For the benefit of folks outside the dog fancy, “ASOB” in an ASCOB Cocker Spaniel stands for “any solid color other than black.” ‘

Cockers compete in three color varieties: Black, Parti-Color, and any solid color other than black (the “ASCOB” mentioned above, and those colors can range from the darkest red to the lightest cream, including brown and brown with tan points).

Confused about English Cockers and American versions?  In the first half of the 20th century, a difference in type emerged between Cocker Spaniel strains of slightly smaller, shorter-muzzled dogs being bred in the U.S. and the original, longer-headed Cockers from England. The two were ultimately split into different breeds in 1947, the American version continuing to be known as the “Cocker Spaniel” in the U.S., and the other type classified as the English Cocker Spaniel. What we know as  the “Cocker Spaniel” in the U.S. is known as “American Cocker Spaniel” everywhere else in the world, and what we call the “English Cocker Spaniel” in the U.S. is known as the “Cocker Spaniel” everywhere else. Got it?

Cocker Spaniel by Tim Houle is available for purchase here.