If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Spaniels are a type of dog that are hugely popular in the UK, perfect for people who have active lifestyles (they need plenty of exercise).
The Royal Kennel Club recognises a dozen breeds of these canine characters – issuing Kennel Club Pedigree Certificates to pups that make the grade.
Here are the full dozen – and how they got their names.
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1. English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is the 'original' Cocker Spaniel, with its American cousin created in the 20th century from differing breeding specifications in the US. The English breed has a wider and flatter head, eyes set wider apart, lower-hanging ears and thicker fur. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
2. American Cocker Spaniel
One of two types of Cocker Spaniel recognised by the UK Kennel Club, the American Cocker Spaniel got its name from their use to hunt woodcock. Interestingly the name 'spaniel' itself comes from the breed's origins in Spain. | Canva/Getty Images
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3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
First recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1945, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after King Charles II who loved his spaniels so much he was rarely seen without them. During the English Civil War his father's supporters were named Cavaliers and Charles took 'Cavalier' as a title after he was crowned. | Getty Images
4. King Charles Spaniel
Sharing much of its history - and its name - with its slightly larger Cavalier cousin, the King Charles Spaniel's association with royalty dates back to Queen Mary I. It also has a rounder head and a shorter nose than the far more popualr Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. | Canva/Getty Images