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This Adorable Dog Gift stands 2½ inches tall. There are three Cocker Puppies sitting very quietly in a straw basket with a red and white blanket hanging out of over one side and a leather strap with an AKC medal strapped around the basket. The puppies are each wearing a blue cap with a white pompom on top. The middle puppy has the words “Let it Snow” printed in white letters on the brim of his cap and is also wearing a blue sweater with a white snowflake in the center. These figures are made of poly resin and they are completely free standing. Select this link to view our Dog Ornaments.
This item is NOT an ornament!
Cocker Spaniel.
Although historians do not agree on whether or not Spaniels originated in Spain, as their name would imply, it is agreed that the breed has been of great service to man and it has had a major influence on the development of other breeds. Spaniels are grouped according to their hunting expertise. Land spaniels assist hunters by flushing birds and retrieving game. Water spaniels assist duck hunters in a similar way. The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the sporting dogs and gets its name from its proficiency in hunting woodcock. Equally suited to life as a gundog or a family pet, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dogs in America. It has long hanging ears and a soft, silky coat that is either flat or slightly wavy. Capable of significant speed and great endurance, the Cocker Spaniel has a gait that is coordinated, smooth and effortless. Known for its cheerful, upbeat demeanor, this breed is readily trainable and intelligent. It is affectionate and will often prefer people to other dogs. Select this link to view our Christmas Ornaments Sets.
Where Dogs Came From.
Scientists believe that dogs developed from a weasel like, meat eating animal called Miacis, which lived about 50 million years ago. Miacis was the ancestor not only of dogs but also cats, bears, raccoons, civets, weasels and skunks. A descendant of Miacis called Tomarctus appeared about 15 million years ago. Tomarctus resembled a wolf and is the direct ancestor of all members of the dog family including wolves, coyotes, jackals, foxes and the domestic dog.
The oldest site where fossilized human dog remains occur together dates from about 8000 B.C. This evidence indicates that people and dogs have lived with each other for at least 10,000 years, making the dog the oldest known domesticated animal. The saluki, which is probably the oldest of present day breeds, may have originated in the Middle East as early as 7000 B.C. Paintings and sculpture from ancient Egypt indicate that the Egyptians had developed various dog breeds by about 1500 B.C. These artworks depict heavy dogs resembling mastiffs and hunting dogs with long legs and pointed noses.
The English physician John Caius, who also used the name Johannes Caius, wrote one of the first books about dogs in 1570. Caius describes 16 breeds, including terriers, spaniels, setters, bloodhounds, greyhounds, shepherds and mastiffs. The first kennel clubs formed in Europe in the 1800’s and the first formal dog show took place in England in 1859 at Newcastle upon Tyne. Select this link to view our Cat Ornaments.