Dogs at Work – Hunting Spaniels

Hunting is so much more demanding in the way of actual *work* as opposed to “performance” as in a test or trial. There is a world of difference between scaling ledge and embankments, fighting through acres of briar coated fields, and wading through brush covered swamp and bog for 2, 3, 4, 5 hours, often for naught, as one would in an actual hunt – and running for 15 minutes at a time in a field already loaded with birdscent, as one might do in a test or trial. Hunting takes a sound, powerful build, and tons of heart.

This is important stuff very relevant to the nature of the breeds. After all, these dogs were hunters for the table before hunting became a competitive event.


Photography courtesy of Judith Strom
“American Cocker Spaniel Puppy”
“Spirit” owned by Edie Coleman
Photography courtesy of Judith Strom
“English Cocker Spaniel”
Photography courtesy of Judith Strom
“Welsh Springer Spaniel”
Photography courtesy of Judith Strom
“Clumber Spaniel”
Photography courtesy of Judith Strom
“Sussex Spaniel”

Author: KarenFremuth