The UK Kennel Club recognises a dozen breeds of spaniel.The UK Kennel Club recognises a dozen breeds of spaniel.
The UK Kennel Club recognises a dozen breeds of spaniel.

Every Spaniel Breed in Photos: These are all 12 breeds of adorable spaniel dog recognised by the Kennel Club - from Cocker to Springer 🐕

By David Hepburn
Published 1st Mar 2023, 11:34 BST
Updated 15th May 2024, 11:33 BST
Spaniels can make great family pets – clever dogs who love to please and love long walks.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies surged in the last couple of years.

But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, 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 crossbreed.

There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.

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 UK Kennel Club recognises a dozen breeds of these canine characters – issuing Kennel Club Pedigree Certificates to pups that make the grade.

Here are all 12 – and how they got their names.

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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.

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. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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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.

2. 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. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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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.

3. 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. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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A rare breed, even in the UK where they were developed, the Field Spaniel was originally bred to be an all-black show dog in the late 19th century. Their name comes from their usefulness in 'field work' - or hunting on land.

4. Field Spaniel

A rare breed, even in the UK where they were developed, the Field Spaniel was originally bred to be an all-black show dog in the late 19th century. Their name comes from their usefulness in 'field work' - or hunting on land. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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