The name “Cocker” comes from the breed’s original purpose, which was hunting woodcock.  By the 1930s, the American variety had become so different from the English Cocker Spaniel that it was given separate breed status although the names of the two breeds continue to cause some confusion as in the United States, the American Cocker Spaniel is simply registered under the name "Cocker Spaniel," and in Great Britain “Cocker Spaniel” refers to the English Cocker Spaniel.  Originally a gun dog, the American Cocker is now more likely to be a family pet or show dog, and unlike the English Cocker, is rarely used for hunting.  A few American lines are still bred for fieldwork, and there is a small movement working to preserve the hunting abilities of the breed.  Since the 1940s, Cockers have been a very popular American breed, even occupying the top position in number of American Kennel Club registrations from 1940-1952.  The breed’s popularity declined a bit before resurging to number one in registrations from 1984-1990.  Since then, the number of registered dogs has fallen again, but it remains a prominent breed, ranking 15th most common in AKC registrations for 2004.