Originally spaniels were hunting dogs, and were classified by size. Thus several different types of spaniels could come from the same litter. Cockers and toys were the smaller types, and, as the toy spaniels were bred as ladies' companions and Cockers were kept for hunting, were further divided into two groups. The Cockers were crouchers, and they were used particularly to hunt woodcock. Today the AKC considers the Cocker and its closest British cousin, the English Cocker, to be sporting dogs, even though they are almost exclusively bred as companions and show dogs.
Females are slightly smaller than males.
The tan markings are to be over the eyes, on the muzzle and cheeks, undersides of ears, on all legs and feet, and under the tail. Tan on the chest is optional. Parti-color includes any color, including the mixed color known as roan, patterned with white. A third color is permissible. Small white markings are permitted on the throat and chest of solid color Cockers, but nowhere else.