What was the sole basis distinguishing Springers from Cockers prior to official breed standardization?
Answer
Size, weight, or height criteria
For an extended period, the differentiation between what became the English Springer Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel was purely quantitative and based on physical size, rather than fundamental differences in their job duties or conformation. The larger spaniels used for flushing were referred to as Springers, while the smaller ones performing similar duties were called Cockers. Breeders might even find a litter containing puppies that varied in size, leading to them being designated as Cocker or Springer puppies based strictly on achieving certain weight or height benchmarks as they matured.
Related Questions
What defining action gave the English Springer Spaniel breed its name?How were Spaniels categorized geographically in England before specialized standards emerged?What was the sole basis distinguishing Springers from Cockers prior to official breed standardization?In what year did The Kennel Club officially separate the Springer Spaniel breed from the Cocker Spaniel?Which influential breeder is credited with shaping the conformation and coat of the modern English Springer Spaniel?When did the American Kennel Club (AKC) formally grant recognition to the English Springer Spaniel breed?What defines the divergence between modern Field/Working Lines and Show/Conformation Lines?What trait distinguishes Field-bred Springer Spaniels in build compared to Show lines?What was the foundational focus established by the Buckinghams family in the 18th century?What core traits, despite line specialization, remain central to the English Springer Spaniel's heritage?What was the initial, ancestral split among Spaniels based on, before size differentiation?