Tell me about cocker spaniels please

[Flowerofthefen]

We are currently looking for a second dog ( pup bitch) . I'm a terrier fan but also quite like cockers. We have a lab gundog and on shoots there are plenty of cockers and a few friends have also got them. The ones I've met are so willing to please and just look happy gentle dogs. Whilst riding tonight a friend popped his heD out of his window and said he has a litter of cockers!! Obviously need to do much more research but what are your experiences in general? She would first aid foremost be a pet and companion to our lab but she would also be something I could train for scurrys etc so I'm seriously considering it at the minute

 

[AmyMay]

Just get one.

I’d love one, working bred rather than show. Blooming cracking, buzzy, funny little dogs.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Just get one.

I’d love one, working bred rather than show. Blooming cracking, buzzy, funny little dogs.

Lol!!! The ones this chap has are a working breed. Think I will definitely find out more!!

 

[SilverLinings]

I stumbled into the breed, but have only had cockers since getting the first one. They have all been bright, happy and very affectionate dogs with a 'soft' nature. I have competed in agility and obedience tests with a couple of them and they did well (just local /regional level).They have all seemed keen to please and are clever, and seemed to enjoy being taught new things.

I am dogless at them moment (lost the last one to old age and circumstances at the moment wouldn't give them the best life) but will be getting another (or two) as soon as I can. There hasn't been a single thing about the breed that I haven't liked, particularly once I learnt how to clip them properly so don't have to pay for a groomer every eight weeks. There are a few larger breeds that I love too, but I have joint problems so wouldn't be able to lift them, whereas cockers are a portable size for me.

If you get a puppy then please please please may we have pictures?!

ETA I prefer the working bred ones to the show bred cockers

 

[Karran]

I have a WCS. She is the best dog ever. Perfect mix of adventure dog and sofa snuggler. Always busy sniffing and loves to be busy with her sport dog activities or helping at the yard. Telling her off leaves her feeling like her world has caved in. She's stubborn, a born clown and can sulk for England but is forgiving, gentle and loyal.

I'm definitely going to try for another when she goes.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Thank you for your replies!! I was sort of hoping I'd get a few ' no don't do it'!!

I will definitely post photos!!

Got some serious thinking to do!!

 

[sport horse]

They are very affectionate, great fun and very active. They do seem to be prone to chewing up their bedding and toys - Pets at Home Indestrucibtle toys have obviously not been tested on a WCS! Life span of said toy = 2 minutes!!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I would find it stupidly hard to ignore a litter that's been mentioned. Do they work? Are they KC registered? Health tested parents?

I have 2 springer puppies and I'm in love. I think cockers are just smaller versions, they're full of life, energetic dogs, just my cup of tea!

 

[spacefaer]

We have several - my partner works them out shooting and they're great little dogs. Ours are working type and also trial bred, so even more energetic than usual!
As a breed, they need an outlet for their energy - both mental and physical. You can't make them quiet just with your average walk - they need something to challenge their brains as well.

Love them to bits though - they're always jolly, never grumpy, always pleased with life!
We don't groom ours as such - they're low maintenance in that respect - just a comb through to keep on top of the tangles. We've never needed to take them to a groomers.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I would find it stupidly hard to ignore a litter that's been mentioned. Do they work? Are they KC registered? Health tested parents?

I have 2 springer puppies and I'm in love. I think cockers are just smaller versions, they're full of life, energetic dogs, just my cup of tea!

The chap is a gundog trainer and had a few pups on the side. I would think they are tested but not sure, it's something I would have to check. Need to check KC registered as well. We lost our gorgeous black lab gundog a few weeks ago due to old age. Its still very raw so I don't want to rush into anything and need to make sure OH is happy as well as black lab was his first dog he trained himself so he was devastated.

 

[scats]

Gorgeous dogs, though I prefer show rather than working (the ones I know are just a bit too needy)

I groom many, working and show. In fact, I have one of my favourites in later today.

 

[TPO]

I have my first and he's 7mths old.

He is a working cocker and trial bred. From what ivevgathered since getting him there are working dogs (type/breed) and "proper" working dogs.

