The Shockerd is a recent hybridization of the purebred Cocker Spaniel and English Shepherd. As designer dogs go, the Shockerd is not as popular as some, but that may be in part to the obscurity of a true English Shepherd. Owner's who wish to understand more about the hybrid breed can review the histories and the character traits of both parents for a better understanding. The Cocker Spaniel is of the Spaniel family and developed in England as a woodcock hunter in the 1800s. Fanciers took note of the Cocker Spaniel and focused on selective breeding programs that supported the Cocker Spaniel's companion traits and docile natures. By the mid to late 1800s, the Cocker Spaniel was imported to the United States where the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1878. The popularity of the Cocker Spaniel rose significantly during the 20th Century partly due to one widely loved Cocker Spaniel named Brucie, who had won Best in Show back-to-back years. Brucie is the only dog in history to have his obituary printed in the New York Times. Today, the Cocker Spaniel still enjoys high ranking popularity and is considered one of the sweetest medium-sized companions. The English Shepherd is an old breed that lived along the borders of England the Scotland for many years, protecting and moving cattle and sheep alike. The breed first developed in the British Isles when invading Romans dogs interbred with local dogs nearly 2,000 years ago. Since then, the English Shepherd has developed into a fine herder. They are bred for function, not show, and have an upright, loose-eyed style of herding. The English Shepherd does not intimidate the flock to move it along but uses its well-positioned posture and body rather than making constant eye contact and predatory movements. The show Collies, such as the Border Collie, arise from the English Shepherd. English Shepherd is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a distinct breed, but the United Kennel Club does and accepts English Shepherd Club breed standards.
