Moderate English Cocker Spaniel (left) versus the exaggerated (right).
Proper substance (left) versus insufficient substance (right).
Correct length (left) versus a leggy English Cocker Spaniel (right).
Moderate shoulder angles (left) versus exaggerated angles (right).
Proper substance (left) versus insufficient substance (right).
Moderate rear angulation (left) versus exaggerated angulation (right).
WHAT ARE MODERATE ANGLES?
back, with a tail that is carried level off of a gently rounded croup. “He covers ground effortlessly and with extension both in front and in rear, appropriate to his angulation.” Here again, the standard is refer- ring to the breed’s moderate angles, effortless and appropriate to his angu- lation. If a dog is over-extending front or rear, overreaching underneath, it is indicative of unbalance, causing wasted motion that will tire a dog in no time. Note the flipped front foot, the curled hind toes and the crossed feet under- neath on the right. The amount of substance for height contributes to the overall harmonious make and shape of a correct Cocker. This breed has the frame and carries the muscle of a weight lifter rather than that of a long distance runner. “The Eng- lish Cocker is a solidly built dog with as much bone and substance as possible without becoming cloddy or coarse.” Remember they were developed to hunt in dense cover and retrieve heavy game. That requires strength, balance, moderation and no Extremes.
With the ideal 90 degree shoulder, formed by the scapula and the upper arm, the front legs are located under the body, rather than on the forward most end of it. The rear angle and length should match the moderate angles of the front, with the rear foot located under the dog to support it’s weight. “Rear angulation moderate and, most importantly, in balance with that of the forequarters” REAR ANGULATION IS MODERATE. A perpendicular line dropped from the furthest projection of the buttock to the ground, should land directly in front of the rear foot. The femur and the tibia are equal in length. THE STANDARD CALLS FOR A SLIGHTLY SLOPING TOPLINE Exaggeration of any characteristic will throw off the balance of a compact, well-knit dog. He has a slightly sloping
Slightly sloping topline (left) versus exaggerated slope (right).
Effortless movement (left) versus overreaching movement (right).
THE ENGLISH COCKER IS SLIGHTLY TALLER THAN LONG
This is a short-backed, compact, cob- by breed. From the points of measure- ment, the withers to the set on of the tail, he is slightly taller than long. The elbow is midpoint between the withers and the ground. The breed is neither “leggy” nor low on leg.
268 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J ANUARY 2018
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