Spaniel - Of the Sporting and Toy group. Bred mainly for hunting;
to locate targets for gun-handler, to flush targets out from hiding, and
retrieve shot quarry without furthur damage. Fairly reccent addition to
dog-gene pool, as spaniel breeds do not date back to earliest dog/man
companionship stages. Size is small-medium (20-50 pounds), demands lots of
exercise due to high activity level (except for the Clumber and Sussex), and
is very intelligent. Are split into two categories, show, and field, where
show is for dogs with heavier coats, and field for dogs who still hunt.
Beware when aquiring a spaniel; health and temperment are problems when
dealing with more popular breeds (backyard and puppy-mill breeders looking to
make a couple easy hundred. The Cocker is a prime example of this).
The Cocker spaniel, once top dog in the AKC (American Kennel Club),
is the most popular spaniel breed. It is the smallest member of the Sporting group.
The least popular is the Sussex (ranked 138th in the AKC).
Famous people who owned spaniels - Lauren Bacall (Droopy and
Puddles; father and daughter Cocker pair), George Bush (the late C. Fred,
and previous dog of the White House Millie, an English Springer), George W.
Bush (English Springer Spaniel Spot Fletcher, current White House dog.)
Richard Nixon (Cocker spaniel Checkers), Rita Hayworth (parti-color Cocker
named Pookles), and Elizabeth Barrett Browning (dedicated an entire book of
poetry to 'Flush', praising the dog's love and loyalty).