I have two friends with working cockers that are the type but not from actual working or trial stock (& aren't docked because of that). They are friendly and very energetic dogs but do have a modicum of chill in them.

I have a "proper" working dog who's pedigree is all Field Trial champs and open winners as well as being workers on estates (by default rather than any skill on my part) and he is a lot all the time.

I had a telephone then a face to face "interview" with the breeder before I was allowed to know about the pup or meet the litter. He's was very funny about where they went and has had dogs stolen so very cautious.

But yeah he told me several times thst a proper WCS would be a lot and really emphasised it which I was totally fine with. Since bringing the dog home I've had quite a few "this is what he meant" moments! All have been fine but I can see how, in his words, "they'll ruin your life if it's not what exactly what you want".

On the plus side he's the happiest dog, he loves all people, dogs, cats and horses!

My friends with WCS not from working homes have all managed with just walking their dogs. One has basic training and the other doesn't; the latter caused all sorts of bother to the owners but they also live in a flat and admitted to not taking them out enough during toilet training ?

Mine was born in a house then went to outdoor kennels (with heatlamps) around 5/6wks. He was so easy to toilet train and so clean. I think I had 2 accidents in the house and both were my fault for not picking up on signs.

He's had brain activities from the start and had recall/sit and a very aside retrieve practically from the start.

He really should be worked but I'm not keen on shooting. When he was 5mths I went out with my mum's old gundog trainer mainly so he could train me as I've no clue about gundog training beyond theory. We didn't do much but pup picked up everything straight away- it's me that needs the practice!

By 5/6mths he had nailed even harder things like out of sight stays, working to a whistle, stops to hand signals or whistles and dummy work. So yeah they definitely need a job.

I've started doing more scent work to tire his brain too.

He's/we've struggled with loose lead walking because his nose overrules everything so it's been the hardest slog. Also puppy classes blew his brain. It didn't help thst they were run by people without a clue who just pour food down their necjs in place of actual training ? I thought those classes would be good for socialising but they were really detrimental to him. It eoukd be different I'd incould have found well run classes by good trainers but if lockdown caused a surge in dog ownership it's also caused a surge in everyone with an online qual calling themselves a trainer ?

So yeah obviously I love mine. Teaching him to settle and chill is an ongoing process, he's so eager to please and doesn't want to miss out on anything.

I'd just be very aware thst there's a huge difference between people who say thst they have a working dog and an actual working bred working dog. The latter, as I'm now finding out from others who own similar, are a lot and there's a reason that they usually live in outdoor kennels.

Oh and mine isn't gentle at all! He just crashes his way through/onto everything!! He requires no sleep to recharge to full energy levels either ?

Edited to try to fix text typos and autocorrects but there are too many so good luck deciphering!

 

[ihatework]

Mine is exceptionally sweet and friendly. Quite needy to the point of annoying. She is a bit of an over-sensitive princess, except when hunting, then she is hardcore.

She is much much nicer to live with when doing lots of exercise and hunting.

She is good with all people, dogs, cats, chickens.

Provided she has been well exercised she does have a off switch and will snuggle on the sofa quite happily.

She would be pretty perfect if it wasn’t for the fairly extreme sensitivity and neediness, although she was a kennelled working dog pre my ownership and didn’t really suit that set up.

 

[Clodagh]

To be picky, my definition of a proper working dog is one that works.
Apart from that you get show, working or trialling lines.
Pretty…. Fast…. Faster.
I like cockers’s to look at and they are amazing to see working but they do seem (as a non owner) to be very needy and clingy. Maybe that’s a plus with recall!

 

[vhf]

Ours was meant to be working, but is probably half and half. We often say we can't understand how anyone manages them as town dogs, she needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but then is polite, intelligent enough, sociable and well behaved. She is very needy, wants to be a lapdog, always by your side, not that brave and quite sensitive. And hairy. Adores everyone (over 10) and knows which animals are 'prey' and which are to be protected. The number of people who've offered to take her home with them is ridiculous, mostly because she spends every outing finding 'victims' and sitting on their feet/showing her tummy and begging them with her eyes to rescue her from her vile home...
At local shops/pubs we are known by her name, not ours
.

