How long have cocker spaniels breeds been around?

Cocker spaniels have a long and fascinating history, but pinpointing an exact start date is difficult. Here's what we know:

* Origins: The breed traces its roots back to medieval England, where smaller spaniels were used for hunting woodcock, hence the name "cocker".

* Early Development: Early cocker spaniels weren't a standardized breed. They were simply smaller spaniels used for flushing out small game birds.

* 19th Century: In the 1800s, breeders began focusing on developing the cocker spaniel as a distinct breed. This involved selecting for specific traits, leading to the emergence of the American and English Cocker Spaniels.

* Modern Breed: The American Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1881. The English Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1892.

So, while we can't give a specific year, it's safe to say cocker spaniels have been around for at least 500 years.