began to refer to them as spaniels because of
their resemblance to "lapdog spaniels" like the King Charles Spaniel.
Besides being celebrated as excellent watchdogs, the Tibbie was also fawned over for looking like
a miniature version of a lion, one of the most preeminent symbols in Buddhism—and its
cat-like similarities don't end there. You'll often find your Tibbie perched atop tables,
dressers, mantles, and high spots where they can get a bird's eye view of everyone and
everything. 5. Welsh Springer Spaniel
Like most spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels are lively, determined, and loyal,
but what sets them apart is their beauty. Welshies boast a velvety, vivid, red, and white
piebald-patterned coat that's densely feathered on their ears, legs, belly, and chest. To sweeten the
deal, their long, pendulous, spaniel ears bounce playfully with every step they make.
Unsurprisingly, the Welshie's forte is flushing game (birds in particular) because
that's what spaniels do. However, this breed handles business a bit differently.
They force their prey out into the open by pouncing or
"springing" at it; hence, they received the name "springer spaniels."
Fun Fact: Springer Spaniels' coats are luxurious but strong. Their silky hair is waterproof,
weatherproof, and thornproof. 4. Brittany
Only the most extraordinary individuals can go by one name, and the Brittany
Spaniel—formerly known as the Brittany Springer Spaniel—has earned the right to go by a single
moniker with characteristics that make them either noteworthy or notorious, depending
on what you're looking for in a dog. The Brittany dog stands out because they're more
like pointers or setters than spaniels, the result of crossing the English Setter with the French
Spaniel. Although they have all the physical attributes of a spaniel, their hunting style
incorporates freezing or pointing out game rather than flushing it out into the open.
Brittanys also tend to be more eager to please and less headstrong than other types of spaniels,
and instinctively know when to switch their hunting mechanism on and off.
That said, Brittanys are notoriously hyperactive,
so they require a "job" to do, as well as adequate exercise,
at least an hour of strenuous activity. Anything less, and you’ll end up with a neurotic furball
that's bouncing off the walls—literally. 3. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are true to spaniel form in terms of appearance and hunting abilities,
but they pull away from the pack when it comes to their versatility.
Springers are exceptionally intelligent, easy to train, and have high endurance–all
qualities that help them excel in several working capacities, including sniffing
out people, blood, and bumblebee nests. They're also used in the U.K. and several European
countries to detect drugs, and their aptitude for navigating rough terrain makes them well-suited
for search and rescue work, too. Not only are Springers fit for working
and sporting, but they also have an affectionate nature—one that never lets them meet a stranger.
A Springer will not only be your Velcro dog; he or she will be everyone's Velcro dog.
It's only natural for English Springers to shine as therapy dogs. They bring comfort
and cheer to people in places like hospitals and nursing homes and soothe those who have
experienced traumatic events. 2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Originally bred to accompany royals and aristocrats both at court and in their leisure
time, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel bridges the gap between the toy and sporting breeds.
Sweet and affectionate, yet curious and active, on any given day, they
love lounging blissfully in a lap or chasing birds and squirrels in the sunshine.
Cavaliers are also expert shadows. If you want a beautiful dog that is always happy and in
sync with you, then the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is your pup. Bred as companion dogs,
These Velcro pups love everyone and believe that the feeling is mutual.
1. Cocker Spaniel At number one is one of the most
popular spaniels in the U.S. and the smallest of the sporting breeds—the Cocker Spaniel.
Named after their fondness for hunting woodcock, Cockers have come a long way since those early
days when their primary purpose was to flush out critters of the avian variety.
These loveable little darlings have carved out a place for themselves as the quintessential
family pet. Their physical beauty is undeniable. With lush locks, soulful eyes, and a longing
expression that can melt the coldest of hearts, the Cocker is canine eye-candy at its best.
…And speaking of candy, few dogs have a sweeter disposition than the Cocker Spaniel.
Their cheerful attitude, adaptability, and desire to please make home life with them
a piece of cake—pun intended. Fun Fact: The Cocker Spaniel and the English
Springer Spaniel were once considered the same breed. Breeders would separate a litter by size,
designating the smaller ones as Cockers and the larger as Springers. The two didn't
receive recognition as separate breeds until the beginning of the 20th century.
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