 

[Penny Less]

I do love mine but she doesnt have an Off switch ! Shes 11 now and I keep waiting for her to calm down. She is the most loving dog I have ever had though, and gives the impression of utterly adoring me !

 

[maisie06]

I have my first and he's 7mths old.


I've started doing more scent work to tire his brain too.

He's/we've struggled with loose lead walking because his nose overrules everything so it's been the hardest slog. Also puppy classes blew his brain. It didn't help thst they were run by people without a clue who just pour food down their necjs in place of actual training ? I thought those classes would be good for socialising but they were really detrimental to him. It eoukd be different I'd incould have found well run classes by good trainers but if lockdown caused a surge in dog ownership it's also caused a surge in everyone with an online qual calling themselves a trainer ?

So yeah obviously I love mine. Teaching him to settle and chill is an ongoing process, he's so eager to please and doesn't want to miss out on anything.

I'd just be very aware thst there's a huge difference between people who say thst they have a working dog and an actual working bred working dog. The latter, as I'm now finding out from others who own similar, are a lot and there's a reason that they usually live in outdoor kennels.

Oh and mine isn't gentle at all! He just crashes his way through/onto everything!! He requires no sleep to recharge to full energy levels either ?

Edited to try to fix text typos and autocorrects but there are too many so good luck deciphering!

This echoes mine!! He's not from trial lines but from very strong working lines indeed. I was given him 6 years ago, he came back to his breeder at 14weeks old for whatever reason I'm not sure of, His breeder brought him into the shop where I was working and Ive known her years so said jokingly that I would love to have him....that was it!! He came home at 16 weeks as we had a holiday booked and she kept him for me.

I too made the mistake of goin to a dog training place of the above variety - he got bored, very bored, we did scentwork too but he was too full on for their classes! I was then introduced to a gundog trainer who trials and works dogs on shoots - the training she gave us challenged us both - while he'll never be a trail dog - makes a noise - he is amazing at sweepin the wood for birds at the end of the drive on a local shoot, he's headstrong and willful and useless in the beating line because of it, but picking up is his thing - especially runners, NO cover is too thick, if a bird has gone to hide he'll find it!

In the house he's a delight, settles easily. good around horses and livestock too, gives a good woof if strangers are around though.

Having him opened a new hobby and I now have a springer - trial bred but much easir to train than the cocker! I will never compete in tests or trials as I don't have the confidence but I love helping and working the dogs on a local shoot.

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I’ve told OH he’s not getting a second baby out of me until I get a second dog and I’m desperate for a cocker spaniel. Our current dog is a cocker spaniel mix (the dreaded cockerpoo) and she is just the most wonderful dog. So friendly, brilliant with all animals, children, not scared of anything (except suitcases).

She was hard work as a puppy, needed mental stimulation to take the edge off and ate through about 100 dog beds and toys. Never chewed anything non dog related though.

Get one!

 

[Nasicus]

Sister has one, about 7mo. Working dad and show mum.
Lovely girl, so friendly and full of wiggles, but bloody hell she does. not. stop.
Couldn't be me, I like my dogs with an off switch

 

[Moobli]

I think they’re fab little dogs but I wonder if the breed has become a victim of its own success? There does seem to be issues with resource guarding, fear aggression and neurotic behaviour in more than a few dogs so definitely do your research in terms of temperament.

 

[CMcC]

I have Lurchers and a Saluki, they are happy to sleep most of the time with a couple of runs a day.
My sister has a Cocker who stays here while my sister is on holiday. She is a sweet dog, affectionate and obedient. She will potter around the fields while I poo pick, I can’t take mine out with me as they will just disappear. BUT, she has no off switch, she is permanently alert, looking for something to do. Obsessed with balls and toys (mine couldn’t care less).

 

[fiwen30]

Very interesting to read!

After our current dog, Partner wants a golden retriever for their athleticism and friendly personalities, and I would like a cavalier King Charles, if they didn’t have so many health problems, for their small size, sweet natures, and laid back temperaments. Possibly a show cocker would be a suitable compromise?

