I have an English Cocker who is now 14 months old. It was sold to me as chocolate and has a white chest. He was bought from a small breeder at a working farm and is from working parents. I have all the documentation relating to his blood line and Kennel club registration.
The problem is that he is still completely short haired with the exception of his ears and a small amount of feathering to his legs. We have a 5 year old Blue Roan Cocker who from a very early age required clipping. I have seen his sister around and she looks the same. People generally don't recognise him as a cocker although they realise he is a spaniel. Does this occasionally happen with the breed or should I be suspicious, I wouldn't be without him as he is a wonderful and intelligent dog but I would want to raise the issue with the breed and KC if he is not a true Cocker.
Any help would be appreciated, Regards Alan, nudger.n@btinternet.com

Alan

Working Cockers are very different to Show cockers. Your Blue will have been a show cocker. They do have a lot more coat than the working variety and have a different build - the working strain seeming much lighter. He is probably a true cocker but from a different strain to your blue.

This link takes you to a web-site of working cockers. You'll probably be able to identify your boy here.

http://www.briarquest.co.uk/

Pam n the boys

Hi Alan

Pam is totally correct in saything that your Blue Roan is probably a Show type Cocker and your new Cocker is a Working type.

The Working Cocker has hardly any if no feathering on the body or legs and looks more like a small Working Springer Spaniel in my opinion. They usually have a longer tail as well.

Nothing wrong with him/her at all just a Worker rather than a Shower ...

Best wishes

Derryn & The Boys ...