Is the cocker spaniel the right dog for me?

Question

I was promised a dog for my 13th birthday, but we couldnt afford it, now we can and for my 14th i am going to get a cocker spaniel pup! Basically i want to know if this is a good choice. I do want a dog that doesnt shed as much as a dog like a labrador, he must be intelligant, but most of all i wanted a cute dog who i could have to help me through the rest of my teenage years.

Is the cocker right then? The only downside i can see to it is that i have rabbits and cockers will follow their nose ANYWHERE, so we have been renovating a bit so they dont get eaten XD

Answer 1

I have two cockers, a 7year old and a 8 week old! They are the most loving dogs ever! My 7 year old followers my mum everywhere is loves her! My pup is quick in learning things and my other one helps her, they do follow there nose alot once they have a sense that's all they think about and nothing else. They are the more chilled dogs out of spaniels, but they can be as fun as the others! My pup has been a rolled coaster over the past few weeks but it will all pay off one day, I think I is the right but that's up to you really. My dogs know when it's play time and when to chill. But cockers love their or any food! They are cute and loving. Also they can be good guard dogs when no one is home, with my seven year old if anyone comes to the home he's there at the door barks I know this might be freighting but it shows he's protecting his home! I really hope you get one they are the best! But a puppy is going to me soo much work I found that one out and I'm 14 and I have been training my pup since the day I got her and it's amazing to see how much she has come on in the past few weeks! Good luck x

Answer 2

The English Cocker Spaniel can make a great family dog. She has a great temperament, is highly trainable and loves her human family. She needs extensive exercise so either a properly fenced in back yard and or frequent vigorous walks are a necessity. She requires above average grooming care due to her long pendulous ears and her long and silky coat. She generally gets along well with other pets, especially if socialized young. She loves children but may need to calm herself down with them.



English Cocker Spaniel Traits - http://www.dog-pound.net/spaniels/english-cocker-spaniel-dog-breed-profile.php

Answer 3

Cockers shed a boat load! And, since it sounds like money might be tight, don't forget that Cockers require regular grooming. Not just brushing, but clipping which should be done by a professional unless you learn how. In other words, Cockers are great dogs, but they are very HEAVY in the grooming requirements.



Also, Cockers were so overbred back in the 50's and 60's they have lots of genetic health concerns. One is cataracts, the other is a very hyper personality. Do your homework and only buy from a reputable AKC breeder who is doing all necessary health testing; her dogs should be titles and she should provide a health guarantee and a buy back contract.

Answer 4

I think it would have been better if you had specified that you are talking about the ENGLISH Cocker Spaniels, not the American variety since obviously most of the answers on here are regarding American Cockers. American Cockers are nasty overbred dogs and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone.



Most English Cockers are light to moderate shedders, but it really depends on the coat type of the individual dogs. Show types with the correct texture coat don't tend to shed much. Some working types with short sleek coats shed massive amounts of hair.



English Cockers are very intelligent dogs, but they are a stubborn and willful breed. Some are more biddable than others, making them easier to train, but overall Cockers are extremely intelligent.



You can train your new Cocker to peacefully coexist with your rabbits through early socialization and lots of dedicated training. Be aware though, that this is a gun dog breed so you are very correct in that their are very scent driven and will also tend to have a higher prey drive than other breeds.



There's a fantastic forum on this site about English Cockers. How about asking other owners of this amazing breed instead of random people who obviously have never owned an English Cocker before. http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/cms/

Answer 5

Cocker spaniels are lovely little dogs. If you get a properly bred pedigree show type cocker (not working type) it should be nice and compact in size and fairly square in shape. Generally as long as they are tall.

They do indeed shed hair. They also need lots of grooming as they tend to have thick coats - especially once they have been clipped. So if you are planning on taking him or her to the groomers then you have to keep taking him. If you want to groom him yourself then be prepared to do it every day or you will have problems with matted ears , underarms etc.

They can be giddy. But in my experience they are intelligent (I used to breed them).

You should always check the temperament of the parents before you get your puppy so that you can be reasonably sure he wont inherit any temperament issues.

Always go for show type and not working type.

The parents of any cocker you but should have been eye tested clear.

Cockers tend to be stubborn and so you need to be patient, kind and firm when training.

Personally I would go for a little girl puppy.

Really hope that helps!

Answer 6

They hae lots of energy and they don't shed

And I have cocker spaniel 14 weeks and 4 guinea pigs and 2 rabbits and he's a nightmare with them he spends most of his time on leads I mean if there either outside in hutch or fenced in inside it's fine :) but if there running round the house it hard I mean he dosent try to eat them just chasing them

Answer 7

Cocker spaniels aren't really the smartest dogs around, but they are very sweet and loving. Be prepared for anxiety issues - make sure you socialize her correctly at a young age, constantly play with her paws and feet and mouth, and introduce her to loud noises. Also be prepared for ear infections, allergies, and the oh-so-infamous "cocker piddle" aka "happy pee".

Answer 8

Ok i would not recommend one. But they get super big and tend to be aggressive. And the shedding is really really bad. You might want to get a shorkie i have one myself, there super cute (look at my profile, picture that's a shorkie). They are lap dogs, but they are playful, smart, easy to train, not really aggressive, and they are super small, and your can put bows in they're fur and dress em' up.

Hope i helped, you will be a great dog owner!