11/28/2025
There is a reason for everything!
Who watched the dog show yesterday and saw the Sporting group? Did you notice the English Springer and then this English Cocker have their ear flipped over their nose and face and wonder what the heck was going on?
Well there is always a reason for everything. In the breeds like those two, and the other cockers ( I am sure I am missing another breed or two as well) the handler will do this to show off the neck.
Here is the portion of their standard about the neck:
Neck:
Graceful and muscular, arched toward the head and blending
cleanly, without throatiness, into sloping shoulders; moderate
in length and in balance with the length and height of the dog.
Being moderate in length, the neck is just long enough for the dog
to easily reach down, pick up a bird, and carry it high enough to
not interfere with his front legs. The neck should be clean, but
with sufficient strength to carry heavy game.
With these breeds longer ears, they tend to cover the neck and it makes it difficult to judge the length and strength for carrying game. I personally know many show line spaniels that also hunt so this is still important to this day.
What other things do you wonder about in show dogs on why they do it? Post in the comments and I will try my best to answer your questions!