 

[blodwyn1]

Do look out for inbreeding, ours was trials bred and had cocker rage. We tried everything to manage him he was castrated and put on drugs but after his third silent attack always to the face we had to make the awful decision to put him to sleep. We had actually lived a very restricted life with him as we couldn't take him out in company and had only exercised him on our own land. When he wasn't having an episode he was the most loving little dog and my oh has never got over him.

 

[TPO]

Possibly a show cocker would be a suitable compromise?

By all accounts yes.

I have a couple of friends who got show cockers as their first family pets and they've been grand. The right amount of energy for younger (weren't teenagers at the time) kids and active families but enough chill to be an easy house dog.

I had a other friend that used to show them and hers were almost lazy in the house.

I'm advocating for working cockers and show cockers to be different breeds ?

 

[Clodagh]

Do look out for inbreeding, ours was trials bred and had cocker rage. We tried everything to manage him he was castrated and put on drugs but after his third silent attack always to the face we had to make the awful decision to put him to sleep. We had actually lived a very restricted life with him as we couldn't take him out in company and had only exercised him on our own land. When he wasn't having an episode he was the most loving little dog and my oh has never got over him.

My aunt just had her red show cocker put down after two terrible attacks. She’s devastated.

 

[fiwen30]

By all accounts yes.

I have a couple of friends who got show cockers as their first family pets and they've been grand. The right amount of energy for younger (weren't teenagers at the time) kids and active families but enough chill to be an easy house dog.

I had a other friend that used to show them and hers were almost lazy in the house.

I'm advocating for working cockers and show cockers to be different breeds ?

That sounds ideal for us. Something that wants to get up and go when asked, but also laid back enough to be relaxed at home. Not that I want to wish my boy away - he’s the most awkward crossbreed, but perfect in all regards, and I’d keep him forever if I could!

 

[blodwyn1]

We also were devastated. There was no warning to the attacks. No growling etc. I have been left with scars on my face. Ours was also a red gold but trials bred. It really is a type of epilepsy the dog is totally unaware of what it is doing.

 

[SilverLinings]

Do look out for inbreeding, ours was trials bred and had cocker rage. We tried everything to manage him he was castrated and put on drugs but after his third silent attack always to the face we had to make the awful decision to put him to sleep. We had actually lived a very restricted life with him as we couldn't take him out in company and had only exercised him on our own land. When he wasn't having an episode he was the most loving little dog and my oh has never got over him.

I was told by my vet and by the breeder of one of my cockers that the red-coated ones seem more likely to have cocker rage as there was a greater amount of inbreeding to get the colour (I'm not sure if this is true in general, or just a reflection of their experiences). I haven't personally known any cockers with this problem, but despite knowing lots have only known one red one. Anecdotally I have heard of two with rage, and both owners had to take the responsible decision to PTS.

I would avoid inbreeding/overly close breeding in general anyway as as well as the risk of behavioural problems there is obviously an increased risk of health problems. I have noticed lines particularly bad for inbreeding in both show and working bred cockers, but there are also more genetically diverse lines out there.

My last cocker was the 'best' dog I've ever had. She appeared to read my mind a lot of the time and felt like a physical part of me in a weird way; her death felt like loosing a chunk of my soul. She was the gentlest creature I have known, and seemed to try to take care of others- she would 'give' toys and food to the other dog I had at the time, and every night she would see everyone in the house to bed before she retired herself (in a nannying sort of way, not a stressful way). She seemed to understand an awful lot of what I said to her, and would look like she was trying very hard to understand the rest, which definitely helped in agility classes. I don't want to insult her by saying she was the most 'human' dog I've known, maybe just the one who I've managed to understand the most/we were on the same wavelength.

I reduced the last paragraph as I could go on about her all day- basically trying to explain how lovely cockers can be (but realise there are lovely dogs of all breeds)

 

[Moobli]

Do look out for inbreeding, ours was trials bred and had cocker rage. We tried everything to manage him he was castrated and put on drugs but after his third silent attack always to the face we had to make the awful decision to put him to sleep. We had actually lived a very restricted life with him as we couldn't take him out in company and had only exercised him on our own land. When he wasn't having an episode he was the most loving little dog and my oh has never got over him.

That’s so sad. I’m very sorry. ?

 

[some show]

Gosh I've never heard of cocker rage, that's awful. Very sorry.