At the turn of the 1870s and 1880s Cocker Spaniel was brought to Canada and the United States from Great Britain. From an English breed of dog, the Americans - using acute genetic selection – created a smaller variation of the Cocker Spaniel, adapted to a different environment. English Cocker Spaniels were used for hunting, whereas their American descendants have less developed hunting instincts and are better suited as companion dogs. Their silky fur and elegant way of moving conquered the hearts of many animal enthusiasts.