Meet the Most Famous Cocker Spaniels in History

Meet Rufus, a Cocker Spaniel who won the hearts of many with his adorable looks and charming personality. Rufus was a beloved pet of Queen Elizabeth II.

Rufus was a constant companion to the Queen and often accompanied her on walks around the palace grounds.

Cocker Spaniels are incredibly smart dogs. For obedience and working intelligence, the English Cocker Spaniel is the 20th smartest dog breed.

They are easy to train, which means owners should have no problem at all teaching them new commands. A working breed, Cocker Spaniels love learning new skills.

Their intelligence makes them a joy to train, and their eager-to-please nature makes them quick to pick up on new commands.

Broaden your view: Working English Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel's rich history dates back to 14th-century Spain, where it was bred as a hunting dog. They were originally called "Spanish Spaniels" and were known for their love of water and retrieving game.

One of the earliest written records of the breed can be found in a 14th-century Spanish book, which describes the dog as a " Spaniel of Spain". This book highlights the breed's strong hunting instincts and its ability to retrieve game in water.

The Cocker Spaniel's name is derived from its original purpose of hunting woodcock, a type of game bird. They were highly valued by hunters for their skill and enthusiasm in the field.

The breed was first introduced to England in the 15th century, where it quickly gained popularity as a beloved companion dog.

Broaden your view: Hunting English Cocker Spaniel

Albert, a English Cocker Spaniel, won Best in Show at Crufts in 1996, making him the first Spaniel to win the prize in 46 years. He was a highly successful dog, winning 28 challenge certificates over his career.

My Own Brucie, an American Cocker Spaniel, won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show in 1940 and 1941. He was a famous dog, with his fame leading to a testimonial dinner in his hometown of Poughkeepsie, New York.

Tickle Em Jock, a Cocker Spaniel, was bought at a London meat market for just £2, equivalent to $15. He went on to win Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show in 1911 and drew media attention for biting a judge's hand immediately after winning.

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Mary Barnes was a renowned breeder and handler of cocker spaniels, known for her beautiful black cockers and especially her black bitches.

She bred and showed cocker spaniels from the late 1940's until the early 1990's, finishing over 75 dogs under the Liz-Bar prefix.

One of her most famous cockers, CH Liz-Bar Magic of Music, "Bass", was a top winning black cocker for the decade of the 70's.

Bass was a multiple Best in Show dog, winning the Black Variety twice at ASC and going Best in Show at Santa Barbara Kennel club over 2000 dogs.

Mary also showed and finished dogs for many other cocker fanciers in the southeast, including Ann Smith-Martin, Terry Corn, and Pat Karney.

She was a mentor to many cocker newcomers and exhibitors, teaching them proper show grooming and handling.

Mary was a life member of ASC, CSSCG, and Atlanta Kennel Club, and served as President of the Cocker Spaniel Specialty Club of Georgia for multiple terms of office.

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Albert the English Cocker Spaniel is a legendary dog in the UK. He won Best in Show at Crufts in 1996.

He is a record-breaker, being the first Spaniel to win the prize in 46 years. Albert's impressive career earned him 28 challenge certificates.

Albert's impact didn't stop there - he also sired multiple award-winning show dogs. These dogs went on to take Best in Show at several international events.

His legacy lives on, making him one of the most successful Cocker Spaniels in UK history.

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The Cocker Spaniel is indeed the embodiment of joy. This breed's ever-happy temperament is a defining characteristic that has captured the hearts of many.

Their breed standard says it best: "Above all, he must be free and merry." This philosophy is reflected in the countless stories of Cocker Spaniels bringing joy to their families and communities.

Take the example of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's beloved Cocker Spaniel, "Flush." She dedicated an entire poem to describing the devotion and vivacious beauty of her furry friend, who rarely left her bedside.

The joy of a Cocker Spaniel is contagious, and it's not hard to see why they're often described as "ever-happy." Whether they're racing around the room or simply cuddling on the couch, Cocker Spaniels are a constant source of joy and companionship.

As American scholar and writer Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson notes, "Every time I told my Cocker Spaniel, Taffy, my very first dog, that we were going for a walk, she would launch into a celebratory dance that ended with her racing around the room, always clockwise, and faster and faster, as if her joy could not be possibly contained." This kind of enthusiasm is a hallmark of the Cocker Spaniel breed.

Their joy is not just a product of their nature, but also of their ability to form strong bonds with their human family members. Whether they're a beloved family pet or a cherished companion, Cocker Spaniels have a way of bringing people together.

In the words of Laura Henson, a renowned breeder and contributor to the breed, "The Kaplar dogs and their offspring have proven their quality by the many wins at the national level and specialties." This kind of success is a testament to the breed's enduring popularity and the joy they bring to those who own and love them.

Cocker Spaniels have made a lasting impact on pop culture.

Their charming appearance and friendly demeanor have captivated audiences in films and television shows.

In the 1990s, a Cocker Spaniel named Benji starred in a series of family-friendly movies that remain popular today.

Calvin and Dale Ward are notable figures in the Cocker Spaniel breed, having bred outstanding dogs under the Cottonwood prefix.

Their friend Charles Self did the ring honors for many of their over 50 champions.

They were able to achieve this impressive number of champions due to their dedication and expertise.

Some of their most notable champions include Ch. Cottonwood Congressman, Scott, and Ch. Cottonwood’s Colleen O’Brien.

Ch. Cottonwood Congressman, Scott, is a foundational dog in many of the great ASCOBS of today.

Their last champion was whelped in 2012, marking the end of a successful breeding program.

Cocker Spaniels have been a popular subject in art for centuries, dating back to the "Livre de Chasse" by Gaston de Foix in 1388, which featured hunting dogs with silky coats and low-hanging ears.

Their depiction in hunting scenes continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, with artists specializing in animal portraiture, such as Maud Earl, who painted a beautiful portrait of a buff Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniels have also been featured in various dog books, including novels, poetry, and memoirs, showcasing their enduring appeal in literature.

The breed has been immortalized in a poignant story written for young readers, highlighting their endearing nature.

A notable example of a Cocker Spaniel's success in the show ring is Ch. My Own Brucie, who went Best in Show at Westminster in 1940 and 1941.

Cockers came to the United States during the latter half of the 19th century, but it was 1884 that marked the arrival of "Obo II", a 23-pound son of Farrow's Obo, which would change the breed forever.

The popularity of the Cocker exploded during the '20s and '30s, just as it did in England. This led to a division in type between what started to be called the English and the new American types.

By 1936, three separate varieties were shown: Black, Parti, and English. A fourth division, ASCOBs, was later added.

In 1935, the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America was formed to promote interest in the English Cocker separate from their American cousin.

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