Spaniel
dog
spaniel, any of several sporting dogs used by hunters to flush game from cover. The earliest spaniels apparently originated in Spain, hence the name, but most of the modern breeds were developed in Britain. The distinction between spaniel breeds originally was one of size, the larger spaniels being called springers and the smaller ones cockers—the latter apparently in reference to their use in flushing woodcocks. They are also distinguished by function as land spaniels and water spaniels. Toy spaniels do not hunt but are valued companions.
See cocker spaniel; springer spaniel; American water spaniel; Clumber spaniel; English toy spaniel; Irish water spaniel; Japanese spaniel; Sussex spaniel.
See the table of selected breeds of sporting dogs for further information.
name
origin
height in inches* dogs (bitches)
weight in pounds* dogs (bitches)
characteristics
comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
American Cocker Spaniel
U.S.
15 (14)
24–29 (same)
long coat with thick feathering on legs and belly
originally used in hunting; now primarily a pet or show dog
Brittany
France
17.5–20.5 (same)
30–40 (same)
tailless or short tail; flat, fine coat
similar to a Setter; originally named Brittany Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
U.S.
23–26 (21–24)
65–80 (55–70)
dense, coarse coat; strong, powerful body
excellent duck hunter
Clumber Spaniel
France
19–20 (17–19)
70–85 (55–70)
white coat; long, heavy body; massive head
popular among British royalty
English Cocker Spaniel
England
16–17 (15–16)
28–34 (26–32)
solid, compact body; coat is less feathered than its American counterpart
popular since the 19th century; noted for its balance
English Setter
England
24–25 (same)
40–70 (same)
flecked with color; long head
mellow disposition; valued as a gun dog and companion
English Springer Spaniel
England
20 (19)
50 (40)
medium-sized; docked tail; moderately long coat
noted for endurance and agility
German Shorthaired Pointer
Germany
23–25 (21–23)
55–70 (45–60)
medium-sized; deep chest; broad ears
long-lived; versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog
Golden Retriever
Scotland
23–24 (21.5–22.5)
65–75 (55–65)
powerful body; water-repellent coat in various shades of gold
noted for its gentle and affectionate nature
Irish Setter
Ireland
27 (25)
70 (60)
elegant build; mahogany or chestnut coat with feathering on ears, legs, belly, and chest
physically most Pointer-like of the Setters
Labrador Retriever
Canada
22.5–24.5 (21.5–23.5)
65–80 (55–70)
medium-sized; muscular build; otterlike tail
popular in England and the U.S.; a working gun dog, often used as a guide or rescue dog
Pointer
England
25–28 (23–26)
55–75 (44–65)
muscular build; tapered tail; short, dense coat
hunting instinct acquired at about two months of age
Vizsla
Hungary
22–24 (21–23)
40–60 (same)
medium-sized; light build; short, smooth coat in various shades of golden rust
nearly extinct at end of World War I; shorthaired and wirehaired varieties
Weimaraner
Germany
25–27 (23–25)
70–85 (same)
gray coat; medium-sized; graceful
dates to early 19th century
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