The English Cocker Spaniels is one of the oldest types of spaniels

Their origins can be traced back as far as the 14th century

Prior to the 1600's all types of spaniels were categorised together, the larger of the breed being used to spring game and the smaller ones used to flush out woodcock

Hence the names Springer and Cocker Spaniel

In 1892 the Kennel Club differentiated the two breeds 

In the 1930's the Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed of dog in the UK and that is where they stayed for almost 20 years!

The Cocker Spaniel as a breed has changed considerably in the last 100 years or so, The conformation has improved immensley, but some aspects have made the breed unsuitable as a their primary use as a gundog, hence the now "Show Cocker" and "Working Cocker" 

Their character however has remained true to their merry breed discription