Spaniel

Spaniel, a general name for several breeds or strains of the domestic dog, agreeing in their soft silky coat and affectionate disposition, though differing much in size and appearance. They fall into three groups:- (1) Land or Field Spaniels, used chiefly to flush game. Here belong the Cocker and Springer, and from the last the Clumber, Sussex, and Norfolk Spaniels have sprung. (2) The Water Spaniels, an Irish breed, the largest of the group, with reddish-liver coat. (3) Toys. Of tbese the Blenheim Spaniel (q.v.) is a good example. The King Charles differs from it in its black-and-tan coloration.