Spaniel is a large family of dogs. The American Kennel Club recognizes 10 spaniel breeds: the American water, clumber, cocker, English cocker, English springer, field, Irish water, Sussex, and Welsh springer spaniels, and the Brittany. Two dogs, the English toy spaniel and the cavalier King Charles spaniel, may be related to the others. But another toy dog, the Japanese chin, is probably not related to these spaniels.
The spaniel family probably descended from a Spanish dog, and its name comes from the word Spain. All spaniels except the toys are sporting dogs. The spaniel has a gentle and friendly disposition, and likes to hunt in the fields. Spaniels are fine companions as well as good hunters. They make excellent pets. Most spaniels have long, silky coats. In general, spaniels have long ears; rather large, round eyes; broad, domed skulls; and sturdy bodies and legs.
All the spaniel breeds except the Brittany hunt game in much the same way. They search the ground within gun range of the hunter. When a spaniel smells game, it rushes in to flush it, or make it fly or run. When the game is flushed and the hunter shoots, the spaniel waits for the command, finds the game, and then brings it back to the hunter.
