The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Cocker Spaniel – they were the UK’s third most popular pet in 2020 (only bested by the Labrador Retriever and French Bulldog) and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. Clever canines
Cocker Spaniels are the 18th most intelligent species of dog according to behavioural experts. In 2015 a four-year-old Cocker Spaniel cocker named Ginger from Strone, near Dunoon. took Gaelic classes with her owner and mastered basic commands like suidh (sit) and fuirich (stay) in only three weeks. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Best in Show
The English Cocker Spaniel is the most successful breed of all time at Crufts, winning the title of Best in Show seven times since the prize was first awarded in 1928. One Cocker Spaniel breeder named H. S. Lloyd was responsible for six of these - his dogs were triumphant half a dozen times between 1930 and 1950. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Two dogs for the price of one
There are actually two distinct breeds of Cocker Spaniel - the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel - but both are simly called Cocker Spaniels in their native countries. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Movie star
It may not be specifically referred to in the film but Lady, in Disney's hit film 'Lady and the Tramp', is a Cocker Spaniel. The breed's silky coat and elegant ears made it an obvious choice to play this most classy of canines. Photo: Canva/Getty Images