spaniel
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spaniel, any of several sporting dogs used by hunters to flush game from cover. The earliest spaniels apparently originated in Spain, hence the name, but most of the modern breeds were developed in Britain. The distinction between spaniel breeds originally was one of size, the larger spaniels being called springers and the smaller ones cockers—the latter apparently in reference to their use in flushing woodcocks. They are also distinguished by function as land spaniels and water spaniels. Toy spaniels do not hunt but are valued companions.
See cocker spaniel; springer spaniel; American water spaniel; Clumber spaniel; English toy spaniel; Irish water spaniel; Japanese spaniel; Sussex spaniel.
See the table of selected breeds of sporting dogs for further information.
| name | origin | height in inches* dogs (bitches) | weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) | characteristics | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram | ||||||
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American Cocker Spaniel | U.S. | 15 (14) | 24–29 (same) | long coat with thick feathering on legs and belly | originally used in hunting; now primarily a pet or show dog |
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Brittany | France | 17.5–20.5 (same) | 30–40 (same) | tailless or short tail; flat, fine coat | similar to a Setter; originally named Brittany Spaniel |
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever | U.S. | 23–26 (21–24) | 65–80 (55–70) | dense, coarse coat; strong, powerful body | excellent duck hunter |
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Clumber Spaniel | France | 19–20 (17–19) | 70–85 (55–70) | white coat; long, heavy body; massive head | popular among British royalty |
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English Cocker Spaniel | England | 16–17 (15–16) | 28–34 (26–32) | solid, compact body; coat is less feathered than its American counterpart | popular since the 19th century; noted for its balance |
 |
English Setter | England | 24–25 (same) | 40–70 (same) | flecked with color; long head | mellow disposition; valued as a gun dog and companion |
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English Springer Spaniel | England | 20 (19) | 50 (40) | medium-sized; docked tail; moderately long coat | noted for endurance and agility |
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German Shorthaired Pointer | Germany | 23–25 (21–23) | 55–70 (45–60) | medium-sized; deep chest; broad ears | long-lived; versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog |
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Golden Retriever | Scotland | 23–24 (21.5–22.5) | 65–75 (55–65) | powerful body; water-repellent coat in various shades of gold | noted for its gentle and affectionate nature |
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Irish Setter | Ireland | 27 (25) | 70 (60) | elegant build; mahogany or chestnut coat with feathering on ears, legs, belly, and chest | physically most Pointer-like of the Setters |
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Labrador Retriever | Canada | 22.5–24.5 (21.5–23.5) | 65–80 (55–70) | medium-sized; muscular build; otterlike tail | popular in England and the U.S.; a working gun dog, often used as a guide or rescue dog |
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Pointer | England | 25–28 (23–26) | 55–75 (44–65) | muscular build; tapered tail; short, dense coat | hunting instinct acquired at about two months of age |
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Vizsla | Hungary | 22–24 (21–23) | 40–60 (same) | medium-sized; light build; short, smooth coat in various shades of golden rust | nearly extinct at end of World War I; shorthaired and wirehaired varieties |
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Weimaraner | Germany | 25–27 (23–25) | 70–85 (same) | gray coat; medium-sized; graceful | dates to early 19th century |