American Cocker Spaniel: Crufts 2022 Best in Show Winner

Each March, the world famous Crufts dog show takes centre stage at Birmingham’s NEC arena. Enthusiasts and dog lovers alike eagerly anticipate the announcement of the main winner, who earns the coveted Best in Show title. For 2022, this honour went to an American Cocker Spaniel named Afterglow Miami Ink, owned by Jason Lyn from Blackpool. The reserve Best in Show that year was a miniature poodle called Frankie, owned by Melanie Harwood from Lancashire.

Afterglow Miami Ink’s win rekindled interest in the American Cocker Spaniel breed while sparking some debate on whether this elegant dog fully represents its gundog lineage. In this article, we explore this delightful breed in more detail, covering their history, characteristics, and what makes them such cherished pets.

More about the American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is a distinct breed, though closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. Originally, settlers from England brought cocker spaniels to America in the 17th century — surprisingly, they are recorded as passengers on the Mayflower ship. Over centuries, the breed evolved differently across the Atlantic.

The American Cocker Spaniel officially gained breed recognition in the USA in 1946 due to its distinct breed standard, and the UK accepted the breed formally in the 1970s. The American variety generally has a lighter frame than the English Cocker, a more rounded, refined head, and larger expressive eyes.

The most notable difference lies in the coat: the American Cocker has a finer, silkier, and much longer coat, often reaching the floor due to feathered legs. Their coat can be flat or wavy, a striking feature that adds to their elegance in the show ring and as companion dogs.

History and Gundog Grouping

The American Cocker Spaniel falls into the gundog group under Kennel Club classifications. Traditionally, this group includes dogs bred for hunting roles such as flushing and retrieving game.

While the modern American Cocker Spaniel like Afterglow Miami Ink is undeniably a pampered companion, the breed’s roots are as a working gun dog. This occasionally causes confusion among dog enthusiasts who expect all gundogs to display rugged, outdoorsy traits.

In fact, the Kennel Club clarifies that the gundog group includes both contemporary working dogs and those originally bred for gun sport, explaining why such an elegant show dog can be a rightful winner despite looking different from classic working types.

Are American Cocker Spaniels good family pets?

The American Cocker Spaniel’s 2022 win at Crufts naturally led to increased public interest, including a surge in those searching for American Cocker Spaniel puppies. Their striking silky coats and affectionate nature are big draws for many prospective dog owners.

This breed typically has a medium frame, with a gentle, loving temperament. American Cockers tend to be friendly with children, other dogs and adults, and often learn commands and routines quite readily.

Despite their lapdog appeal, they require consistent physical activity to meet their energy needs and maintain good health. They also demand regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles due to their long coats, with daily brushing and periodic professional grooming highly recommended.

Prospective owners should fully understand these needs before bringing an American Cocker Spaniel home to ensure a happy, healthy relationship.

What to consider before getting an American Cocker Spaniel

Choosing any breed requires thoughtfulness and responsible ownership. For the American Cocker Spaniel, consider:

• Time and effort for grooming and exercise
• A stable home environment with enough space for activity
• Access to reputable breeders who prioritise health and temperament
• Regular vet check-ups and preventive care

Knowing the breed’s history and true personality helps manage expectations, avoiding surprises after you’ve welcomed a new furry friend into your family.

Questions about the Crufts winner

Some viewers questioned whether the American Cocker Spaniel truly represented a typical gundog’s character due to its show-ready appearance. It is important to remember that dog shows like Crufts judge dogs on breed standards, which include both appearance and conformation.

While not a traditional hunting dog look, Afterglow Miami Ink exemplified the breed’s qualities according to the Kennel Club’s breed standard, deserving its place as Best in Show.

Those considering an American Cocker Spaniel as a pet should look beyond the glamorous coat and focus on the dog’s temperament, care needs, and lifestyle suitability.

Conclusion

The American Cocker Spaniel remains a beloved breed with a fascinating history and unique charm. Their victory at Crufts 2022 not only showcased the breed’s beauty but highlighted the importance of appreciating different traits within dog groups.

If you are considering an American Cocker Spaniel, ensure you understand their grooming and exercise needs and seek reputable breeders or adoption options for responsible ownership.