What do you think about sprockers?

[Cedars]

I know we talk on here ALOT about fashionable cross breeds, how bad they are etc, just wondering what you think about sprockers?

We're looking to get a spaniel next because I think they're gorgeous and would fit with our lifestyle, but don't necessarily want the complete madness of a pure springer.

xx

 

[Foxyfilly]

The ones I know are all crazy.

 

[Jake10]

I don't have a sprocker but I do have a sprollie he' s 3 next month (Feb 14th) in the house he's a little old man, will sleep all day. Loves walks can run non stop all day everyday but once back in the house reverts back to old man mode Very trainable a bit obsessive with lights and shadows, excitable, likes to be near you but hates cuddles, loves water etc. His litter mates did look more mischievious (sp?). I'm a sucker for most collie crosses

 

[noodle_]

I don't have a sprocker but I do have a sprollie he' s 3 next month (Feb 14th) in the house he's a little old man, will sleep all day. Loves walks can run non stop all day everyday but once back in the house reverts back to old man mode Very trainable a bit obsessive with lights and shadows, excitable, likes to be near you but hates cuddles, loves water etc. His litter mates did look more mischievious (sp?). I'm a sucker for most collie crosses

same ^

mines springer x collie (i will not call her a sprollie lol)

shes nuts.

you need to imo be able to handle a springer and collies worst traits as the crosses are never ever guaraneed tempramentetc....

 

[angiek]

My daughter has a sprocker. Billy is three. He is adorable, best dog we have ever had (have had labs, retrievers and crosses). First 2 years was on the go all day, we have a livery yard so was not a problem, didn't need to walk him as well. Now he is slightly less energetic and spends some of each day asleep in the car ( thru' choice). Carries no weight so gets a little cold- wears a coat in very wet/cold weather which isn't really usual in the gundog breeds, so gets the mickey taken out of him!. Doesn't like water (but rest of litter do). Goes hacking regularly (off lead) and is obedient. A very affectionate easily trained medium sized dog - everyone loves him, so would definitely recommend them. Get one!

 

[Puppy]

but don't necessarily want the complete madness of a pure springer.

xx

I think they're lovely, but I don't think you'll find a sprocker any less manic than a pure springer

Fraggle is 1/2 working cocker, and 1/4 springer and she's as bonkers as they come! She's currently snoozing on my shoulder after a nice long walk BUT I had to go for an hour earlier than planned, as she just would NOT let study in peace.

 

[Annette4]

They're related to spangles......they're bound to be mad and not nearly as good as a Corgi

 

[soloabe]

The ones i know are far more crazy than a pure springer. If you feel you can't handle a pure springer i would not go for a springer x cocker.

That and the irresponsible breeding practices surrounding the mix.

 

[gunnergundog]

If you don 't want the madness of a springer, then don't get a cross with any working cocker blood in it - for several generations!!!

A show bred springer crossed with a show bred cocker would (IMO) be the easiest option, if you are hell bent on getting a sprocker, though where you would find such a dog I don't know as most that I've seen are working bred or pet bred.

If you want a spaniel, but a more 'sedate' dog (ie something that isn't always on speed!!), why not consider something like the rare breed Clumber.....but make sure you get health tested parents with this breed as problems are rife due to the small gene pool.

 

[Cedars]

Hmm ok back to the original straight springer plan.

We can handle the energy it would just be nice to have something a bit chilled. Will see what chlo comes back to as if it's not full fitness it would r unfair to get her something that se couldn't keep up with!! Xxxx

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

I know we talk on here ALOT about fashionable cross breeds, how bad they are etc, just wondering what you think about sprockers?

We're looking to get a spaniel next because I think they're gorgeous and would fit with our lifestyle, but don't necessarily want the complete madness of a pure springer.

xx

Cannot understand desiring a specific cross. You either want a Springer or you want a Cocker I have lurchers, the ultimate crossbreed type, but i feel the same way about longdogs, why breed like with like?

 

[paisley]

Friend has a sprocker- got to ditto the bonkers comments! Very cheery and friendly, but exhausting!

 

[soloabe]

Get a Brittany!

 

[Cedars]

Well cross breeds came about as a choice because people wanted two types of traits in a dog. Like the labradoodle, they wanted an attractive dog with allergen free hair. To me that seems logical so long as everyone knows that you don't get every dog with the trait as it's 50/50.

Like me, I wanted the look of a springer with what I hoped might be less madness of a cocker. But as that isn't the case, I shall just get a springer.

 

[Puppy]

Cannot understand desiring a specific cross. You either want a Springer or you want a Cocker I have lurchers, the ultimate crossbreed type, but i feel the same way about longdogs, why breed like with like?

