A group of dog breeds that historically were bred for hunting, specifically in dense thickets and undergrowth.

Spaniel breeds are of small to medium size (around 40 cm at the withers). Their fur is silky, medium length, often wavy, even curly in Water Spaniels. The ears are floppy, long and low-set.

See also:

• mammal
• canidae
• canine
• spaniel