by Angie Pollock

Created on: August 03, 2009   Last Updated: December 11, 2009

Kennel clubs across the globe recognize hundreds of different dog breeds. The spaniel breeds are extremely popular in many countries including the United States. There are a handful of different spaniel breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but many more are available throughout the world.

Alpine Spaniel

The Alpine Spaniel is an extinct breed of the spaniel family. Sometimes called the Bernardine Dog, the Alpine Spaniel has been said to be the foundation breed of the Saint Bernard and Clumber Spaniel. This breed is believed to have originated in the Swiss Alps where it was trained to search out lost travelers in the treacherous, cold mountains, much like what we hear in stories of the Saint Bernard.

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel can be traced back as far as the 1880s to an English-bred female named Obo Obo that was imported from Britain. The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America aided in establishing the American version. This breed ranks top in the most popular breeds owned in the US.

American Water Spaniel

Considered a modern breed, the American Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1940. It is believed to have lineage from the Irish Water Spaniel which derives from crossing Poodles and Curly-coated Retrievers. The American Water Spaniel has excellent swimming capabilities and is smaller than the Irish version.

Blue Picardy Spaniel

The Blue Picardy Spaniel or Bleu Picard is a fairly large French breed. Its ancestry is believed to be from a combination of other breeds including black and grey Picardy Spaniels, English Setters, and/or Gordon Setters. An affectionate and hardy breed, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is fairly unknown except in its native country.

Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is named for Whitaker Boykin, an avid hunter from South Carolina. This US breed was discovered wandering around church and taken home by Alexander White. This stray was ultimately given to Mr. Boykin and later named "Dumpy". All Boykin Spaniels are derived from Dumpy and has evolved by crossbreeding with American Water Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Pointers.

Brittany Spaniel

Formerly known as the Brittany Spaniel, this breed is now known as simply the "Brittany". This is the only spaniel breed that points to game. The Brittany is said to have originated in the Argoat forests of Brittany with lineage from the English Red and White Setter and Breton. The Brittany was recognized as an official breed in France

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