Each to their own. I can't understand wanting a longdog - not my cup of tea at all - but I love my little mongrels, and get countless comments every walk about what perfect little dogs they are

 

[cellie]

My mum and dad have just rescued 6 yr old sprocker.Hes nice dog very friendly but bit grumpy with my pup although he grumbles he doesnt do anything.
Wants to play 24/7 so they take his toys away if they need some peace.Hes walked twice a day and is sociable when out and obedient.I think hes bit overweight , hes solid with cocker short legs and heavy body mass.
Hes energetic but not mad ,he is 6 so that has to be taken into consideration.

 

[Spudlet]

Have to say there was a lab x springer on the shoot today - fab little dog, very good looking, great work ethic and frankly I was very taken! The only way you would have known there was springer in there was that his tail was hairier than that of the average lab, other than that, he was very lab looking - in fact, I didn't realise he wasn't all lab until his owner told me so. I liked him very much indeed

 

[Puppy]

Have to say there was a lab x springer on the shoot today - fab little dog, very good looking, great work ethic and frankly I was very taken! The only way you would have known there was springer in there was that his tail was hairier than that of the average lab, other than that, he was very lab looking - in fact, I didn't realise he wasn't all lab until his owner told me so. I liked him very much indeed

It's funny that you should say that Spuddy, as we have two full brothers who work our family shoot (one belongs to the gamekeeper, in fact) who are absolutely stunning lab x cockers.

Initially, on meeting them (without my glasses on ), I thought 'wow, what beautiful labs', and 'if I could find a lab that handsome I'd maybe even consider owning one!' (don't get me wrong, I like labs, but can't say I'd ever opt for owning one) but then I found out that they were in fact half cocker (it does show in their jowls/eyes/tails etc) TBH, it made a lot more sense how much I liked them once I knew they were part spangle

They're both super working dogs, and come from many generations of working dogs - I'd v v happily have had one from their litter I know you get many stupid crosses and idiotic breeders, but not all cross breeds are dreadful

PS - my little cross breeds rock!

 

[Spudlet]

There is another one at work, who again is a cool little dog, today was the first time I had seen one work though. If I could find one that had been bred responsibly, health tested parents from working backgrounds etc, I would certainly consider one

 

[KarynK]

I say this a lot! Instead of picking a specific breed you like with characteristics that you do not really want go back to the drawing board. Sit down and write a list of what would be an ideal dog for you, list the time you intend to spend with the dog, walking the dog, training the dog and leaving the dog alone, if you go abroad a lot factor that in as well. Do you have a family, want a family, have regular contact with young children? Have a pristine show home etc etc.

Once you have your list go on the web and find a breed of dog if you want a puppy or a rescue purebred, partbred or mix if you feel you can offer an older dog a home, but pick the breed or the dog that is closest to your lifestyle and will best meet your requirements and more importantly make sure that you meet theirs.

Please Please do not support people breeding these cross-breds for profit, I don't know any reputable dog breeder that will entertain intentionally crossing their purebred top of the breed dog or bitch to produce a designer smartly named mongrel. They are for profit dogs and whilst some rare ones may be health tested they are bred with a market in mind not the furtherance of any breed or even to produce a new one they are a cash crop don't add to the mysery!!

Should add here any crossbred is a hybrid, an outcross introducing fresh genes and subject to "hybrid vigour" what that means is that they are likely to be more full on than either parent and can have the worst traits of both parents that you will not see until it's all growed up and too late then people like Cayla have to pick up the pieces!

 

[Puppy]

If I could find one that had been bred responsibly, health tested parents from working backgrounds etc, I would certainly consider one

I think that's the thing about cross breeds. Yes, loads of muppets do it willynilly to make a quick £, and equally loads of people want to slate them on principle alone, but if it's done right they can be wonderful dogs.

My poplets cost hundreds and hundreds of £s to produce - the stud fee alone was huge, and I did it (knowingly!) at a great loss - BUT, they are wonderful, beautiful, MUCH loved and v v much admired dogs; every walk I go on there are multiple people wanting to know about them and wanting one (not that I'd part with one to a stranger!). I wouldn't swap Fraggle for anything - she's perfection IMO.

 

[Cedars]

IMO there is nothing wrong with cross breeding so long as it's for with the best intentions. Like fraggle, absolutely fab pup who isn't a purebred but is making mum-and us when we see photos!-happy.

My chlo, although pure lab, is a funny mix of show and working, thankfully she's completely working build but there are elements of the show in her and IMO that's what makes her the most beautiful lab I have ever met and had the pleasure of kissing on the bonce every night.

We've already done the drawig board thing and we want a spaniel. I want a springer but I was just interested in sprockers to get an idea of what is available.