A short loin is desirable for protection of the vulnerable parts of the body, but the loin should not be so short as to allow the back feet to interfere with the front logs. Soft, thick, curly or overly abundant coat will tend to interfere with the dog's ability to go through heavy cover. A bit of looseness to the skin will prevent many field injuries. But lack of coat will leave the skin and body with no protection making a dog unsuitable to face the elements. Judges and breeders alike should take advantage of any opportunity to observe dogs working in the occupation for which they were selectively created.
Individual standards are an aid in maintaining each breed's uniqueness.
Our English Cocker Spaniel have been bred to hunt upland game such as Dove, Woodcock, Partridge, Grouse, and Rabbit. Here, we also use them for our beautiful Pheasants and Chukars. Our dogs work close, in a natural quartering pattern, flushing the game out, and retrieving with zeal. You may find some useful quotes here. Created by English people to hunt in specific areas, they are built in specific ways.