The Cocker Spaniel comes in a wide variety of different coat colours; each one is as distinctive and beautiful as the last. But which colours are the most common?
In this detailed guide, we’ve given you all the information you need about the most popular colours.
The most common coat colours include black, golden, and liver, with black being particularly popular. Cocker Spaniels can also come in a variety of combinations, such as black and tan, or red and white.
While solid colours like black and golden are widely sought after, other shades, including roan and parti-colour, are also appreciated.
When it comes to the Cocker Spaniel colours, future owners are spoiled for choice. There are many breathtaking colours to choose from.
One of the most common and popular coat colours in Cocker Spaniels is gold. The shade of gold falls somewhere between red and lemon and can be darker or lighter from dog to dog.
The coat is one solid colour, will not have any other markings or patterns and is very common for the English Cocker Spaniel.
As the name suggests, Black Cocker Spaniels have a coat that’s entirely jet black. However, they do often have white markings on their throats.
They can still be entered into dog shows with these markings, as this is considered to be acceptable for the coat of a Black Cocker Spaniel.
These dogs will also have dark rims around their eyes and nose, and the colour of their eyes is usually black or dark brown.
Like the Golden Cocker Spaniel, this colouring is particularly common for the English Cocker Spaniel breed.
The Liver Cocker Spaniel’s coat has a colour that is similar to the colour of chocolate. The coat can also have tan markings as well as other solid markings in different colours such as red, golden, black and more.
However, this coat will never feature any white colours.
The Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel’s coat doesn’t actually contain any blue in it, and the appearance of blue is the result of a mixture of black and white hairs.
The small amount of white gives the coat a lighter appearance and makes the black seem like it’s blue.
The coat can also have brindle or tan markings – known as a blue roan and tan Cocker Spaniel.
Red Cocker Spaniels are a deep shade of gold that will sometimes be almost as deep as the red coat of the Irish Setter.
Their noses will be either black or liver-coloured.
The ANKC recognises several different coat colours as being the breed standard for the Cocker Spaniel.
The solid colours that are recognised are:
For the solid coat colours to be recognised, there must not be any white hairs on the chest, but if there is a very small amount, then the coat may still be recognised.
For bicolour coats, the recognised colours are:
For tricolour coats, the recognised colours are:
For roan coats, the recognised colours are:
Some examples of the coat colours that are not considered to be standard are:
The Cocker Spaniel coat colour that you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, as there is a huge variety of colours to choose from.
If you’re planning to use your Cocker to perform in dog shows, then you will need to choose a coat colour that is officially recognised as standard by the ANKC.
However, if you’re planning to have a Cocker Spaniel as your furry best friend, then whatever colour you choose, your canine pal will still be as charming and adorable as all Cockers are.
Like many dog breeds, Cocker Spaniels are born with a fluffy puppy coat that they gradually lose as they get older.
The puppy coat will then be replaced by the adult coat, which is longer and wavier. This may happen at slightly different ages depending on whether you have an English Cocker Spaniel or an American Cocker Spaniel. Still, it usually happens around the age of six months.
Puppies with solid-coloured coats are also often born with white markings on their toes and muzzles, which usually fade away as they grow older.
Regardless of which colour of Cocker Spaniel you choose, you’re guaranteed to end up with a lovable and energetic pooch that will be your devoted best friend.
If you want your Cocker to perform in dog shows, then you may have to be more strict with the colour you choose. But, if not, you can choose the most adorable option possible.
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