Cocker Spaniel Harness: What is the PerfectFit for you

History of the Cocker Spaniel

The history of the Cocker Spaniel can be traced back several centuries. It is believed that this breed originated in Spain, hence the name "Spaniel," which refers to dogs from Spain. Initially, these spaniels were bred for their hunting skills, specifically for flushing out game birds such as woodcocks, hence the name "Cocker" Spaniel.

The Cocker Spaniel's popularity soared in England during the 19th century, where breeders began to refine and develop the breed we know today. They were highly valued for their ability to hunt and retrieve game, especially birds. The breed's small size, agility, and excellent sense of smell made them perfect companions for hunters. During this time, the Cocker Spaniel was not only prized for its hunting abilities but also for its charming appearance. Breeders focused on refining the breed's physical characteristics, including its long, feathered coat, which added to its aesthetic appeal.

In the early 20th century, American breeders began to show interest in the Cocker Spaniel. They imported several dogs from England and started breeding them with their own lines. This led to the development of the American Cocker Spaniel, which eventually became a distinct breed from its English counterpart. The American Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1878, while the English Cocker Spaniel received AKC recognition in 1946. Both breeds have their unique traits and characteristics, but they share a common ancestry.

Over the years, the Cocker Spaniel has gained immense popularity as a family pet due to its friendly and affectionate nature. They are known for their love of human companionship, making them excellent therapy dogs and companions for individuals of all ages. Today, the Cocker Spaniel continues to thrive as a beloved breed worldwide, in the UK most popularly we see the ‘Working Cocker Spaniel’. They excel in various dog sports such as obedience, agility, and tracking, showcasing their intelligence and versatility. Their beautiful coat requires regular grooming to maintain its elegance, but it is a small price to pay for the love and loyalty they offer.

Benefits of the Cocker Spaniel

When it comes to choosing a furry companion, the Cocker Spaniel is a breed that stands out for numerous reasons. These adorable dogs have a multitude of benefits that make them a popular choice among pet owners. 

1. Affectionate and Loving: 

Cocker Spaniels are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They thrive on human companionship and are incredibly devoted to their owners. Whether you're relaxing on the couch or going for a walk, you can count on your Cocker Spaniel to shower you with unconditional love and affection.

2. Great with Families: 

If you have a family, the Cocker Spaniel is an excellent choice for a pet. They are known to be fantastic with children and get along well with other pets in the household. Their gentle nature and patience make them ideal companions for families of all sizes.

3. Intelligent and Trainable: 

Cocker Spaniels are highly intelligent dogs that love to please their owners. This makes them relatively easy to train, whether it's basic obedience commands or more advanced tricks. Their eagerness to learn and their ability to pick up new commands quickly make them a joy to train.

4. Versatile: 

Cocker Spaniels are a versatile breed that excels in various activities. They are natural athletes and can participate in activities such as agility, obedience, and even tracking. Their athleticism and willingness to learn new skills make them a great choice for those looking for a dog that can be involved in different activities.

5. Excellent Companions: 

If you're looking for a loyal and devoted companion, the Cocker Spaniel is a perfect fit. They are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for individuals of all ages. Their presence can bring joy and comfort to your life, making them an ideal choice for those seeking constant companionship.

6. Low Maintenance: 

Cocker Spaniels are surprisingly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Regular brushing, combined with occasional professional grooming, is usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition. Additionally, their size makes them suitable for both apartments and larger homes, as they adapt well to various living environments.

The Cocker Spaniel offers a wide range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for a pet. From their loving and affectionate nature to their intelligence and versatility, they bring joy and companionship into the lives of their owners. If you're looking for a loyal and devoted furry friend, the Cocker Spaniel might just be the perfect breed for you!

Why a Harness is Good for Cocker Spaniel

If you’re a proud owner of a Cocker Spaniel, you probably already know that they are energetic and lively dogs. With their playful nature and adventurous spirit, it’s important to ensure their safety and comfort during walks or any outdoor activities. This is where a harness comes in handy for your Cocker Spaniel.

Here is why a harness is good for Cocker Spaniels and the advantages it offers to both the dog and its owner.

1. Better Control and Safety:

One of the primary reasons to opt for a harness over a traditional collar and leash is the enhanced control it provides. Cocker Spaniels have a keen nose and can be quite enthusiastic and may tend to pull on the leash during walks. A harness distributes the pressure evenly across the dog's body, reducing the strain on its neck and throat. This not only ensures the dog's comfort but also prevents potential injuries or choking, making it a safer option.

2. Minimises Risk of Escape:

Cocker Spaniels are known for their curiosity and can easily get excited by various stimuli during walks. Their instinct may drive them to chase after small animals or explore intriguing scents. Due to their compact size and agile nature, they may slip out of a collar, especially if they tend to pull or wriggle excessively. A harness with a secure and snug fit significantly reduces the risk of escape, providing peace of mind to the owner.

3. Prevents Neck and Throat Injuries:

Traditional collars can put strain on a dog's neck and throat, especially if they pull forcefully. This strain can lead to discomfort, pain, or even serious injuries over time. Cocker Spaniels, with their delicate neck structure, are more prone to such issues. A harness takes the pressure off the neck and instead distributes it across the chest and back, reducing the likelihood of any neck or throat injuries.

4. Training Aid:

If you are in the process of training your Cocker Spaniel, using a harness can be advantageous. Many harnesses come with front attachment points, which discourage pulling by redirecting the dog's attention towards the owner. This makes it easier to teach them leash manners and helps reinforce positive behaviours. Additionally, a harness allows for better control during training sessions, making it a valuable tool for loose lead walking training.

Opting for a harness for your Cocker Spaniel can offer numerous benefits. It provides better control, enhances safety, minimises the risk of escape, prevents neck and throat injuries, and serves as a helpful training aid.

Remember to choose a harness specifically designed for Cocker Spaniels, ensuring the perfect fit and comfort for your furry friend. Make sure to consider their size and weight to ensure the perfect fit. Measure your Cocker Spaniel’s girth (around the widest part of their chest) and refer to the sizing calculator on our website, https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/PFSizing/, to find the most suitable size. 

So, next time you plan a walk or any outdoor adventure with your Cocker Spaniel, consider using a harness for a pleasant and enjoyable experience for both of you!

Why a PerfectFit harness is the best choice

The PerfectFit Harness has a modular design to fit any dog type including a Cocker Spaniel. Our harness has a large variety of sizes and fits to choose from, a massive pro of our harness is that it is comfy and calming for your dog ensuring that both you and your furry friend are content on your walks. You can purchase our harness in 3 parts providing your dog with the PerfectFit! We know how worrying it can be when your dog is pulling on their lead and their harness or collar is pressing on their neck, however, our harness is designed with a Y-shaped front to avoid the soft tissues of the throat and neck. This will reduce the risk of any pain caused by the pulling. Our harness isn't just safer, it is also stylish. We offer a broad range of colours and as you can remove and replace each piece you can have multiple different harness colours! We are the PerfectFit for you!