Owning Spaniels - What's it like?

[Spot the Merry Risk]

A trainer and spaniel trialler once told me that if you want an easy life, get a lab. If you want excitement and like a challenge get a springer. If you've lost your marbles and just want to feel sorry for yourself get a cocker!

Hence we’re just about to go up to four labradors, but only have the one cocker!

 

[Janique]

A trainer and spaniel trialler once told me that if you want an easy life, get a lab. If you want excitement and like a challenge get a springer. If you've lost your marbles and just want to feel sorry for yourself get a cocker!

and if you want to look stupid with a dog lying down in the middle of the road and generally having people laugh at you, get a Basset Hound !

 

[JoannaC]

Well I wouldn't have another Cocker, ours is 13 now and finally a delight but she was hard work when she was younger. Having said which our youngest Lab who is all working lines has the same needy thing going on but he's a complete softy with it whereas she was quite snappy when she was younger. I know lots of people who have lovely one's but even my friend who has only ever had Cockers is saying she might get a Lab next time!

 

[Blanche]

152K views · 40K reactions | What’s the difference between Labs and Spaniels? 😂 Zelda zoomies! #richtdog #skeneparkgundogs #gundog #workingdog #gundogtraining #labrador #springerspaniel @dog_and_field @johnnorrisofpenrith @quailhollow.gundogs |

What’s the difference between Labs and Spaniels? 😂 Zelda zoomies! #richtdog #skeneparkgundogs #gundog #workingdog #gundogtraining #labrador #springerspaniel @dog_and_field @johnnorrisofpenrith...

www.facebook.com

This is apparently what it is like!

 

[CinnamonChristmasCookie]

152K views · 40K reactions | What’s the difference between Labs and Spaniels? 😂 Zelda zoomies! #richtdog #skeneparkgundogs #gundog #workingdog #gundogtraining #labrador #springerspaniel @dog_and_field @johnnorrisofpenrith @quailhollow.gundogs |

What’s the difference between Labs and Spaniels? 😂 Zelda zoomies! #richtdog #skeneparkgundogs #gundog #workingdog #gundogtraining #labrador #springerspaniel @dog_and_field @johnnorrisofpenrith...

www.facebook.com

This is apparently what it is like!

Outrageous!

 

[cappucino]

Ironically, I think I might be leaning more towards the Labrador Retriever now... It's the biddability that's really drawing me in. Still, I have plenty of time to make up my mind.

If it's biddability in a dog, maybe a spaniel, you are after then look into Field Spaniels.

I know they've already been mentioned. Not a field bred cocker or working cocker. Fields are slightly bigger and so much more chilled ! They love walks and squirrel chasing but equally love to snuggle on a sofa, I find them easy to train as they really want to please. I have always said that they are some of the nicest dogs you can come across. Loving and intelligent but without the spaniel nutcase head !

But then I also live with a Sussex Spaniel which is a totally different kettle of fish, a proper little loyal, sassy princess. Clumbers are also awesome, have known a few, they are usually very sweet but I believe can have a bit of an independent streak

 

[gallopingby]

Clumbers and Field Spaniels are definitely easier than cockers or springers but they’re also relatively rare and so you’d probably have to wait a while for a puppy.

 

[Thistletide]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate them! After some thinking over with my family, I think it'd be a smart move to go with a Labrador Retriever. That was the breed I was initially settled on and they seem a better fit for my current lifestyle. Perhaps one day I'll switch over to the dark side and get a Spaniel, but I'll keep my sanity for now... or at least what's left of it after getting the puppy.