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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9. Famous fans
Celebrity Cocker Spaniel owners include Charlize Theron, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Oprah Winfrey, Naomi Watts and George Clooney. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. A coat of many colours
Cocker Spaniel coats occur in a huge range of colours, including black, liver, red, golden, and mixes of two or ever three (tricolor) of these shades. In rare cases a Cocker Spaniel can be pure white - one such dog won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (the American equivalent of Crufts) in 1940 and 1941. Photo: Canva/Getty Images