Here's what we know:
* Early Spaniels: The Cocker Spaniel's ancestors were likely large, multi-purpose dogs used for flushing birds out of the undergrowth (hence "Spaniel" from "Spanish").
* Specialization: Over time, these Spaniels were bred for specific tasks. Some became the "Land Spaniel," which hunted larger game in open areas. Others, including the Cocker Spaniel's ancestors, specialized in hunting woodcock, a smaller bird. This smaller breed was called the "Cocker" Spaniel, referring to the "woodcock."
* Breeds Evolved: The Cocker Spaniel evolved in England, alongside other Spaniel breeds, including the English Springer Spaniel and the Field Spaniel.
While the precise origins are unknown, it's safe to say that the Cocker Spaniel was bred from smaller, more agile Spaniels specifically for hunting woodcock.