Article by Angeline Hope
When your child asks for a puppy, over and over again, what do you do? What do you say? It’s always difficult denying any child something they really want, but sometimes that’s just the way it has to go. As an alternative to a puppy, plush dogs are quite a reasonable option. Just about every breed of dog is available (some much better looking than others, so be sure and shop wisely) and some of the beauty in having a plush dog instead of the real thing is there is no worry about the expense and responsibility that goes along with having a pet.
One option of a plush dog is the Cocker Spaniel. Cocker Spaniel plush happen to be one of the plush dog breeds that are equally adorable and lovable just like the real thing. While there will surely be disappointment that a puppy won’t be coming home any time soon, no child will be dissatisfied with Cocker Spaniel plush.
The Spaniel breed has a long history dating back to the 14th century where the first “Spanyell” was documented. They were always an excellent hunting dog that was divided into two categories: water and land spaniels. The end of the 19th century marked a change in the breed: the official differences in some of the spaniels – mostly related to size – were no longer recognized. In 1892, the actual Cocker Spaniel breed was recognized as its own breed in England. In the United States, Cocker Spaniels were already popular and that is where a change in the breed started to take place.
In England, Cocker Spaniels were still prized as a working dog while in the U.S., the breed was more valued for its lovely coat and great lines. As a result, breeders began to develop the dogs so as to highlight their physical attributes. By the time the 1930s rolled around, a noticeable difference started to appear between the Cocker Spaniels that had been developed in England and what they looked like in America. By the 1940s, with the physical differences between English and American Cockers so prevalent, breeders of English Cockers petitioned the American Kennel Association to have the two breeds officially separated. And, in 1946, the English Cocker Spaniel was finally given its separate recognition from the American Cocker Spaniel.
The main differences between the two breeds is their coat; the American Cocker has a coat that is long and thick while the English Cocker’s is not as long (though it is still thick). The English Cocker is also slightly bigger than the American Cocker and their head shapes are slightly different as well. The English Cocker has a muzzle that is long and square while the American Cocker’s muzzle is shorter. Whatever Cocker Spaniel plush you choose, it’s safe to say that your child will not know the difference between the two breeds – if it’s Cocker Spaniel plush they wanted, then that is what they will get – English and American aside. Later on in their lives, if they decide that a Cocker Spaniel puppy is a must, they can then decide between the two breeds. In the meantime, Cocker Spaniel plush will have to do and do it really well, given that Cocker Spaniel plush are quite an irresistible plush toy.
Angeline Hope is a collector of big plush dog toys. You can view a selection of href=”http://www.mybigplush.com/store/Stuffed_Dog.php”>big plush dog toys at MyBigPlush.
For more videos, visit animal.discovery.com | A lovable and sweet dog with an ever-wagging tail, the Cocker Spaniel may make a horrible guard dog but it’s a beautiful hunting animal.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
